A Review of "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change"

EDITOR’S NOTE:  You have three more chances to see the Westside Theatre Foundation’s production of this Broadway hit.  Performances are scheduled for this Friday Saturday and Sunday (June 24, 25 & 26) at 7:30 pm each night.  Tickets are $15 each and may be purchased at the theatre box office on the night of the performance or in advance by calling 601-618-9349. Friday was opening night at the newly renovated, historic Strand Theatre on Clay Street. When I was there Tuesday evening, it did not seem possible that a production was actually going to take place in less than 72 hours. With a score of volunteers, production crew, cast members and just some plain old good Vicksburg neighbors, it all came together. Well, almost all.. .the air conditioning is still not in perfect working order, but it is sufficient to get you through the evening if you sit near the back of the theater. Now, let’s get down to business. Jennifer Adams, Christina Bradway, Rusty Gardner and John Tinsley did an outstanding job with this musical comedy. They sang in harmony, they sang solos, they did a little dance here and there, they changed costumes and sets numerous times. All in all, the performance was great, really great. It was funny. Whether you are single, married, divorced, co-habitating or almost dead, you will find this production entertaining, for sure. Rusty was the dead pan convict in the Scared Straight scene with his arm full of tattoos and his rogue manner in scaring people into love. Rusty had a ton of fun with this character and played it perfectly. In a scene with Jennifer, Rusty was the quintessential geek…. where he wore opposing plaid shorts, pulled up a tad too high – if you know what I mean – and a plaid shirt. Rusty, you were genius! Christina Bradway, I must say, stole the show with her beautiful voice, kooky eyes and hilarious facial expressions. She is a veteran on the stage and it shows. She was completely at ease in every role she played. Later she admitted her favorite scene was The Lasagna Incident. When she read the script, that was the scene which convinced her to get involved with this production. Next time I see her name on a venue, I will be there. Jennifer Adams, with her comical disposition, harmonized perfectly with Christina in several scenes. Her Always a Bridesmaid, never the bride, scene was-well, it was, gut-busting funny. The awful purple bridesmaid dress with too many drapery tassels served only to remind most of us how many awful bridesmaid dresses we had to wear over the years. John Tinsley seemed to be the anchor of the cast. He was perfect as the Sex Lawyer in the Sex and the Married Couple scene and again at the very end in the Funeral Scene, which was sweet and touching. Oh, by the way, did I mention that you need to leave your children at home.  Although there is nothing bawdy about this production, it is clearly adult entertainment. Tracy Gardner, on the keyboard, and Sandy Shugars, on the violin, provided live music-and it was nothing short of amazing. Although performed flawlessly by the actors and accompanists, some of those musical numbers were hard! Candace Palmertree, with The Old Southern Tea Room, was cheerily there with a cash bar and friendly conversation, as usual. (As an aside, I can hardly wait for Candace to get The Old Southern Tea Room open. She mentioned that the opening will be soon, very soon!) Get a babysitter, grab your spouse or a friend and enjoy some charming local entertainment. There is really nothing like supporting our local arts community. Oh, and I hope you belly laugh as much as I did.]]]]> ]]>