Students showcase the quirks of romance in musical comedy “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” Feb. 28-Mar. 4

North Central College presents “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” a musical comedy revue that captures the hilarity and complexity of modern relationships directed by Jordan DePhillips, a senior at North Central College.

Six performances will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28-Mar. 3 and at 2 p.m. Mar. 3-4 in North Central’s Meiley-Swallow Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Call 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/performance.

With book and lyrics by Joe DePietro and music by Jimmy Roberts, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” explores dating, marriage, children and more through a series of brief vignettes. First performed in 1996, it has become the second longest running Off Broadway musical, with new performances making small changes to keep it updated and relevant to modern audiences.

For this production, DePhillips has made some changes. “‘I Love You’ is traditionally done with all heterosexual couples,” said DePhillips. “In our production, we’re including LGBT+ couples.”

The chaos of dating, relationships, marriage and everything in between are present in any romantic relationship, and students are using this production to spread a powerful message.

“By showing our audience that the LGBT+ couples in the show are no different from the heterosexual couples, we aim to prove that love and relationships don't have to be defined by societal expectations and can break free from predetermined norms,” said DePhillips, a double major in musical theatre and marketing.

The director would like the audience to know that suggestive themes and language are present in this production.

Cast (role, name, town, year, major):

Woman 1: Emily Barham, Aurora, Ill., a senior majoring in speech communication

Man 1: Reese Clostermery, Cottage Grove, Ill., a freshman majoring in musical theatre

Woman 2: Jessica Blakely, St. Charles, Ill., a junior majoring in environmental science and musical theatre

Man 2: Nico Salazar, Racine, Wis., a junior majoring in psychology and musical theatre

Woman 3: Bridget Adams-King, Western Springs, Ill., a junior majoring in musical theatre

Man 3: Daniel Ackman, Romeoville, Ill., a freshman majoring in music education

Music:

Pianist: Luke Musgrave, Bourbonnais, Ill., a junior majoring in actuarial science and mathematics

Production Crew:

Director: Jordan DePhillips, Plainfield, Ill., a senior majoring in musical theatre and marketing

Stage Manager: Emily Marrazzo, Algonquin, Ill., a senior majoring in theatre

Assistant Stage Managers: Becca Rogers, Elmhurst, Ill., a freshman majoring in theatre and Grace Vestuto, Kildeer, Ill., a freshman majoring in communication and English

Choreographer: Abigail Boegh, Jenks, Okla., a senior majoring in musical theatre

Scenic Designer: Ruby Lowe, Aurora, Ill., a senior majoring in theatrical design and technology

Assistant Scenic Design: Destany Hahn, Lisle, Ill., a freshman majoring in theatrical design and technology

Props: Alex Dugan, Buffalo Grove, Ill., a senior majoring in psychology

Assistant Props Manager: Alayna Laverty, Glenview, Ill., a senior majoring in musical theatre

Musical Director/Vocal Coach: Jack Lindberg, St. Charles, Ill., a senior majoring in theatre and music

Costume Designer: Caitlin O’Brien, Naperville, Ill., a senior majoring in theatre

Assistant Costume Designer: Alex Dean, Chicago, Ill., a senior majoring in theatre

Hair/Makeup Designer: Kat Davis, St. Charles, Mo., a senior majoring in sociology and theatre

Dramaturg: Kellyn Maguire, Downers Gove, Ill., a senior majoring in theatre and sociology

Publicity: Juan Munoz, Coal City, Ill., a senior majoring in theatre

Photographer/Poster Designer: DJ Wohead, Lemont, Ill., a senior majoring in graphic design

Production Manager: Stacey Adams, Joliet, Ill., a senior majoring in theatre and musical theatre

Music Supervisor/Acting Coach: Sara Irene Rosenberg, Arlington Heights, Ill., a senior majoring in theatre and Spanish

Light Designer: Alex Poe, Thousand Oaks, Cali., a junior majoring in theatre

Assistant Light Designer: Naomi Lares, Plainfield, Ill., a freshman majoring in neuroscience

Scenic Charge: Elizabeth Joy Miller, Godfrey, Ill., a junior majoring in theatre and theatrical design

North Central College offers majors in theatre, musical theatre, theatrical design and technology, and a minor in dance. Students of all majors can participate in musical and nonmusical performances, actor showcases and one-act plays and performances in the College’s four theatre venues. Full-time professors and active professionals who are artist-teachers serve as faculty.

This event is among many ongoing programs at North Central College to enrich and broaden the cultural and academic outlook for the College and community. North Central offers a variety of venues accommodating a rich range of local and world-class events, performances and space needs for the public. For a comprehensive schedule of musical performances, theatrical and dance productions, art exhibits and lectures, visit northcentralcollege.edu/performance or call the box office at 630-637-SHOW (7469).

[Pictured below: Students rehearsing "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change."]