by Pamela Herrington
Daily Lobo
"I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change," written by Joe DiPietro and produced by SummerWest Productions at the Cell Theatre, is a refreshing look at the world of dating, marriage and loss.
This musical is directed by Robb Anthony Sisneros, whose various credits list almost every local theatrical organization.
Six local actors, Nathan Aylworth, Ron Bronitsky, Deborah Flores, David S. Miller, Erin Moody and Kari Reese, perform the many different roles, transforming themselves through props and costumes.
The show, originally produced in New York, includes a variety of scenarios with various messages that center on the problems between men and women. Topics include dating, waiting by the phone, getting married, having children, divorcing and losing a spouse.
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Composer Jimmy Roberts contributed songs about awkward first dates such as "A Stud and a Babe" in which Aylworth and Reese effectively challenge male and female stereotypes in a comical setting.
Reese is the most versatile in her performance, ranging from a shy young girl to an older, widowed woman. She is able to play both innocent and demanding characters in a believable way. Moody and Bronitsky deliver powerful performances. There is an obvious chemistry between them. Miller lends his male characters a warm sensitivity in such songs as "Shouldn't I be Less in Love With You," while Flores brings the audience to laughter and tears with her intense and honest performance in "Dating Video of Rose Ritz."
The performance is strung together with excellent singing numbers that feature all six actors on stage at once.
Though simple, the set is interesting and tasteful. It also provides the actors with many creative opportunities, one of which is a hilarious scene revolving around the creative use of office chairs. "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" will run through Sept. 7 with Thursday through Saturday performances at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $20. Student and senior citizen tickets are $15.
The Student Rush program is on Thursday nights with a special price of $10 for students of all ages with a valid ID.
The Cell Theatre is at 700 1st St. NW, south of Lomas Boulevard and west of Broadway Boulevard. For reservations or more information please call 766-9412.
