Ryan Cunningham (book and lyrics) and Joshua Salzman (music) were in their early twenties when they wrote I Love You Because. It is their take on what love is about in your late twenties. Yes, you've had a bit of experience in your teens, but now it gets even more serious. Romance becomes much more complex. These are the early stages of the quest for a life mate. Incidentally, it was their thesis project at NYU's graduate musical-theater writing program -- definitely cashing in on their formal education!
The song titles reveal the course of events, starting with "Another Saturday Night in New York" followed closely by "The Perfect Romance." Near the end of Act One Austin (Nick Gabriel) sings "Maybe We Just Made Love." But Marcy (Kelsey Venter) closes the act with, "Just Not Now." Both also have issues with former lovers -- life can be so complicated at that age, especially with couples who seem so unsuited for each other. But this is a romance, which means that it should end well. Thus Marcy and Austin, with the full cast, sing, "I Love You Because." Playwright Cunningham creates a charming little love story, sometimes a bit naïve, but always fun.
What romance would be complete without a contrasting couple? They are Jeff and Diana (Jason Maddy and Kristen Mengelkoch), an amusing couple that take life a bit less seriously. Director Rick Simas takes full advantage of some of the best "throw-away" lines I've heard lately. Jeff misspeaks contemporary clichés lending new meanings to old saws. Simas cast actors that seemed perfect for their roles. Geno Carr and Heather Anne Paton round out the cast, being responsible for many other New Yorkers the couple meet in their quest for the perfect romance.
The cast is backed up by musical director (on the keyboards) Steven Withers, with Matt Best on a variety of woodwinds and Tom Versen playing percussion. They have a sound much bigger than a trio.
Matt Novotny's lighting design is unobtrusive, simply giving us a clean look at Marty Burnett's showy set, which is a highly stylized, varied New York skyline. Center stage are two full-height sliding doors. On either side are two quite small doors. There are mounted in a semicircle flat with several panels of the skyline. The doors serve as openings for quick changes as new set pieces are brought in and the older set pieces removed. It's a great design that moves the longish play along.
Kudos to costume designer Jennifer Brawn Gittings. The wardrobe for all the characters feels as though they had taken them out of their closet or chest of drawers. Austin is a nattily dressed, greeting-card writer, while beyond-casually dressed Jeff is a pedi-cab driver. Marcy, showing a special flair, is a photographer; and Diana, properly attired at all times, is an actuary.
I Love You Because provides the audience with many laughs as we watch the pains and joys of young love. The songs, for the most part, drive the plot rather than interrupting it. The show, however, is a bit overwritten, with a first act running an hour and twenty minutes that could be shaved by fifteen. The second act could also trim a few minutes.
I Love You Because is one of those shows you want to sing along with. You are easily happy and sad for the characters, all excellently played by the talented cast. A compliment to both direction and cast is that the curtain call is done in character.
