Theatre Review: I Love You Because
By Ben Kelly
Salzman and Cunningham’s I Love You Because is a modern day, musical rom com twist on Pride and
Prejudice, set in New York City sometime in the 90s. Its run at the Theatro Technis in Camden this week has already attracted X Factor stars Luke Friend and Nicholas McDonald (audience members, not extras), and there’s still a chance to catch it on Friday and Saturday evening.
There’s a strong lead performance from Holly Juliers as Marcy, the non-conformist, freewheeling girl who falls in love with Josh Little’s character Austin, a guy who likes to know everything that’s going to happen – and when, and how. Neither are supposed to be falling in love, but what do you know, they do. The cast of six all sing wonderfully in their own right, but also pull together to make a strong, comfortable ensemble.
You could call this a musical for people who don’t like musicals – it’s accessible, the songs are funny and the score sounds suspiciously like the theme tunes of shows like Cheers and Will and Grace – so it’s unsurprising that Dom O’Hanlon’s directorial touch gives the show a nudge towards the Friends theme its period and subject matter evokes, with Central Perk styled imagery and sets.
I Love You Because is at the Theatro Technic until Saturday 8th February. ticketsource.co.uk/