NAF: I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE

Big Leaf Productions, by arrangement with Dalro, presented I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change on the Fringe of the 2010 National Arts Festival. Directed by Paul Griffiths, it features Roland Perold (ex Durban), Candice Van Litsenborgh, Niall Griffin and Shannyn Fourie with musical accompaniment by Kurt Haupt. An excellent and sympathetic accompanist, Haupt subtly mirrors the action.

This is an American musical comedy, which is why it is presented with American accents. With book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro and music by Jimmy Roberts, the original 1996 production is the second-longest running Off Broadway musical and offers a series of highly amusing short scenes about love and relationships. The play's tagline is "Everything you have ever secretly thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws, but were afraid to admit."

Heavily shrouded in black, the cast enters to sing Cantata for a First Date, after which it’s a rollercoaster ride showcasing the cast’s versatility and singing ability. There’s a fun scene in the cinema (Tear Jerk), the frustration of parents whose son refuses to commit to a relationship (Hey There, Single Gal/Guy), the relief and joy of receiving that long-awaited phone call (He Called Me with a pizza-delivery duo back-up) and the hilarious Wedding Vows.

Things get a bit more serious in the Second Act – well, I guess life’s like that – starting with a many-times bridesmaid who has a closet full of hideous dresses (Always a Bridesmaid). A couple gets so wound up in their baby that they can’t communicate normally any more ( Whatever Happened to Baby's Parents?), frustrated parents finally have a chance to have sex (Marriage Tango); the hilarious family outing with squabbling children ( On the Highway of Love) and one of my favourites – the poignant I Can Live With That when an ageing couple meet at a funeral parlour.

The production had an all-too-short run on the Festival Fringe and justifiably won an Ovation Award. If it comes to a theatre near you, don’t miss it. – Caroline Smart