I Love You, You’re Perfect Now Change

I Love You, You’re Perfect Now Change, is a vignette musical about the trials and tribulations of dating, love, marriage and coupledom. Fun and relatable, it is a show that sits well in Murray Music and Drama’s cabaret set-up at Pinjarra Civic Centre.

The musical itself is second only to The Fantasticks for longest off-Broadway run, playing for 5003 performances from 1996 to 2008, but this version is one we have never seen in WA, including updates to 2018. It now references Tinder dating and unsolicited unsavoury texts, but still includes favourites known from the original or heard in cabarets.

The original production featured four performers, with director Tammy Peckover choosing to double that number, allowing for (often impressively slick)  costume changes and minimal sets. Costume co-ordinator Jodie Bonner has clearly worked with the cast to create same great looks, including a questionable bridesmaid frock and “dad track pants” complete with (never referenced) hole. The two-level basic set was designed by the director and constructed by Andy Peckover. The lighting design, integral in this style of production, was designed by Thomas Pestrucci, Tammy Peckover, and Lori Anders.

The cast of eight is Bindi Jordan, Meyer van der Westhuizen, Joel Gal, Lori Anders, Andy Peckover, Bryan Bonner, Kelly Cure, and Pat Deleo. The cast clearly have a great rapport and step easily into a multitude of characters and a variety of romantic pairings. Characters are very well drawn and feel quite rounded in a very short time. A funny and clever piece, the cast hit most of the comedy well. This however is a very challenging show vocally, and singing in this show isn’t always as tight as it should be, although I am sure that cast and Musical Director Kenn Ellis have worked hard in this area. The audience will not mind too much, given the enthusiasm and charm of the cast.

A great show to see with friends (make up a table of 6), or with your loved one. The original production was the site of over 50 marriage proposals, so who knows the possibilities?

Kimberley Shaw