“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” — Three Stars at Elmwood Playhouse In Nyack

BY GEORGE J. DACRE

The company at Elmwood puts on a professional performance of a classic in this production.

The story is about the morays of life relationships and how they change, and how people react to their relationships’ demands. The cast of Doug Bagnasco, Janica Carpenter, Jim De Blasi, Nancy Feldman, and Donna Fox were supported by the orchestrations (on stage, high up) of Chris Bankey, keyboard and Musical Director, Suzanna Chim, violinist, and Richard Louie, electric bassist. The cast takes Jimmy Roberts’s music and Joe DePietro’s lyrics to an astonishing high level and make this musical, which opened to a packed house last Friday, one of the best this reviewer has seen in the area.

It moves smoothly and expertly as they sing and act out “Cantata For A First Date,” “Not Tonight, I’m Busy, Busy, Busy,” “A Stud and A Babe,” “Single Man Drought,” “I’ll Call You Soon,” “Scared Straight,” “Always a Bridesmaid,” and many more from this classic comedy-musical. These actors aren’t only talented singers but are also astute comedians. They worked together professionally under Margaret Young’s direction. Each number tells a story of the difficulties in dating, waiting for a date, and, when involved, overcoming personal fears, inhibitions, and other people’s quirks. It is very enjoyable theatre and is funny all the way through. From Act One to Act Two the audience enjoyed this performance with strong applause for all the actors and musicians.

Making their first appearance at Elmwood, Doug Bagnasco, Janica Carpenter and Jim DeBlasi teamed with Nancy Feldman and Donna Fox who both returned to Elmwood where they had played before. They make beautiful music and great comedy in this show. I rate it Three Stars Out of Four!!!

Footnote: Larry Beckerle, President of Elmwood announced that Phase One of the Theatre’s expansion program has begun and construction is underway. He thanked all who made it possible.

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