Fiona Gordon: Four actors and a pianist portray a myriad of characters recognisable from various stages in the development of ‘that thing called love’.

Directed by award winning director Paul Griffiths and with musical direction by Roland Perold, the cast bring to the boards an array of musical theatre performance experience as Roland Perold, Niall Griffin, Shannyn Fourie and Candice van Litsenborgh tell the story(s) of relationship(s) – from the nerve-wracking preparation for a first date, to expressions of a love learned and earned over a lifetime.

The series of musical vignettes explores life’s relational highs and lows; juxtaposing the ideals with how reality plays out. From coy flirtation to condom etiquette and domestic drudgery, it’s a bit ‘non-PC’, but both funny and poignant at times.

I can imagine that being in just a ‘bra and broeks’ in a venue as intimate as the Kalk Bay Theatre requires a very healthy dollop of confidence, and as the cast eases into the ‘swing of things’, their performances improve noticeably, which has a significant impact on the impression of authenticity, and thus on audience enjoyment. Perhaps this is also a function of the characters developing with ‘age’ as they negotiate their way through life’s timeline.

The cast sings successfully through a vast musical range, whether solo or in one of a number of beautiful harmonies. But be warned – the songs will stick with you, and you might catch yourself humming about being ‘always a bridesmaid, never a bride’ for days afterwards… Accents on stage are often not quite as successful as they should be, but one gets used to that, and after a while it’s not intrusive, especially as one gets caught up in the drama and delight of this relationship roadtrip. All elements of design – from costume to colour to physical direction of the cast – are well-considered, and contribute to a smooth-running and polished-looking whole.

‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change’ plays at the Kalk Bay Theatre, Wednesdays to Sundays until 12 June. The show starts at 20:30, except for Sunday performances which start at 19.30. Tickets for show only are R100, and bookings can be made on 073 220 5430 or via www.kbt.co.za

Doors at the theatre open at 18:00 at which time patrons can enjoy dinner and drinks at the restaurant upstairs. On Sundays, a selection of tapas will be available in place of the full menu.

Fiona Gordon
fiona@artslink.co.za