Hanlon, who was suffering from a cold, stars as greeting card writer Austin Bennet. He will perform Jan. 26 with his co-stars, who include Farah Alvin, David A. Austin and Stephanie D'Abruzzo with Jordan Leeds and Courtney Balan.

I Love You Because, billed as "a modern day musical love story," began previews Jan. 19 at Off-Broadway's Village Theatre and will officially open Feb. 14. The musical features music by Joshua Salzman and book and lyrics by Ryan Cunningham. Daniel Kutner directs with choreography by Christopher Gattelli.

I Love You Because, according to press notes, follows "Austin Bennet, a young greeting card writer whose life is turned upside down when he finds his long-term girlfriend Catherine in bed with another man. Forced back out into the treacherous New York dating scene, Austin meets Marcy Fitzwilliams (Alvin), a flighty photographer whose spontaneity is matched only by her ability to drive him insane. This new musical comedy explores the 'rules' and nuances of dating and learning how to love someone, not in spite of their differences, but because of them." The musical is described as a gender-reversed modern-day retelling of "Pride and Prejudice."

Song titles include "Another Saturday Night in New York," "Maybe We Just Made Love," "But I Don't Want to Talk About Her" and "I Love You Because."

The creative team also features Larry Hochman (orchestrations), Jana Zielonka (musical director), Beowulf Boritt and Jo Winiarski (scenic design), Millie Hiibel (costume design), Jeff Croiter (lighting design) and Tony Smolenski and Walter Trarbach (sound design). I Love You Because will play Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings at 8 PM, Saturdays at 7 and 10 PM and Sundays at 3 and 7 PM.

The Village Theatre is located in Manhattan at 158 Bleecker Street. Tickets are priced $20-$65. Visit www.ILoveYouBecauseTheMusical.com for more information.