The cast, which consists of a four-member ensemble in which the actors portray different characters every time you see them, includes local talents , , and . Sometimes they're a single 30-something on a blind date, other times they're the date's parent; next they're a stud, then a grandparent. By interchanging between characters, the actors address all the little intricacies of relationship pros and cons of which almost any theatre patron can relate.

When I saw the play last Saturday, the actors were the main detail that carried the show all the way to the end, not so much the complete writing of the production, which is surprising considering the play's off-Broadway success.

Don't get me wrong, there were many moments that I found myself laughing out loud with the rest of the crowd. And there were many scenes that were quite clever and amusing. But this is where I give extra credit to the performers.

That mentioned, sometimes the jokes on gender (like women taking two hours to get ready and men only liking to watch football and act tough) were a bit cliché and overused. The song, "Always A Bridesmaid," continued the same old joke of the repeat bridesmaid who never marries and certainly underserved the commendable talent O'Conner uses to perform the piece.

But despite the above critiques, the local performance of the play manages to hit the right spots exactly when it needs to and keep the material refreshing through its ongoing energy and humor.

Using the Mill's stage creatively, director and scenic designer fashions a simple yet clever set that lends itself to the imaginative delivery of each actor's performance. Witty expressions and passionate deliveries further carry the audience into a comical sphere where few subjects are taboo or under-analyzed.

Deiss does especially well at portraying his various characters' absurdities and I was always impressed with his ability to bring his characters alive. For example, in the song "A Stud And A Babe," Deiss is exactly the stud he needs to be and then switches immediately to the desperate geek with such perfection that he can even sing geeky and still sound great.

In fact, all the performers have the talent and dedication necessary to make "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change!" a successful critique on the turbulent road of romance.

"I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change!" runs through Oct. 28 at with performances Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and select matinees on Wednesday, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets $31.50 to $33.50; dinner reservations before the show are also available. For more information, call (804) 748-5203.

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