I Love You Because Celebrates 100th Performance, May 13

The new hit musical I Love You Because will celebrate its 100th performance on Saturday, May 13 at 8 p.m. at Off-Broadway's Village Theatre in Downtown Manhattan (158 Bleecker Street). The musical, which received a 2006 Drama Desk Nomination for Outstanding Lyrics, also begins a new Saturday playing schedule with 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. performances.

With book and lyrics by Ryan Cunningham and music by Joshua Salzman, I Love You Because is choreographed by Christopher Gattelli and directed by Daniel Kutner. It officially opened at the Village Theatre on Tuesday, February 14, 2006.

"Dubbed 'a modern day musical love story,' I Love You Because follows Austin Bennet (Colin Hanlon), an uptight greeting card writer whose life is turned upside down when he finds his long-term girlfriend in bed with another man. Forced back out into the treacherous New York dating scene, Austin meets Marcy Fitzwilliams (Farah Alvin), a free-spirited photographer whose spontaneity is matched only by her ability to drive him insane. They are constantly misguided by Austin's brother Jeff (David A. Austin) and Marcy's best friend Diana Bingley (Stephanie D'Abruzzo). Together, they explore the 'rules' and nuances of dating in the big city as they learn how to love someone, not in spite of their differences, but because of them," state press notes.

With orchestrations by Larry Hochman and musical direction by Jana Zielonka, the musical features scenic design by Beowulf Boritt and Jo Winiarski, costume design by Millie Hiibel, lighting design by Jeff Croiter and sound design by Tony Smolenski and Walter Trarbach. It is produced by Jennifer Maloney, Fred M. Caruso, Robert Cuillo and GFour Productions, in association with Jana Robbins and Sharon Carr.

I Love You Because plays Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. and 7:15 p.m; Tickets are $20-$65, available by calling Ticketmaster.com at 212-307-4100, or in-person at the Village Theatre Box Office (158 Bleecker St., between Thompson and Sullivan Streets).

A limited number of $20 student rush tickets are also available for purchase at the Village Theatre Box Office 30 minutes prior to curtain (subject to availability with valid student ID). Visit www.ILoveYouBecauseTheMusical.com for more information.