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Austin360 blogs > Austin Arts: Seeing Things > Archives > 2011 > June > 14 > Entry
Review: ‘I Love You Because’
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man or woman in possession of a broken heart, must be in want of a rebound. At least, that’s the opening premise of Penfold Theatre’s production of the romantic comedy musical, “I Love You Because,” playing now through June 26 at Hyde Park Theatre.
Based very loosely on Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” “I love You Because” explores the ways in which contemporary twenty-somethings are forced to navigate the complicated dating sphere: getting over a break up by rebounding with Mr. Wrong, or winning back an ex-girlfriend by finding someone to take her place.
If you’re fond of Austen’s classic, ignore the names in the play as they’ll only confuse matters. Austin Bennett (Andrew Cannata) is an uptight greeting card writer who walks in on his girlfriend with another man. Austin’s brother, Jeff (Tyler Jones), is a slow-witted slacker who scoffs at love and encourages Austin to win his woman back through calculated indifference.
Will Hollis Photography
Diana Bingley (Amy Downing) and Marcy Fitzwilliams (Haley Smith) are roommates out on the prowl. The cute and quirky Marcy is coming out of yet another failed relationship, and her practical, mathematically-oriented friend explains the rules of rebounding in a delightfully tongue twisting musical number.
The show itself is a cute and contemporary love story, and Penfold’s production is solid on all fronts. David Utley’s set design effectively utilizes the small space and creatively enables crisp transitions between scenes. Glenda Barnes’ costumes capture the characters’ personalities well, and the frequent costume changes create a sense of continuity as we move through time.
An all-around stellar cast makes the musical unflinchingly entertaining. Stephen Jack and Sarah Marie Curry hover charismatically in the background as various New York City characters, adding energy and amusement to the production.
Haley Smith is adorably energetic as the unconventional and spontaneous female lead, pulling her stodgy companion out of his detail-oriented shell. Andrew Cannata shines in yet another lead role, demonstrating his versatility as both actor and singer.
While the story itself is admittedly rather corny, “I Love You Because” is a musical worth seeing for the songs alone. Under Michael McKelvey’s direction, the song and dance numbers pull the audience laughingly along for the ride. While some songs deal flippantly with adult issues, there are also moments of sincere beauty - especially a quartet towards the end where each lover laments the loss of the person that mattered most. “I Love You Because” continues 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 5 p.m. Sundays through June 26. Hyde Park Theatre, 511 West 43rd St. $18-$20. www.penfoldtheatre.org
Cate Blouke is an American-Statesman freelance arts critic.
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