Review: (Toronto) I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change

A FAIRY TALE WORLD OF ROMANCE
joel fishbane

Once the toast of off-Broadway, the musical revue I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change has returned to Toronto courtesy of Angelwalk Theatre – and despite attempts by the artists to update the show, it’s starting to look its age. A sitcom-style look at the love lives of the affluent middle class (think Friends with songs), this new production is saved by the talents of its cast and director Evan Tsitsias, who helps bring some fresh tricks to what, despite being written only 15 years ago, is already an aging dog.

Moving from dating to relationships to marriage, this revue of sketches and songs rarely cuts anywhere deep, relying on a truckload of clichés and stereotypes. Only occasionally do we get a glimpse of the show that could have been. Halfway through the first act, a sketch involving two friends who suddenly realize they want to be something more finally manages to leave the stereotypes behind. Wonderfully portrayed by Dean Hollin and Leslie Kay, the sketch is so charming that I was sorry to see the characters disappear. 

Sunday Feature: Evan Tsitsias on directing I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change

The Imperfection of Love
by Evan Tsitsias

Evan Tsitsias trained at York University, Sheridan College, and has his professional Training Certificate in Theatre of the Oppressed from Cardboard Citizens in London, England, where he trained with Augusto Boal. He is also an alumni and member of the Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab, the Tarragon Playwright's Unit and the Co-founder/Artistic Director of the Directors Lab North.

In preparing to direct this show, I read almost every review ever written about it. Some raving about how hilarious and true to life it is and many griping about how dated it is with clichés and stereotypes that permeate the piece. So of course I began to scramble, thinking of how to update it to reflect 2013 and not the 90’s culture that was its genesis. I was on a mission to revolutionize this show and make it relevant.