Musical set for CSUEB campus
- February 28, 2012
Uproariously funny, with catchy songs that are on the mark, the Cal State East Bay winter musical, "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change," promises to speak to anyone who's been through the dating/mating game in a humorous, let's get right down to the "Birds and Bees" musical satire.
The show will be performed at 8 p.m. March 2, 3, 9 and 10, and at 2 p.m. March 11 in the University Theatre. Because it contains sexual situations and adult language, it may not be suitable for children under 17.
This musical revue, written by Joe DiPietro with music by Jimmy Roberts, includes songs and vignettes about modern world romance. Act I explores the journey from dating, and waiting for love and marriage; Act II reveals the agonies and triumphs of meddling in-laws, neurotic, protective parenting, the dreaded family car trip, and pick-up techniques for the geriatric set.
It premiered at the off-Broadway Westside Theatre in New York City August 1, 1996 and closed in July 2008 after 5,003 performances, making it the second-longest running off-Broadway musical of all time. Since, it has been translated into 13 languages.
Director Darryl V. Jones, associate professor of theatre and dance, chose this ensemble musical revue to showcase the talents of the musical theatre program students: Teresita Brown, Angelica Edwards, Steven Ennis, Hendrix Erhahon, Ryan Gallen, Francisco Garcia, Samantha Guida, Marie Ibarra, Marena McGregor, Allison Mathieson, Nick Tarabini, and Catherine Williamson.
"Each student has the opportunity to shine in this musical. Everyone is a principal. They all have songs and scenes that give them a chance to take the stage and own it. And they do," said Jones. "Furthermore, in these trying economic times, we wanted to do a show that just made people forget their woes and laugh," he said.
A huge fan of "Dancing with the Stars," Jones uses ballroom dance, choreographed by lecturer Laura Ellis, to enhance the romanticism. The set (designed by theatre-dance senior Chalia LaTour), costumes (by lecturer Ulises Alcala), and lighting (by lecturer Richard Olmsted), all help to visually establish the wacky antics with cartoon colors and imagery.
Musical Director Sierra Dee, a music student and local theater company musical director/accompanist, just completed the same show in Pinole, and says that audiences loved it. "Our CSUEB production has a larger cast and that has given us the opportunity to expand the vocal and instrumental arrangements," she said.
Information is available weekdays at (510) 885-3118. Performance information is available at: and tickets may be purchased for $10 - $20 online at: www.csueastbaytickets.com. Online tickets sales will end March 1. Tickets will be available beginning at 7 p.m. the night of the show at the University Theatre box office, outside of the theatre. The box office takes cash, check, Visa and Mastercard. For those without a University parking permit, show parking is $5 per vehicle.
CSUEB welcomes persons with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please notify event sponsor in advance at (510) 885-3118 if accommodation is needed.
I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change
March 2, 3, 9 and 10: 8 p.m.
March 11: 2 p.m.
University Theatre
25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward
(510) 885-3118
Tickets: $10 - $20