“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” will delve into the modern-day dating game at the Wharton Center’s Pasant Theatre this weekend.
The comedy begins at the dawn of humankind as four chanting, hooded figures take the stage. They talk of women and of men - and realize there’s going to be a problem.
And through the duration of the play, the four actors will play 40 roles.
“The play spans the entire experience, from dating to marriage,” said Susan Hoffman, who plays 10 of the show’s 40 roles. “From kids to dating again when you’re widowed, it’s got a very real spin on the relationships.”
And Hoffman said all but one of the scenarios is a lead into a musical number.
“He Called Me,” for example, follows a woman’s joyous reaction when a man called when he said he would.
“A Stud and a Babe” is a number that relates to two “rather homely people” who fantasize on their date, which isn’t exactly working out. And “I Will Be Loved Tonight” follows a couple that realizes its growing attraction.
“A lot of people could relate to this show,” Hoffman said. “It’s a real elbow-nudger - you sit and nudge your spouse and say ‘Hey, we do that.’”
Lance Roberts, who also plays 10 of the 40 roles, said the theme of connections binds the plot and audience together.
“It’s a major date show,” he said. “When you’re going out on a date you’re trying to connect to the person, whether it’s the first time you go out with them, or you’ve been with them forever.
“That’s what all of these relationships go through in the show.”
“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” opens at 7:30 p.m. today and also shows at 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at the Wharton Center’s Pasant Theatre. Tickets are $30 and can be ordered by calling 432-2000 or (800) WHARTON. Wharton special events parking is $5 cash or check. Student and group discounts are available.
