A Triumph For Starbuck Theatre Company

Photo by Alice Feek

I Love You Because is a new musical, first performed off-Broadway in 2006. It really is a show that restores faith in new musical theatre and thank goodness Starbuck Theatre Company decided this would be the show they would present as part of a mini-tour. Sarah Pavlovs, founder, director and also playing Marcy, said she wanted to take the show to different areas to make it accessible to more people and it was a great decision.

Set in modern-day New York, the show is based on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice with music by Joshua Salzman and lyrics from Ryan Cunningham. 

The show features just 6 cast members and they are all fantastically brought to life by Starbuck Theatre Company. Opening with the company singing Another Saturday Night in New York, you instantly knew that you were going to witness something special on the stage. Their voices harmonised together expertly and the audience were hooked.

Austin has just caught his girlfriend cheating, so his brother, Jeff, takes him out on the town where they end up on a double date with actuary, Diana and Marcy, who has recently broken up with her boyfriend. Jeff was played endearingly and hilariously by James Kelly and paired with Karen Webb playing Diana, their comic timing was brilliant. Particular highlights included We're Just Friends (who knew there was a song out there about friends with benefits?) and That's What's Gonna Happen, which amusingly touched upon the perils of making a relationship exclusive.

Meanwhile, Austin and Marcy were played by Dean Bayliss and Sarah Pavlovs, respectively. They were each fantastic in their roles, Pavlovs delivered a mesmerising performance, superbly balancing the comedy and emotion that came with the role. Her rendition of Just Not Now was utterly beautiful. Bayliss made a remarkable Austin, capturing the sensitivity of the part along with dazzling vocals throughout. The show was completed with New York Man and New York Woman played by Jack Scott-Walker and Emma Hopcroft, taking on the guise of bar staff, baristas and waiters they were a great addition to an already stellar cast.

There was fantastic chemistry between all the characters throughout and when the company came together on stage it was abundantly clear how much love and passion had been poured into this show. The sublime harmonies throughout were a triumph under the musical direction of Ian Stephenson. 

This production marks the first for Starbuck Theatre Company and it most certainly will grow from strength to strength after a performance like that. It was slick, professional and wonderfully directed. Keep your eye out for their show, you would not want to miss it!


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