A Review by Robert Parris MacLean
No April Fools here. The American Heartland Theatre at Crown Center put on a wonderful musical comedy about love and life. Even the title brings a truth-infused laugh: I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. With the book and the lyrics by Joe DiPietro and music by Jimmy Roberts, you’ll need to have your laughing muscles in good shape.
The show consists of twenty “scenes,” each complete with a song. There are only four remarkably capable actors, two men, two women, who spoof all the aspects of relationships between the sexes, from beginning flirtations to growing old together. There were many clichés, but you welcome them. I did not experience a single lull in the activity on stage. What a delight; I laughed or smiled all evening. I can’t remember a stage production that brought that kind of response from me in years, if ever.
Of the four performers, I enjoyed the sparkle of Jessalyn Kincaid most. She has appeared on most stages in the area, but it was here that she shined the most. She told me she was delighted by a number she performed addressing a TV camera that projected her image on a large screen. This close-up allowed her to express subtleties that are almost never found on a stage. It’s something reserved for movies. Unfortunately, at a performance a few nights earlier, the camera failed and all the intimate opportunity was lost. However, look for her to do more significant things here in K.C.
One unsung hero of the evening was Anthony T. Edwards, who performed the piano accompaniment for the actors/singers. This takes a lot of skill and stamina. He performed seamlessly and we knew the music was in good hands.
Heartland Theatre is a delight. There are no bad seats. The intimate surroundings belie that the theatre seats quite a few people. Parking is inside, just steps away from the theatre and all of Crown Center. You also get a ten percent discount at Crown Center restaurants with your ticket. Don’t let the Heartland slip off your radar. This show was wonderful and the next one, The Dixie Swim Club, is expected to be a fun non-musical comedy.
(Now playing through April 25; The Dixie Swim Club, May 7 to June 27)
Review from the Johnson’s County Gazette
April 1, 2010
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