After "The Fantasticks" ended its run, "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" took its place as the longest-running Off-Broadway musical on the boards. It is also New York's longest-running musical revue of all time, breaking the record established by "Smokey Joe's Cafe." But you don't have to go to Broadway to see "I Love You." It's right here at Niagara University's Niagara-at-the-Church, 415 Plain St. in Lewiston.
With an outstanding cast of four, this small, intimate production was made for the historical, intimate Niagara-at-the-Church. But mind you, there is nothing historical about this production. It is a witty, sophisticated, very contemporary look at modern-day relationships between men and women. Opening in August of 1996, "I Love You" was written by Joe Dipietro and Jimmy Roberts. It explores the difficulties and joys of connecting with a person of the opposite sex. In Act I, the first date is examined. Just what do you take on a first date? Maybe they should pretend it's date No. 2 or 3 or 4. In "Tear Jerk," the couple is moved to tears by what's on a movie screen, but the young man is afraid to cry, because men don't cry. In "Wedding Vows," we witness a couple actually committing, after experiencing some doubts. In Act II, Christina Sass is hilarious in "Always a Bridesmaid." Dressed in the requisite horrendous pink taffeta gown, she bemoans her fate. "Too many weddings, too many dresses that make my hips look too wide," she sings. Her closet is a "rainbow deposit" of dresses that even moths leave alone. "The Baby Song" features new parents who dote on their baby. "The Very First Video of Rose Ritz" shows Rose making a video after an acrimonious divorce, in an attempt to find someone out there to end her lonely existence. Heather Adair is excellent as Rose. "I Can Live with That" shows an older couple whose spouses have died as they meet at a funeral. Thus "I Love You" explores a host of emotions in all stages of life.
More than just the stories remain with you, though. The talent and enthusiasm of the small cast mark this production. The four cast members are excellent singers and actors. All have some relationship to Niagara's theater program.
The play is directed by Paul Todaro, a graduate of Niagara University's program who has worked as an actor and director in New York for 10 years. Brendan Powers graduated from NU in 1996 and has since earned a Masters in English. He has also pursued his acting in New York. Zackary Ward is a current student at Niagara, where he was seen recently in "The Laramie Project" and other productions. Both Heather Adair and Christina Sass will be seniors this coming semester and have appeared in numerous productions there. Sass recently starred in "On a Clear Day." She is from Kingston, N.Y., and Adair is from Albany. All four actors are incredibly talented and make this fun-filled, witty production a success.
"I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" remains on stage at Niagara-at-the-Church Aug. 23 and 24. Performances are at 8 p.m. and tickets are $15. They can be purchased by calling NU's theater department at 716-286-8483. Tickets may also be purchased at the Visitor's Center, 476 Center St.
| Niagara Falls Reporter | www.niagarafallsreporter.com | August 19 2003 |