I Love You Because Reviews

Daily Herald - Somewhat Recommended

"...It's a truth universally acknowledged that laying claim to a Jane Austen classic as the inspiration for a rom-com tuner doesn't make it so."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...With a book by Ryan Cunningham ( who also did the lyrics to the songs), and music by Joshua Salzman and orchestrations by Larry Hochman, this is a story that at times appears to be more of a musical revue rather than a play, but the six characters finely directed by Scott Shallenbarger, keep the part of the dating puzzle moving at just the right clip to keep our interest and open our eyes."

Buzz Center Stage - Somewhat Recommended

"...Finding love has always been a challenge. In Jane Austen’s day, a time governed by strict rules of courtship, couples had to avoid mistakes that could potentially ruin a reputation. One might think that the complexities of dating would have eased over time, yet modern romance remains just as fraught with pitfalls. Exploring these timeless rules of attraction is Oil Lamp Theater’s production of I Love You Because, with music by Joshua Salzman and book and lyrics by Ryan Cunningham. Directed by Scott Shallenbarger, this musical, inspired by Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, examines two mismatched couples and asks a fundamental question: Do we love someone despite their differences, or because of them?"

Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended

"...Created by Ryan Cunningham, who wrote the book and lyrics, and Joshua Salzman, who composed the music, I Love You Because follows Austin, an uptight, rule-following greeting-card writer who is newly single after his girlfriend leaves him. Enter Marcy, a free-spirited photographer who is hardly the kind of woman Austin imagines himself falling for."