‘ I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE’

New ACTS musical pokes fun at dynamics of romantic relationships

The ACTS Theatre will open its 52nd season this weekend with “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change: The Musical.”

The show is a humorous reflection on the romantic dynamics of several different relationships, said Clay Hebert, director and cast member.

“Anyone who has ever been in a relationship will find something to relate to in this show,” he said.

Unlike traditional musicals, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” does not have a central plot, but rather could be described as a “sketch comedy musical” similar to “Saturday Night Live,” he said.

Nearly everyone will find humor in the performance, Hebert said, because “even if you haven’t been in a relationship, it seems like you’re watching TV sitcom couples.”

The show, which got its start on Broadway in the mid-1990s, features a cast of four main characters who each play about 15 different roles. Hebert attributes the ability of the actors to transform themselves so rapidly as a testimony of the great skill and talent to be showcased during the performance.

“These are some of the best performers in the area. Three of the four cast members have a lot of formal music training, so you’re going to hear a lot of very good-quality singing and music coming out, as well.”

The actors will be accompanied by a live pianist and will perform on a set that is purposefully designed to be minimal. Besides a few props rotating on and off the stage, Hebert said the setting is “not supposed to be extravagant because the focus is supposed to be on the dialogue between the characters and the lyrics in the songs.”

Audience members will see “the whole spectrum of what a relationship is from beginning to end,” therefore, the show is considered PG-13, appealing more to older teenagers and adults due to the suggestive nature of certain scenes and dialogue, Hebert said.

He said the 6:30 p.m. performance on Friday, Aug. 3, will feature an opening reception of finger foods and treats provided by Great Harvest Breads. The production will run on the weekends of Aug. 3-5 and 10-1; Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors citizens and $15 for students with a valid ID. They may be purchased online at www.actstheatre.com and at the box office on the day of show. Vouchers, to be redeemed for reserved seats by calling ACTS at 433-2287, may be purchased by cash or check at the Lake Charles Civic Center, Gordon’s Drugs on Lake Street, Moss Bluff Flower and Gift Shop and Hamilton House on Maplewood Drive.

””“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”

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