{"id":165232,"date":"2026-02-05T15:07:11","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T15:07:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/165232\/"},"modified":"2026-02-05T15:07:11","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T15:07:11","slug":"director-barry-pearl-of-i-love-you-youre-perfect-now-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/165232\/","title":{"rendered":"Director Barry Pearl of I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE"},"content":{"rendered":"

\ud83c\udfad NEW! Los Angeles Theatre Newsletter<\/p>\n

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International City Theatre opens its 41st season with I Love You, You\u2019re Perfect, Now Change, the crowd-pleasing musical comedy revue that tackles modern love in all its forms. Four triple threat performers portray over 40 characters in a collection of scenes and songs scaling the dizzying spectrum of relationships, revealing the difficulties and joys of connecting with another person at nearly every stage of life.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfad NEW! Los Angeles Theatre Newsletter<\/p>\n

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\"Interview:<\/p>\n

Music director Daniel Gary Busby\u00a0and director Barry Pearl<\/a> work with\u00a0actors Will Riddle, Whitney Kathleen Vigil,\u00a0Michael Deni and Erika Schindele

\nPhoto by Jordan Gohara<\/p>\n

With Book and Lyrics by Joe DiPietro<\/a>, Music by Jimmy Roberts<\/a>, the production is directed and choreographed by Barry Pearl<\/a>, an award-winning actor, director, and producer best known for his role as \u201cDoody\u201d in Paramount\u2019s iconic film Grease. His Broadway credits include The Producers, Bye Bye Birdie, Oliver! and Baby It\u2019s You. His regional directing credits include Crazy Time, Gift of the Magi, Nighthawks, Grease, 13 the Musical, Camp Rock, All Shook Up and Footloose.<\/p>\n

I spoke with Barry about taking on I Love You, You\u2019re Perfect, Now Change, his vision for the production and how he plans to direct only four actors into 40 characters.<\/p>\n

Thanks for taking the time to speak with me, Barry, about your latest musical direction project. I Love You, You\u2019rePerfect, Now Change has been produced around the world for three decades. What do you think makes this show so enduring and universally relatable?<\/p>\n

\"Interview:<\/p>\n

Director Barry Pearl<\/a>. Photo courtesy of the artist.<\/p>\n

The entire piece gives us the opportunity to take a journey through the dynamics of relationships between men and women. There are 20 vignettes that explore dating, marriage and friendship. There is something in either many or all of these scenarios that people can relate to by mere fact that we all engage in relationships of all sorts throughout our lives.<\/p>\n

Have you ever been involved with a production of it previously?<\/p>\n

I have not, though I\u2019ve had several conversations with two of my friends who were a part of its creation. One is one of the producers, the other, the director with whom I\u2019ve worked on another project.<\/p>\n

Have you worked with Music Director Daniel Gary Busby before? And if so, where and when?<\/p>\n

I have not and have asked, \u201cWhere\u2019ve ya been all my life!\u201d LOL!!! He\u2019s a master at his discipline and we\u2019ve become friends. I feel blessed to have him as a partner on this journey.<\/p>\n

\"Interview:<\/p>\n

Michael Deni, Whitney Kathleen Vigil,\u00a0Erika Schindele and Will Riddle

\nPhoto by Jordan Gohara<\/p>\n

You\u2019ve described the piece as funny and poignant. As a director, how do you balance the comedy with the more tender, vulnerable moments?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s all in the writing. When the writing both, in this case, the book as well as the music \/ lyrics are as good as they are, not only has it universally been easier for an actor to assimilate the material and deliver it with the kind of impact that is necessary to tell the story properly, but it also makes it much easier for a director to paint the pictures.<\/p>\n

I think that the process that one uses to explore and expose the comedic elements is the same as is with, as you suggest, the \u201cmore tender, vulnerable moments.\u201d\u00a0 <\/p>\n

\"Interview:<\/p>\n

Erika Schindele, Will Riddle,\u00a0Michael Deni and Whitney Kathleen Vigil

\nPhoto by Jordan Gohara<\/p>\n

The show features just four actors playing more than 40 characters. What excites you about that theatrical challenge, and how do you guide performers through such rapid transformations?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a process that is shared between the actors and the director. It is always my hope that I\u2019ve cast folks who I believe are up to that sort of challenge. And, trust me, in this case (as in most all cases thus far) I have done so. I\u2019ve been fortunate enough to choose the brightest of paints for this particular canvas. My cast is certainly a dream come true between Erika Schindele, Whitney Kathleen Vigil, Will Riddle, and Michael Deni.<\/p>\n

Each of them have begun to bring distinctly different elements which distinguishes each character from another that they are asked to portray. They are a very inventive group. That makes my job much easier. It is then my task to shape what they bring. So far, so good.<\/p>\n

\"Interview:<\/p>\n

Michael Deni and Whitney Kathleen Vigil

\nPhoto by Jordan Gohara<\/p>\n

Having spent so much of your career both onstage and in the director\u2019s chair, how does your experience as an actor influence the way you direct this kind of fast-paced musical revue?<\/p>\n

My experience as an actor has always influenced the way I direct. I feel as though I have a decent sense of timing, which probably comes from my love of music, so that certainly comes to play in my work as a director.<\/p>\n

Often, I\u2019ll actually get up onto the stage and move where and how I want my actors to move just to see how it feels in MY body. If it feels and looks natural for that moment, we keep it; if not, we explore other options.<\/p>\n

More often I\u2019m able to impart my ideas thru conversations with my actors but I don\u2019t rule out jumping up and into the skin of the character the way I\u2019ve just described. And this goes for any thing I direct.<\/p>\n

\"Interview:<\/p>\n

Erika Schindele and Will Riddle

\nPhoto by Jordan Gohara<\/p>\n

The musical explores every phase of romantic life, from first dates to long term commitment. Which moments in the show resonate most personally with you and why?<\/p>\n

They all do\u2026except for the second to last scene between two characters who are closer to meeting their maker than I am at present and who have experienced the kind of loss that I haven\u2019t.<\/p>\n

The creators once knew they had struck gold when an audience member shouted, \u201cThis is my life!\u201d What kind of response do you hope audiences in Long Beach will have?<\/p>\n

If I can achieve anything near that, (and I\u2019m fairly sure I will), I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n

How are you and your creative team (set designer Stephen Gifford<\/a>, lighting designer Maren Taylor, Costume Designer<\/a> Kim DeShazo, sound designer Hunter Moody, and prop designer Patty Briles. Casting is by Michael Donovan<\/a>, CSA and Richie Ferris, CSA) refreshing the show for today\u2019s audiences while honoring what fans already love about it?<\/p>\n

First of all, I am so glad you\u2019ve asked a question about this team. They all deserve kudos. I\u2019ve worked with Michael and Richie both as an actor as well as a director on many occasions and could not ask for better partners while on the ground floor of the process.<\/p>\n

I was blown away when caryn told me she\u2019d asked Stephen to come aboard and he\u2019d accepted. It doesn\u2019t get much better than him.<\/p>\n

The ICT team is so collaborative and easy to work with which makes my job that much easier and fulfilling. We\u2019re all on the same page when it comes to being true to the text and telling these stories in the most creative way possible \u2026BUT\u2026without feeling as though we have to \u201creinvent the wheel\u201d while we\u2019re at it; the piece does not need that. Again, it\u2019s in the writing.<\/p>\n

\"Interview:<\/p>\n

Will Riddle, and Whitney Kathleen Vigil

\nPhoto by Jordan Gohara<\/p>\n

This production brings together a seasoned creative team and four accomplished \u201ctriple-threat\u201d performers. What qualities were you most looking for in casting this piece?<\/p>\n

Honesty in delivery, a good understanding of the material they were asked to prep, vocal quality and ability to part-sing as well as to move in the fashion that my terrific choreographer, Becca Sweitzer<\/a>, needs to be able to add her ideas to tell these stories.<\/p>\n

You\u2019re widely known for playing Doody in Grease. \u00a0How does returning to a musical comedy in a directorial role feel at this point in your career?<\/p>\n

This is not my first directorial \u201cmusical rodeo\u201d (LOL) since assaying that role, lo, those many years ago. It feels wonderful to be given the opportunity to express myself and manifest my healthy creative ego in this way. Everything I\u2019ve done has led me to this path. My hope, my intent, is to continue to be true to the process.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, what do you hope audiences take away when they leave the theater after seeing I Love You, You\u2019re Perfect,Now Change at International City Theatre?<\/p>\n

First and foremost, that they\u2019ve been thoroughly entertained and, as that now famous expression from that aforementioned audience member who yelled out during the show \u201cThis is my life!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Anything else you would like to add about yourself or the production?<\/p>\n

I feel as though I\u2019ve covered it all with your very astute questions. The only thing I\u2019d like to add is that we all continue to support and seek refuge in going to live theatre. It\u2019s so important during these exceedingly tough times to be able to escape into more pleasurable and truthful realities.<\/p>\n

Thanks so much!<\/p>\n

Thank you!<\/p>\n

\"Interview:<\/p>\n

With Music Direction by Daniel Gary Busby<\/a> and Choreography by Becca Sweitzer<\/a>, I Love You, You\u2019re Perfect, Now Change stars Michael Deni, Will Riddle, Erika Schindele,\u00a0 and Whitney Kathleen Vigil, and is produced by caryn desai [sic].<\/p>\n

Performances run February 20 through March 8 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Two preview performances take place on Wednesday, Feb. 18 and Thursday, Feb. 19, each at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $56 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, except opening night (Friday, February 20), and $59 on opening night and at Sunday matinees. Low-priced tickets to previews are $44.<\/p>\n

International City Theatre is located in the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center\u2019s Beverly O\u2019Neill Theater at 330 East Seaside Way, Long Beach, CA 90802. For more information and to purchase tickets, call (562) 436\u20134610 or go to https:\/\/ictlongbeach.org\/iloveyou\/<\/a><\/p>\n

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