Nazareth College Department of Theatre Arts to present "I Love You Because," a modern-day musical love story

ROCHESTER, NY (10/31/2014)(readMedia)-- The Nazareth College Department of Theatre Arts and Theatre League will present I Love You Because, a modern-day musical romance, as the second production of their 2014-2015 Season. The show will run November 14, 15, 21, and 22 at 8 p.m.; and November 16 and 23 at 2 p.m., in Studio A48 at Nazareth College Arts Center.

About the Production

A modern-day musical love story that is loosely based on the novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, I Love You Because is set in New York City. It tells the story of a young, uptight greeting card writer whose life is changed when he meets a flighty photographer. Along with their eccentric friends and siblings, they learn to love each other not in spite of their faults, but because of them.

The production features lyrics by Ryan Cunningham and is set to music by Joshua Salzman. At the time the team began work on I Love You Because, one was about to get engaged and the other was recently single. When friend suggested they read Austen's novel, they were struck by its depiction of love. "We began...updating the piece...and inserting our own experiences until I Love You Because took on a life and a story of its own," the authors' press materials state. "However, what remains of Pride and Prejudice is what attracted us to the story in the first place; the notion that in order to find love you must move past your preconceived notions of what love is going to be for you and embrace all of its surprises, both good and bad. Because it's easy to say, 'I love you anyway, but hard and all the more rewarding to say, 'I love you because'."

I Love You Because is directed by Rochester-based actor, director, writer, teacher, producer, and improviser, Kerry Young, who has worked locally with Shipping Dock, JCC Centerstage, Blackfriars Theatre, and the 360-365 Film Festival, and is a member of the Unleashed! Comedy Improv troupe. In addition to her theatrical pursuits, Ms. Young is a middle school enrichment teacher.

The I Love You Because cast consists of Nazareth College students: Lainey Catalino (Marcy Fitswilliams); Matthew Combs (Austin Bennet), Amanda Popielarz (Diana Bingly), Matthew Allen (Jeff Bennet), and Katie Sweeney (NYC Women & Others). Nazareth College student Crystal Dingman is the production's stage manager, and student Qing Chang designed the costumes.

Tickets

Tickets to I Love You Because are $18-$20. For tickets, call – or visit – the Box Office: 585-389-2170 or order online: artscenter.naz.edu.

The Nazareth College Arts Center Box Office is located on campus, at 4245 East Avenue, Rochester, New York, 14618. Regular box office hours are Monday- Friday, 11am – 5pm, and for one hour prior to curtain time for Theatre Arts Department performances.

About the Nazareth College Department of Theatre Arts

The Nazareth College Department of Theatre Arts provides professional training in theatre and musical theatre performance and production, drama education, dance, and technical theatre and design, and prepares students for graduate work and specialized advanced studies in the entertainment industry. In classrooms, rehearsal halls, and studio settings, students are trained to use their talents to move audiences.

The Department of Theatre Arts presents four productions each year, with scenery, costumes, and lighting designed and created by faculty and students. For more information, visit naz.edu/theatre-arts.

About Nazareth College

Nazareth College's academic strengths cross an unusually broad spectrum of 60 majors, including education, health and human services, management, the fine arts, music, theater, math and science, foreign languages, and the liberal arts. The coeducational, religiously independent, classic campus in a charming suburb of Rochester, N.Y. challenges and supports 2,000 undergrads and 800 graduate students. Nazareth is recognized nationally for its Fulbright global student scholars and commitment to civic engagement. Rigorous programs, an uncommon core, experiential learning, career skills, and a global focus prepare graduates for not just one job, but for their life's work. For more information, visit naz.edu.

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