I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change

Since the creation of Adam and Eve was there ever a perfect love? The Sunset Playhouse’s presentation of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change celebrates the beginning of 2009 and the glory of love by trying to answer this question. Through 20 delightful comedy and musical sketches, this humorous and often poignant play examines the emotions of a relationship from the first date to the thirty-year marriage with near perfect style.

The revue’s book and lyrics (written by Joe DiPietro) and music (composed by Jimmy Roberts) capture the travails of romance portraying vignettes ranging from first love to the ritual of funeral dating for those over sixty. J. Michael Desper’s set is filled with cut-out hearts recalls the heyday of “The Dating Game,” complete with small screens overhead that are very effective in transitioning each scene with words and images.

The four stars on stage seamlessly travel this lovelorn timeline with ease with the accompaniment of Donna Kummer’s piano and Jacob Sudbrink’s violin to enhance their engaging performances. Kyle Breitzman, Sarah Laak Hughes, Bill Rolon and Cindy Zauner infuse the script and songs with romantic chemistry, tension and believability. Hughes clearly radiates desire in several solos including “I Will be Loved Tonight” and “He Called Me.” Each unique number possesses an alluring charm, but “A Stud and A Babe,” depicting the awkward ambience to dating, along with “Tear Jerk,” or how a couple survives a ‘chick flick,’ initiate hilarious responses. Others, including “Like A Fine Wine” and the ballad”Shouldn’t I Be Less in Love with You?,” wrap the evening in a warm hug. While the show speaks mildly about sex, the several broader innuendos and remarks spark even more hilarity.

The Sunset’s production revisits both the beautiful and shattered moments of passion in a fast-paced two hours. It is thoroughly satisfying and suggests a perfect love may be waiting for someone right around the corner because men and women will always crave, as one melody sings, “to have a soul entangled in mine.” Sitting in the audience reminiscing these glorious moments, even those with tears, creates a flawless evening to enjoy another story remembering the eternal human journey through love and life.

Elm Grove’s Sunset Playhouse presents I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change until February 1. For information: 262.782.4430 or sunsetplayhouse.com.