A show for all relationship-challenged generations
I am frequently asked about my “relationship status,” or lack thereof—mostly by the titas of Manila. Somehow, me being in my late 30s, single and childless, doesn’t sit well with them. And yes, it has crossed my mind—“Is there something wrong with me?”
This season, Repertory Philippines poses that question in song with an updated version of the off-broadway hit I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Set in a bustling metropolis, where “busy busy busy” and “swipe swipe swipe” is the norm, the show had me feeling the whiplash of riding the relationship rollercoaster. The realization of my single-ness hit me while watching it—but more, it was an affirmation that, yes, I’m equally unfortunately (and sometimes fortunately) single, but I’m not alone.
The show is a musical comedy that takes us on an emotional journey through relationships, including the ins and outs of modern dating, the frustration and challenges single ladies face these days and the role of technology in bringing people together. The show represents more than simply romantic love; it shows us friendship, parenthood, and well, self-love throughout the ups and downs of singlehood, including the shortage of single men.
With book and lyrics by award-winning Joe DiPietro and music by renowned composer Jimmy Brooks, it’s become the second-longest-running off-Broadway musical. A collection of true-to-life relationship vignettes, each scene has a story to tell. Portrayed by a brilliant cast of four under the direction of the First Lady of Philippine Musical Theater, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, the versatile ensemble undertakes playing 40 different characters throughout the show. With such diverse personalities, you’re bound to relate to the realness of one or two, if not several characters at the same time.
Gian Magdangal, Gabby Padilla, Krystal Kane and Marvin Ong, all stage veterans, make a comeback to theater with this production. I was in awe of their strong vocals, but most especially their commitment to the very different roles. The clarity of their amusing characterizations elevated each performance, breathing life into the different roles in the show, making all their struggles real, relatable and raw. You can tell this is a veteran cast by the way they pull off quick-quick changes, prop arrangement and character shifts at the snap of a finger, transforming each scene into a brand-new story.
A little background on the cast. Gian Magdangal, a singer and actor, received his second Gawad Buhay award as Male Lead Performance for Rep’s production of Carousel in 2022. Gabby Padilla, recognized for her roles in films like Bille and Emma and Gitling, received the Best Actress award at the 2nd Paragon Film Lokal Choice Awards and 4th Pinoy Rebyu Awards. Krystal Kane, a theater kid since she was 10 years old, is known for her roles in The Sound of Music, In The Heights, Spring Awakening and Tabing Ilog: The Musical. And last but not least, Marvin Ong, a singer-actor-songwriter, is a Philstage Gawad Buhay for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, and is also known for his portrayal of Toby in Repertory Philippines’ Sweeney Todd. Together, they’re a quartet capable of exposing raw emotion, musical harmony, and wit.
Some highlights for me were the hilarious musical numbers Single Man Drought and Why? ‘Cause I’m A Guy, where we see Magdangal adorably pull off plaid pants; then there’s Gabby Padilla’s monologue about being divorced and the tear-jerking I Can Live With That.
The show seems to resonate with a wide audience regardless of age, relationship status, or stages in love and life. Connections, companionship and laughter traverse through the play, crossing generation gaps and even generational perspectives.
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Repertory Philippines’ I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change runs until July 6 at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater in RCBC Plaza, Makati. Tickets are available via Ticketworld and Ticket2 Me.