Scripps Ranch Theater is all show biz for I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change (hereinafter referred to as ILYYPNC). Brian Redfern's showy set is accented by brightly colored pivoting panels, giving a happy feeling of bubbling champagne. Bob Eisele accents the stage with colorful lighting plots. It is Marjorie Mae Treger, however, who puts it all together with her excellent casting and playful direction.
ILYYPNC is now the longest-running show off Broadway. It's been translated into 11 languages. The play's tagline is "Everything you have ever secretly thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws, but were afraid to admit." Oh, so true! As the show progresses from first date to grandparenthood, quiet murmurs can be heard from audience members relating to a moment they remember in their lives.
It's been a lifetime since I had a first date, but "Cantata for a First Date" by the company and "We Had It All" sung by Krysti Litt and Sean Hannify, bring back those terrifying moments that led to eventual happiness. Gregory Starkey and Kerianne Rice remind us that we can't all be "A Stud and a Babe." Sharla Mandere provides us with a very determined, "I Will Be Loved Tonight." Jeremy Shull, in the second act, gives us a charming, "The Baby Song." The perspective changes if you are still single, though.
One of the most touching numbers is "He Called Me." Men do have a terrible habit of letting our first dates know how we feel. We sometimes rationalize our actions simple by saying or, as in ILYYPNC, singing "Why? Because I'm a Guy!" There is also an irony in the title. It may be a normal sequence of action in many relationships: Love, perfection, and required change.
The story of the challenges of sexes is well portrayed and sung by a very talented cast. Sean Hannify recently finished Luann, cartoonist Greg Evans' new musical, at Palomar College. Krysti Litt has been busy acting and singing at SDSU. Sharla Mandere returns to Scripps' stage having been in Company and Anything Goes. Kerianne Rice, recently in West Side Story, has an extensive background in musical theater. Jeremy Shul's credits include The Full Monty and Guys and Dolls. Gregory Starkey has an extensive background including a role in Palomar College's The Who, with Hannify and Litt.
The result is an evening of fun music, delightful acting, and a chance to reminisce. One patron commented that younger audience members identified completely with Act I, which covers first date to wedding vows, and the older members had more recent memories of the Act II happening, continuing on through grandparenthood. So no matter what your age, there is way too much fun at Scripps Ranch Theater to miss this show.
