I'm Perfect, I'll Change You, That's Love

By Sean Lynch

Interview with Julia Roper
Stage Director for I'm Perfect, I'll Change You, That's Love

This show is a strange mix of other shows and new material - what can people expect?

People can expect an intimate setting, which is ideal for a relationship-based show.

There won't be any amplification of voices or instrumentation – the acoustic environment will also help in creating a natural feel, which is what we're aiming for.

The songs have been carefully hand-picked to demonstrate varying issues, struggles and celebrations that are common in modern day relationships.

When choosing our final song list, Vicki (MD) and I felt we needed to look beyond the music theatre genre. The mix of jazz, pop, contemporary theatre and classic theatre songs works well and brings greater musical variety for the audience.

What was the inspiration behind the idea?

After our last variety show, A PEP Perspective, the audience voted on what show they would like PEP to do next.  The outcome was I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change. 

We needed to raise funds to do that show in 2009, so decided upon a teaser in I'm Perfect, I'll Change You, That's Love

How does this style of show compare to others (in terms of directing) for you?

A variety show such as this allows more freedom to interpret material in whichever way works best for the show.

I'm not necessarily bound to the song's original context and that gives me more creative licence to experiment...

What's your greatest challenge as a stage director?

Finding enough time to do everything I want to do – and that includes off stage responsibilities too!

Have you ever wanted to venture on stage in front of the crowd?

Yes!

I've been performing as a singer for awhile but only tried musical theatre the past five years. I've performed in three variety shows and a handful of musicals including Les Miserables, West Side Story and Into The Woods. But my performance career has been put aside in favour of directing!

Does a successful show mean more to you as a director or as an actor?

Ooh – that's a tough one to answer.

For me, personally, I have to say I feel more vulnerable as a director because the buck stops with me. I believe I have a responsibility to mould the actors in a way that best fits the show and while that's a two-way process between the actor and myself, if a character doesn't work then that's ultimately poor form on my part.

There are some great songs throughout the show - have you got a personal favourite?

I've got lots of favourites! It's hard to single one out.

The ensemble singing is spine-tingling in places. But if I had to pick one song, it would have to be The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. I love the Roberta Flack original but our incredibly gifted MD, Vicki Barden, has done an a-cappella arrangement of the song which is simply breath-taking.

Directors shouldn't play favourites - but they do - have you found yourself enjoying a particular character or actors performance for this show more than others?

It would be unfair to single anyone out. We have a cast of eleven performers who put their own unique stamp on the show. I am so grateful for their willingness to try things that are perhaps considered left-of-centre, and I love watching them having so much fun with the material.

And the most important thing to remember as a director is....?

I think it's most important to remember that it's ok to let go of an idea if it's not working. Sometimes we can be so proud of an idea we've come up with that we refuse to give up on it – even if we're clearly trying to push a square peg into a round hole!

What's next for Julia Roper?

I haven't finalised any directing commitment for next year but I'm looking forward to PEP doing I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change.

And finally - what's your dream directing job?

I just love to be able to direct!

I'm Perfect, I'll Change You, That's Love runs from November 20th - November 22nd, 2008