I love you, you’re perfect, now change!

Man has always had this primitive need to associate with a woman. Through the eyes of little boy, it was best not to leave mom’s side for fear of disorientation. Through the eyes of a young lad, it was best to try his luck with the apple of his eye and hope not to be shot down for whatever reason. Through the eyes of a long-standing boyfriend, it’s mighty wise to pop the penultimate question when he’s physically, mentally, and financially prepared, and hope for a highly-coveted yes. Through the eyes of a husband, well, it was best not to set his eyes on anybody else.

Yes, men of all ages need their women. And as much as some women hate to admit it after constant heartbreak and disappointment, they also need their men. After all, it does take two to tango, especially through the intricate avenue of love, sex, and relationship. Where men are from Mars and women are from Venus, some people go through life trying to figure out what exactly it is that appeases the other party – is it the overflow of bling-bling? Shortage of time, keeping the other wanting for more? Surplus of time to spoil your significant other? High or low maturity level? Noteworthy family background? Aesthetic value? Personal beliefs? Sensitivity? Too much sensitivity? Or no sensitivity at all? Fortunately, these, in addition to what most men and women have pondered long and hard about one mind-boggling relationship to the next, Repertory Philippines duly condenses in its second offering of its 69th theatrical season.

As the longest running off-Broadway musical, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, a musical revue performed in multiple episodes, sheds light on some of the most proverbial dating and marriage taboos of our time. From first date mishaps to parenting woes, the two-act spectacle embarks on a hilarious yet heartwarming journey, exploring the cutthroat realm of romantic first-time rendezvous, single men droughts, "lasagna incidents," video dating, domestic power-play, widowhood, and many other familiar aspects in the lives of every single or committed John and Jane.

I was able to catch the show back in its rehearsal stage upon the invitation of Ate Ria to solicit my comments and reactions to the show’s humor-induced scenes. After waiting some umpteen minutes due to last-minute instructions by theater veteran and director Michael Williams, the first run of the afternoon began. I didn’t quite know what to expect, seeing as that the play possessed a familiar feel to Repertory’s first offering of the season, Nobody’s Perfect. Judging on the title, I anticipated the musical to explore the relationship blues of two couples, knowing very well that Cathy, Liesl, Robbie and Niccolo would comprise the small yet talented cast of the show. I thought wrong.

The rehearsal started with robed figures marching to the center of the stage, revealing themselves one by one with each witty and humorous expression of his or her dogmatic take on man and woman. Then almost immediately, I was blindsided by the fabulous foursome dropping their robes and hustling to clothe themselves again in dating apparel, consequently ensuing the personas of Melissa, Jennifer, Jordan, and Robert given the short amount of time they had. This was done, all the while juggling dialogue with a cantata and expressive choreography by Deana Aquino. Seeing that definitive moment, I got excited, not out of perversion, but because the first scene had immediately set the tone for what was to come. Highly imaginative, capricious, honest, and totally out-of-the-box, each scene just kept me glue-gunned to my seat and always wanting for more.

Perhaps I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change best exemplifies the familiar rule of thumb of "keeping it short but sweet." In a span of 20 episodes with the first act exploring many facets of the dating world and the second, that of the marriage world, Azanza (Once on this Island), Batucan (The Emperor’s New Clothes), Guevara (Man of La Mancha), and Manahan (Taming of the Shrew) come in and out of each scene with such effortless grace and audacity, prim and polished despite quick costume changes, filling the stage, and marking their impression with each brief yet memorable portrayal of the musical’s whimsical characters. From a nerdy couple on an awkward first date, to a couple kept on leash by the boy’s annoyingly expectant parents, to a girl legally awaiting for her guy to call back, to a senior citizen confronted with an old geezer who wants his last shot at love, the four actors are able to deliver on just what exactly it means to be an "Old Guard" in the theater industry. With each quick change came a 180-degree shift in the actor’s mental age and persona, banking not so much on schizophrenia, but on sheer passion and talent that had been honed by Repertory Philippines throughout the years.

It is said that acting is a process of becoming. It’s when you hang your clothes as a writer-director of special events in the case of Azanza, a former corporate finance consultant in the case of Batucan, a managing partner of an events company for Guevara, and a popular workshop-instructor in the case of Manahan, and put on the clothes of the very character you are tasked to portray. Well, literally and figuratively, the four are able to do just that in so many ways, brandishing versatility and love for theater in making audiences young and old fall in love with each uniquely memorable performance. Hats off to director Michael Williams for making I Love, You’re Perfect, Now Change every bit the magical ride it was.

The musical has also gone so far as to include Media Projection Design in providing the scenic backdrops, supplementary videos, and live media to its overall presentation. Under Guevara, who also designed the set and directed the side-splitting videos featured in the musical, this milestone in Repertory history makes possible such scenes as that of "The Very First Dating Video of Rose Ritz" where Liesl shines in all her sincerest glory. That, folks, is something worth seeing again and again.

Overall, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is a unique concoction of straight and musical episodes in a "life measured in love," touching up on mature themes and realistic scenarios that may have been long considered unspeakable or as previously said, taboo. The show may not have included any L.S.S. (Last Song Syndrome) worthy numbers in the show’s musical line-up unlike last season’s Man of La Mancha and its ever-famous Impossible Dream. But the comedy, romance, and sheer fun of watching the actors "own" the roles that they have worked long and hard to cultivate, more than make up for this slight and generally unnoticeable shortcoming.

If you haven’t seen the show yet, now’s your time to catch it. The musical revue will be running until March 12 at the Globe Theatre, On-Stage Greenbelt 1 with weekend shows at 8 p.m. and matinees at 3:30 p.m. For ticket inquiries, call Repertory Philippines at 887-0710 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.

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Catch your breath and let me know what you think at chasingtoff@yahoo.com.