Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - The opening night performance of "I Love You, You're Perfect ... Now Change" had audience members roaring with laughter within the first 30 seconds of the show. The heartwarming and hilarious musical was performed at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Center for the Arts and is part of UWP's 2008 Heartland Festival Series.

The musical is a series of short skits and catchy songs performed by six actors playing the roles of several different characters. The musical takes on the truths and myths behind "the relationship" by using humor and heart, portraying all too familiar situations in dating and marriage.

Russ and Joan Schnepper are Platteville natives and long-time fans of the Heartland Festival. When Joan caught her breath from laughing she said, "The actors have to play such a variety of characters and their excellent performance showed how much talent is in the cast. The show really flows, especially with the lively music. I highly recommend seeing this performance." The cast included Paul Helm, Kelsey Klug, Marcy Russell, Abbey Schultz, Aaron Sitrick and Jason Slattery.

"This show has such a strong ensemble," UWP theater professor Ann Farrelly said. "They kept everyone laughing - I was extremely impressed with the overall performance." Heartland Festival actors Jay Cullen and Ryan Bartcher, who star in the next show to open, "Frog and Toad," attended "I Love You" to support their fellow Heartland performers. "This was precisely and expertly performed," Cullen said. "It's wonderfully hilarious and really makes you laugh out loud," Bartscher added. Remaining performances will be held June 28 and 29; July 5, 6, 12, 16, 18, 26, 30; and Aug. 1. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. except for the June 29 and July 16 performances, which start at 2 p.m. Preshow dinners will be served on July 12 and 18.

Ticket prices are $17 for adults and $9 for children under 18 and UWP students with I.D. Dinner theater prices are $25 for adults and $17 for children under 18 and UWP students with I.D.

Shows are held in the UWP Center for the Arts on the UWP campus. Tickets are available through the University Box Office located on the ground floor of Ullsvik Hall. Tickets are available by phone at (608) 342-1298 or at tickets.uwplatt.edu.

Anyone interested in learning more about this or other Heartland Festival shows may call the University Box Office at (608) 342-1298 or visit the Heartland website at http://www.uwplatt.edu/arts/heartland. The University Box Office is open Monday through Friday 9am-5pm and is located on the ground floor of the newly renovated Ullsvik Hall at the intersection of Hickory and Main streets. The CFA Box Office location opens one and a half hours before scheduled performances. Tickets are also available online 24/7 at http://tickets.uwplatt.edu.

Contact: John Hassig, executive director of Performing and Visual Arts Programs and Facilities, (608) 342-1267, hassigj@uwplatt.edu Written by: Anne Killian, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194,killiana@uwplatt.edu