Village Theatre Guild talks love and relationships…and tells the honest truth with I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change
Playwright Joe DiPietro and composer Jimmy Roberts poke fun at dating and relationships with the comedic musical I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, opening October 16 at the Village Theatre Guild in Glen Ellyn. The show is the second-longest running Off-Broadway production in history, and was nominated for Best Musical by both the Outer Critics Circle and the Drama Desk. Tickets for the October 16 through November 8 run are available by calling 630-469-8230.
Love, it's the subject most musicals try to tackle. But are they truly honest? I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change progresses through a series of vignettes that encompass all the steps we go through in our relationships throughout our lives, and it attempts to tell the story in an honest way. Intelligent lyrics and snappy music keep the show effectively romping through scenes. Songs like "The Marriage Tango" and "Satisfaction Guaranteed" address the touchy subject of making quality time for our spouses in our busy schedules. Most women will identify with songs such as, "Always a Bridesmaid," which points out the fact that those dozens of unflattering bridesmaid dresses may well outlast the marriages to which those dresses bore witness. In "Tear Jerk," a macho guy on a date gets dragged to a chick flick movie. New couples, marrieds, seniors, and all will identify with some aspect of the show. As the show's byline suggests, it's everything you have ever secretly thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives, and in-laws, but were afraid to admit.
Director Judy DiVita of Naperville indicated that she is very pleased that the cast for I Love You has some great vocal talent. Jim Stahulak of Downers Grove, Musical Director and cast member, is designing the sound for the show.
The cast will be playing several roles throughout the show. The female cast is Traci Cidlik, Terry Kozlowski of Chicago, Deborah Ruzicka of Palatine, and Sharon Voss of Wheaton. The male cast is Stan Austin of Wheaton, Jim Stahulak (who is also the show's Musical Director), Jon Stricker of Naperville, and John Vinopal of Arlington Heights.
The production team is headed by producer and business manager Barb Burghardt of Elmhurst and stage-managed by Vicki Shargo of Downers Grove and Cynthia Katz of Naperville.
Debi Gits-Joseph of Wheaton designed and decorated the set, and is also works with Renata Allelujka of Downers Grove on props. Dave Dolnics of Naperville heads set construction. Sue Benner of Wheaton handles photography, and Steven Merkel of Downers Grove heads social media. Lighting design is by Jim Van de Velde of Villa Park, and the lighting crew is chaired by Julie Rodgers-Baker of Wheaton. The aforementioned Jim Stahulak designed the sound.
Other crew positions include Lisa Dolnics of Naperville coordinating costumes, and Traci Cidlik handles graphic design of the programs, Ken Ball of Evanston writes program copy, and Anita Vigilante of Elmhurst provides the program artwork. Maggie Fredricks of Glen Ellyn is in charge of tickets, and Sue Keenan of Glen Ellyn heads the house/hospitality crew.
Friday and Saturday performances from October 16 through November 8 are at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. There is an extra matinee Saturday, October 24 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20. The Village Theatre Guild is located in a historic old schoolhouse near the northwest corner of Park Blvd. and Butterfield Rd. in Glen Ellyn. For reservations call 630-469-8230 or visit the VTG website at www.villagetheatreguild.org.