This love month, a musical comedy exploring the trials and tribulations of modern relationships will grace the historic stage at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC).
With book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro and music by Jimmy Roberts, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!” is slated to run 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25; and 2 p.m. Feb. 26 in the Cecilian Auditorium inside Conservatory of Music at SMWC.
The musical is the second major show by the SMWC Music and Theatre Department this academic year. Director Danielle O’Connor, 2011 SMWC graduate and now theatre director and production manager, said the show is relatable to most people because of its universal themes of love and human connection.
“Act one explores the journey from dating, waiting to love and marriage, while act two reveals the agonies and triumphs of in-laws and newborns, trips in the family car and pick-up techniques of the geriatric set,” according to the show’s description by Rodgers and Hammerstein online catalogue. “This hilarious revue pays tribute to those who have loved and lost, to those who have fallen on their face at the portal of romance, to those who have dared to ask, ‘Say, what are you doing Saturday night?’”
Behind the stage, this spring production brings together a group of talented students and professionals. Professional actor, singer and dancer Betsy Baer, a 2009 graduate of SMWC, is the show’s choreographer. Costume designer Jessica Becker returns to The Woods for the first time since 2014. This show also premieres the new pep band director Bob McMillan as music director and conductor.
The show will also showcase the talents of other music professionals including pianist Kurt Perry, the accompanist, and David G. DelColletti, who rejoins the design team as the lighting designer.
More than a dozen students both from SMWC and the Terre Haute community have shared their talents in producing this large musical, O’Connor said. She hopes audience members will appreciate the music, the lights, costumes and “the whole experience,” she said.
“I hope they learn a little more about themselves,” she added.
Tickets cost $12 for adults and $10 for teens and seniors. Admission is free for local college students. Call (812) 535-6211 for further information or click here to purchase tickets. The box office will open 1 hour before each performance. The musical is rated PG-13 for language and imagery.
Cast:
- Beth Grant
- Kristin Zellars
- Jacob Reinhart
- Ashley Freberg
- Cody Lynn
- Chase Strange
- Eric Scott
Note: Beth Grant, Kristin Zellars, and Jacob Reinhart are SMWC Students.