REP’s ‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change’ is a hilarious take on romance’s pitfalls

It was a no-brainer for Lauchengco-Yulo to accept the daunting task of re-staging ILYYPNC. “I gravitate towards shows that allow me to use the breadth of my imagination,” she says. “As a musical revue with no real narrative—one that presents vignettes of windows into relationships—ILYYPNC posed an interesting challenge.”

What helped Lauchengco-Yulo put this to fruition was the ensemble’s contribution to creating a cohesive cabaret act-like show with disparate performances. “Although the show is first and foremost a musical comedy, I knew that the characters had to be grounded in truth. I also wanted to incorporate the world of social media,” she adds.

Some of the scenes, especially the first vignette, have been updated to connote online dating and the use of mobile apps. With Panasonic-powered video projection, the show seamlessly presents a modern world bereft of love’s purity. ILYYPNC's intimacy lies in its truthful rendition of conversations about self-discovery and identifying one’s preferences and boundaries in romantic relationships.

“Of the piece’s main premise, playwright Joe DiPietro once said that it was a story of connection. Lately, with the proliferation of social media giving a sense of false community, people nonetheless feel more isolated and lonelier than ever before.”

One of the musical’s highlights was the scene called “Scared Straight”, which had no song number but was strong enough for the prisoner character’s intense monologue. Magdangal delivered this with much bravado and vulnerability, bringing the audience to a high befitting of the next scene, which includes the song Wedding Vows. The second act continues on the wedding theme with the song Always a Bridesmaid, which Krystal Kane delivered with intelligent satire. Meanwhile, the frequent team-up of Marvin Ong and Gabby Padilla onstage was also enjoyable to watch for their organic chemistry.

Joey Mendoza’s set and costume design were on point for every scene. The backdrops’ varied texture made it easy for Meliton Roxas, Jr’s lighting design and GA Fallarme’s video projections to establish particular locations relatively realistic without compromising the production’s aesthetic value. Musical director Ejay Yatco and his band also rendered the songs perfectly, with the help of Aji Manalo’s sound engineering. If not for the other actors’ reservation from belting out the songs, it would have been a really fantastic musical theatre experience. The choreography work of Stephen Viñas was also commendable as it suited the characteristics of every song and was not ambitious enough to push the actors to their limits. Generally, ILYYPNC was amusing and remains relatable despite having premiered in 1997. Lauchengco-Yulo, assistant director Cara Barredo, associate set designer Lawyn Cruz, associate costume designer Hershee Tantiado, and the rest of the artistic team achieved a spectacular show worth seeing this summer that most cultures associate with weddings.

“I hope that audiences leave I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change not only entertained but emotionally fulfilled by this heartfelt piece,” Lauchengco-Yulo says.

REP’s I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change at the Carlos P Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza is having its closing week from July 4 to 6. Visit premier.ticketworld.com.ph to guarantee your seats

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