I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is a show I have heard a lot about over the years, but have never seen . . . until now. This is a show that needs to be performed by a group of high-energy and passionate actors due to its nature and that is full of fast-paced comedic skits. Luckily, the group of four actors in  I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change at the Walnut Street Theatre are full of spirit, they will have audiences laughing throughout the show.

The four characters of this show are Man 1 and 2 and Woman 1 and 2, and these characters are interchangeable in their onstage relationships. The show is presented in a series of vignettes connected by a central theme of love and relationships.  I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is in the top ten of longest running Off-Broadway shows, it ran for 4,345 performances. Joe DiPietro penned the book and lyrics for the show, and Jimmy Roberts wrote the score. The musical was nominated for the Outer Critics Circle Award in 1997 for Outstanding Off-Broadway Musical. 

The director of this show, Christopher Sutton, clearly understands that in order to pull off the adaptability necessary in this four-person show in which the actors are playing several different roles, you need a group of actors that are incredibly talented and versatile. Sutton’s choices (which include himself) for this show are superb. The four actors, Christopher Sutton, Lyn Philistine, Fran Prisco, and Ellie Mooney shine in this quick-paced show where they play a variety of characters. All these fine actors are strong vocally, and their antics will make audiences laugh as well as pull at the heart strings. Some of the highlights of the show are Sutton and Philistine’s duet “A Stud and a Babe’” Mooney’s “Always a Bridesmaid,” and Prisco and Mooney’s duet “On the Highway of Love.” In addition, Prisco is a presence on stage and he will have audiences laughing particularly as a prisoner turned matchmaker in the scene “Scared Straight.” Prisco also delivers one of the sweeter numbers in “I Can Live With That,” a duet with Mooney. Additionally, Philistine touchingly plays a recent divorcee in “The Very First Dating Video of Rose Ritz.” This show is lively at times and at times touching and light-hearted, with this excellent cast it definitely makes for a great night out.

In addition to the cast, I need to mention the two musicians who also are on the stage with the actors, pianist David Jenkins and Violinist, Ruth Kiang. Jenkins also serves as the Musical Director. As well as acting in the show, Philistine is also the choreographer for this production.

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is at the Walnut Street Theatre through June 29, 2014. For more information and tickets please visit their website at www.walnutstreettheatre.org or call their box office at 215-574-3550.

Photo Credit: Mark Garvin

Final Thought:  I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change has something for everyone no matter where your current relationship falls. This show is a saucy adult comedic cavalcade full of life with a cast that is impeccable. I highly recommend this production for anyone who is looking for a light-hearted show and a fun night out. 

Kelli Curtin is editor and writer for theatresensation.com. In addition, she is a contributor for the online sites broadwayworld.com and figlancaster.com and is a freelance writer. Kelli is excited to share her passion about theatre and the arts with her readers. Kelli can be found on twitter @theatrescribe and on Facebook/theatresensation.

Walnut Street Theatre Musical