Featured art by Bhernn Saenz. With images courtesy of Repertory Philippines.
MANILA, Philippines — Following a successful run last season, Repertory Philippines (REP) kicks off their 88th Season with the return of its successful musical comedy from 2024 “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”. The show is set to run from February 20 to March 9, 2025, at the REP Eastwood Theater in Eastwood City Walk, Quezon City.
What is touted as the longest-running off-Broadway show is a two-act romantic musical comedy set against the backdrop of a bustling metropolis and the ever-present glow of dating apps and social media. With book and lyrics by award-winning Joe DiPietro and music by renowned composer Jimmy Brooks, this classic production was refreshed by the First Lady of Philippine Musical Theater Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo last year.
This fresh take on a timeless tale explores the highs and lows of love in today’s fast-paced world. Played by four actors in twenty vignettes, it covers “everything you have ever secretly thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws, but were afraid to admit.” From awkward first dates to courtship, marriage and the complexities of commitment, each vignette captures the essence of contemporary romance, reminding us that amidst the chaos, love and genuine connections still prevail.
Cast photo courtesy of Repertory Philippines.
The original cast of Gian Magdangal, Gabby Padilla, Krystal Kane, and Marvin Ong reprise their roles as the 40 characters, with Davy Narciso and Barbara Jance once again joining the cast as male and female swings, respectively. Some of the most memorable vignettes include a hopeful “I Will Be Loved Tonight” before a first date; the passion-filled musings of a man still in love with his wife in “Shouldn’t I Be Less I Love With You”; a middle-aged woman navigating online dating in “The Very First Dating Video of Rose Ritz”; and the sweet, blossoming romance between senior citizens in “I Can Live With That”.
Since its staging, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” has been cited as one of highlights of the 2024 theater scene by critics, media, and theater fans. It has also been nominated and cited for 13 Gawad Buhay Awards and 2 Aliw Awards, including Female Lead Performance in a Musical for Krystal Kane and Gabby Padilla; Male Lead Performance in a Musical for Gian Magdangal and Marvin Ong; Outstanding Musical Direction by Ejay Yatco; Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Musical; Outstanding Stage Direction for a Musical for Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo; and Outstanding Production of Existing Material for a Musical. Gabby Padilla was nominated as Best Lead Actress in a Musical for the Aliw Awards 2024, while the production was nominated for Best Musical Play.
(L-R) Gabby Padilla and Krystal Kane. Photographs courtesy of Repertory Philippines.
(L-R) Gian Magdangal and Marvin Ong. Photographs courtesy of Repertory Philippines.
“The show received great accolades, and even if it was launched in 1996, Menchu’s (Lauchengco-Yulo) take made it resonant and relevant for today. There’s something for everyone here, from single folks to those who have been committed for a long time, so we’re excited to kick off our 88th Season with this hit show,” says REP President Mindy Perez-Rubio. “We’re looking forward to sharing this production to a wider audience at our new home in the REP Eastwood Theater. And we’re thrilled to unveil the rest of the 2025 lineup, promising a fantastic, robust year for REP.”
The production also enjoys an exceptional team of creatives, including Assistant Director Cara Barredo, Musical Director Ejay Yatco, Choreographer Stephen Viñas, Set and Costume Designer Joey Mendoza, Associate Costume Designer Hershee Tantiado, Lights Designer Meliton Roxas Jr., Sound Designer Aji Manalo, Projection Designer GA Fallarme, Associate Projection Designer Justin Santiago, and Graphic Designer Neo Rivera.
They are supported by the adept production team of Technical Director D Cortezano, Assistant Technical Director Ria Querido, Production Manager Patricia Gregorio, Assistant Production Manager Joy Bergancia, Stage Manager Jerome Aytona, and Assistant Stage Manager Maja Desuasido. The talented musicians bringing the play to life are Conductor/Pianist Farley Asuncion (with a few performances with Lyn Dimayuga), Guitarist Roneil Santos, Reed Player Jayson Rivera, Drummer Arvin Oh, and Bassist Ace Gonzales.
Key visual courtesy of Repertory Philippines.
For show-buying, sponsorships and ticket inquiries, contact REP at 0962-691-8540 and 0966-905-4013 or send us an email sales@repphil.org and info@repphil.org, or through this link: https://linktr.ee/repertoryphilippines. Tickets will be available via Ticketworld and Ticket2 Me.
For updates and show schedules, visit www.repertoryphilippines.ph, or like and follow @repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram.
Don't Miss
