Chinese 'Love/Perfect/Change' Ends Run June 3

The hit Chinese production of I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change will conclude its limited 23-performance run this Sunday evening, June 3 at the Westside Theatre (407 West 43rd Street).  Following its groundbreaking New York engagement, the Chinese company will kick off an extended multi-city tour of China on June 20 in Beijing.

The Chinese version of the hit revue opened on May 9, marking the first time in U.S. history that a foreign language production of an American musical has ever been presented in this country.  The Chinese company performs the show entirely in Mandarin with English supertitles projected above the stage and they alternate performances with the long-running American production.

Prior to transferring to New York, the Chinese company of I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change played a highly successful four-week run at the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre directed by Joel Bishoff, who helmed the original New York production as well as in 17 cities worldwide.  This Chinese/American co-production was presented in Shanghai by Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre and Broadway Asia Entertainment, and was the first Western musical ever to be performed there in Mandarin Chinese.  Not just a recreation of the New York show, Joel Bishoff worked with translator Nick Rongjun Yu to incorporate local Chinese attitudes and references, allowing the material to resonate with Shanghai audiences. Featured in the cast of four is Lin Yilun, one of China's most popular singing stars, along with Yu Yi, Wen Yang and Ma Qingli.  Lin Yilun is the winner of the 2006 Best Male Singer of China at the Chinese MTV Music Awards.  

The show has received productions in over 400 cities worldwide.  Now, with the Mandarin production, it has been translated into 11 different languages.  Written by playwright/lyricist Joe DiPietro and composer Jimmy Roberts, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change is "a celebration of the modern-day suburban mating game as it explores the joys of dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives, and in-laws.  Both the Chinese and American productions are directed by Joel Bishoff," state press materials.

The playing schedule for the Chinese production is Tuesday at 7 p.m., Wednesday and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 8:30 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.  The playing schedule for the American production is Monday at 7 p.m., Wednesday at 2:30 p.m., Thursday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., and Sunday at 4:30 p.m.  Tickets are available through Telecharge.com 212-239-6200.  For more information, visit www.ILoveYouMandarin.com (Chinese production) or www.LovePerfectChange.com (American production).