Repertory Philippines' "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" - A Review

 At last, I had a chance to fall in love (and laugh) with Repertory Philippines' "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" when it returned on stage! My husband and I were supposed to watch the said play last year during its initial run at the Carlos Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza but unfortunately, our husband had some health issues so we had to pass that chance. So when I heard about its rerun, I told myself I wouldn't miss it this time. 

For those of us who missed the first magic, or who simply need to return and relive the past, the theater gods have smiled. "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" returns, and the shared breath of relief (and thrilled squeal!) can be felt.

Gian Magdangal, Gabby Padilla and Marvin Ong

Repertory Philippines (REP) again provided a charming and engaging theatrical experience with the staging of "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change." This off-Broadway staple, a musical revue about the perpetually complicated life of relationships, speaks to audiences across all ages.

For me, this is no rerun; it's a cultural icon coming back to the boards. This sidesplittingly funny, acerbic, and witty musical revue, exploring the rollercoaster of contemporary relationships, has entertained audiences for generations. And now, a new audience, and old ones as well, get the opportunity to fall under its timelessness.

Krytal Kane sings "Always a Bridesmaid" that captures the sentiment of being repeatedly a bridesmaid but never a bride.

If you've ever stumbled on a first date, suffered the humiliation of cyber dating, or tried to survive the drama of commitment, "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" is speaking to you. It takes the common experience of marriage, dating, and love and turns it into a series of side-splitting sketches and catchy tunes.

The beauty of this show is in how it makes dating, romance, marriage, and everything in between so normal. The vignettes, however ridiculous, are based on real life, hence so close to anyone's heart. From the embarrassing first dates to the drama of the long-term relationship, this play covers it all.

The returning original cast including Gian Magdangal, Gabby Padilla, Krystal Kane, and Marvin Ong are very versatile when switching from one character to the many characters they each portray. Their skill in acting through all sorts of emotions, ranging from comical to tear-inducing, says a lot about their craft. The direction of Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo provides a smooth and intriguing pace throughout the show. The musical direction by Ejay Yatco, along with the live music brings the music to life and makes every scene all the more emotionally impactful.

Having a vignette style enables the show to cover a lot of what is entailed in relationships, in a tremendously fast-paced and entertaining manner. It keeps the audience engaged and enables a lot of emotions to be expressed. The show has up-to-date references, including references to online dating and social media, so it will be of interest even to millenial audiences.

So what's so interesting about this play? Let me count the ways:

The human touch that the play delves into is so very relevant. The fears, the hopes, and the idiocies of falling in love are still valid now as they always were. It has musical genius! The music is a delightful mix of toe-tapping anthems, heart-wrenching ballads, and funny musical numbers that you'll be humming along to long after the program has ended.

Everyone can relate to it. People aren't flawless and that is exactly the appeal of the show. The characters are imperfect, sarcastic, and eminently human, and their experiences touch the audience on a basic level. 

It's perfectly okay to give second chances for new discoveries. For those who missed the first run like me, this is a golden chance for you to do so because "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change is such a theatrical gem. It's an opportunity to see why this play has accumulated such a dedicated following.

For first-time audiences, this rerun is an opportunity to relive the good old days and learn all over again about your first date, your many firsts, and your dating escapades. It serves as a nostalgia trip for its viewers. 

So if you're in the mood for a night of guffaws, self-discovery, and sheer theatrical pleasure, get tickets and prepare to fall for (and possibly even see reflected in a few of your own) dating horrors with "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change." It's a tribute to the notion that finding love with all its bumpy and beautiful manifestations is worth honoring. And last but not least, we get to do it again.

The show pointed out the fact that everyone has the same kind of issues and pleasures in their romantic lives. It encourages you to laugh at the daily shortcomings of love and relationships. The play depicts how people transform and evolve for each other with the flow of time, and what changes in them is normal.

"I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" is a play for anyone who's ever been in a relationship, or will be one day. It's a side-splitting, heart-wrenching, and smart production that'll have you laughing with tears and pondering your own love lives. With its gifted cast, top-notch direction, and universal themes, it's a night of theatre that is definitely worth your precious time.

Catch it while you can as "I Love You, You're Perfect Now Change" will only run until March 9 at the Repertory Philippines Theatre, 4th floor of Eastwood Citywalk, Eastwood City, Quezon City. 

For show-buying, sponsorships and ticket inquiries, contact REP at 0962-691-8540 and 0966-905-4013 or send us an email sales@repphil.org and info@repphil.org, or through this link: https://linktr.ee/repertoryphilippines. Tickets will be available via Ticketworld and Ticket2 Me.

For updates and show schedules, visit www.repertoryphilippines.ph, or like and follow @repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram.