Though titled I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, that Off Broadway musical needn't change a thing -- Aug. 1 marked the show's one year anniversary at the Westside Theatre. The show, with more than 418 performances under its belt, remains an open run.
Asked why Perfect/Change has remained a strong seller while other productions have fallen by the wayside, production spokesperson Jim Randolph said, "It's the ultimate date musical. Couples young and old can find things to relate to in the piece, as it ranges from having a baby to old age. There's even a pick-up at a funeral. It's a show for lovers of all ages."
As if to prove that fact, at the end of the July 25 performance, audience member Jeff Pasternak walked on stage (with the blessing of the show's producers), read a poem he wrote titled, "Wasteland No More," and asked his companion, Dana Buxbaum, to marry him. He then leaped from the stage and put a diamond ring on her finger, with the audience giving the couple a requisite standing ovation.
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After productions at Long Wharf and NJ's American Stage Company, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change opened Aug. 1, 1996 at the Westside Theatre on West 43rd St. The musical, which is produced by James Hammerstein, Bernie Kukoff and Jonathan Pollard, stars Danny Burstein (Company; Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh), Jennifer Simard, Robert Roznowski and Melissa Weil. Musical director is Tom Fay, sets are by Neil Peter Jampolis.
Joe DiPietro and Jimmy Roberts' songs, including "Cantata For A First Date," "Tear Jerk," "A Stud And A Babe," and "I Can Live With That," are available on the show's cast recording on Varese/Sarabande. Joel Bishoff directs the show, which has musical direction by Tom Fay and vocal/instrumental arrangements by composer Roberts. Sets are by Neil Peter Jampolis, lighting by Mary Louise Geiger, costumes by Candice Donnelly.
On April 22, Di Pietro received the New Voices In American Theatre Award, given by the William Inge Theatre Festival in Independence, KS. He took the honor as an outstanding newcomer to the field.
For tickets and information on I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change at the Westside Theatre, call (212) 239-6200.
--By David Lefkowitz and Robert Viagas
