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The Villages
Friday, March 29, 2024

‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change’ witnesses the journey of love

Jack Petro
Jack Petro

Relationships between man and woman come under high power scrutiny in the current musical comedy at the Bay Street Theatre in Eustis.  Appropriately, the show begins with Adam and Eve at odds as to what each other’s life roles are.  As the bickering continues, Adam declares that he is leaving to look for another woman.  He is stopped in his tracks when Eve tells him the obvious truth that she is the only woman.

A series of musical vignettes follows with travails like A First Date, and Not Tonight, I’m Busy, Busy that segues into marriage, parenthood, concluding with Funerals are For Dating.  Six very talented actors, two men and four women, handle the character switches from scene to scene with remarkable finesse.

Chris Stephens, Laura Barton, John Gracey thrash out interpersonal problems.
Chris Stephens, Laura Barton, John Gracey thrash out interpersonal problems.

The tunes are not memorable and the canned music is one dimensional.  Singing voices are good, but not spectacular, however, do not worry.  The lyrics are the important part that move the play along.  Elocution, diction, and projection are so clear from the sextet of actors that nary a word nor punch line is missed.  Much of the action might come off as shouting, but there are enough cool-down sketches to keep a reasonable balance.  Hats off to Director Amanda Warren for being able to pull things together.

Each actor has a top performance.  For newcomer Lauren Barton it is her dating video monologue.  Chris Stephens and Chelsea Scheid make imaginary switches from as quasi-geeks to a stud and babe and back again in milliseconds.  Bridesmaid Maria Rossodivito laments on never being a bride.  John Gracey and Nicole Castro have wedding jitters.

Scenery is super simple box structure at several levels.  Costume and scene changes are seamless.

“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” is a fast paced musical comedy that certainly pleased the opening night audience.  You may not get emotionally close to any of the characters, but I guarantee you that you will not nod off at any time. Note that this show has some moderate adult language

Friday-Saturday evening shows and Sunday matinees through Sept. 28 plus a special matinee on Saturday, Sept. 27 have a $21 ticket price.  Wednesday and Thursday tickets are discounted to $18. For other information visit their Web Site at www.baystreetplayers.org.

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