I Love You Because (Monday 1/23/06 8pm)

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 1/24/06 at 10:24pm

Run, don't walk to the Village Theatre!

This brilliant team - Salzman and Cunningham - have composed not only an adorable, beautiful and memorable score and book, but have had a wonderful cast assembled to perform it. While Farah Alvin and Colin Hanlon steal the show as the central couple - two who don't belong together at all but are only with each other to move on from their ex's but wind up falling head over heels for each other - David A. Austin (playing Hanlon's brother) and Stephanie D'Abruzzo of AVENUE Q fame (playing Alvin's best friend and sidekick) make a very Jack and Karen (if Jack were straight and they were in love, of course) pair that bring out all of the evening's laughs over and over again.

While the show is flawed, as many are, it is a memorable two hours. The ensemble - Courtney Balan (IN MY LIFE) and Jordan Leeds - make a cute team playing various restaurant workers and NYC residents but also help to make commentary on the action throughout the play. This commentary, although amusing, can tend to drag on a bit. Or maybe, just maybe, it seems that way only because we are in such a hurry to get back to Hanlon and Alvin who are the true wonders of this romantic evening of theater.

Hanlon, who was quite sick last night, was in wonderful voice. His voice is absolutely gorgeous, as is Alvin's, and both shine continuously throughout the piece. Their characters, both incredibly quirky - he very planned and anal, she wild and free - are two irresistable creatures. They've created beautiful portraits of this couple and we can't help but fall in love with them.

Going back very, very soon because I have a feeling this show will take off once the reviews hit. Do I smell the new "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change!"? This might just be a new hit.

[PhebusApollo]

Posted: 1/24/06 at 10:41pm

I'm so excited that the show's garnering such good buzz! I only hope this means it'll have a nice looong run -- long enough for me to be able to get my poor-student, Californian butt over to NY as soon as I can manage so I can see this show! I saw Colin as Mark in RENT and Stephanie in Avenue Q during my last trip (both of whom were AMAZING), and was so excited to hear they'd both be in such a seemingly fun and enjoyable show together. It sucks getting all excited for things that you live too far away from to actually be able to enjoy for yourself The demo songs from the website are great!! *crosses fingers for a cast recording*

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 1/25/06 at 11:24am

bump

[MusicalComedyMan]

Posted: 1/25/06 at 12:31pm

Great review... I saw it last Sat nite at 10p and I LOVED IT!!!

[ken8631]

Posted: 1/25/06 at 12:56pm

Wife and I are going Feb 5.... Looking forward to it!

[ken8631]

Posted: 1/25/06 at 12:58pm

I mistakenly also bought tickets for Feb 6 (Mon 8 pm). Paid total of 91.25, would sell for 75. IM me if you are interested. Check my rating on Ebay (ken8631) - great feedback rating.

[scottcain]

Posted: 1/25/06 at 1:05pm

Does anyone know if they are going to extend past 3/31? I am coming to NYC in April and would like to see this, but they are only selling tickets through the end of March.

Scott

[MusicalComedyMan]

Posted: 1/25/06 at 1:08pm

I think its an opened ended run...

[scottcain]

Posted: 1/25/06 at 1:16pm

yes, but if so, when are they going to start selling tickets past March? I am trying to plan my April trip, and buy my tickets, but if they don't offer them soon, I may just end up seeing something else.

Scott