Twenty years may have gone by since Colin Hanlon originated the role of Austin in the Off-Broadway production of I Love You Because, but, for him, the play is still top-of-mind.
“I loved this show,” says Hanlon, who is now directing Richmond Triangle Players production of the play, which runs June 10 to July 18.
The RTP production is a reworked LGBTQ-themed version of the original.
“There are a very limited number of queer-centric stories that are just about finding love and friends without complicated circumstances,” Hanlon says.
A simple love story, the show centers on Marty (TeDarryl Perry) and Austin (Calvin Malone) who find themselves suddenly single. Austin’s brother, Jeff, (Ian Page) decides to set him up on a blind date while simultaneously setting himself up with Diana, (Ally Dods) who is Marty’s best friend.
“It’s about finding love and friendship in the tricky world of New York City,” Hanlon says.
A Cast Full of Heart
When he began the casting process, Hanlon looked for actors of all variations and types. “I wanted funny, sweet, charming humans. I think we achieved that nicely,” he says.
Hanlon is enjoying working with RTP on the production.
“Everyone here is so wonderfully supportive and eager to make the best art,” he says, adding that one of his best friends, Adam Fleming, is serving as choreographer and associate director. “Getting to collaborate and create art with him brings tears to my eyes when I think about it. I’m a very lucky person.”
Hanlon hopes audiences enjoy the show and take away one final thought — “That we can tell queer stories with joy, light, comedy, and love,” he says.
For more information on the show and tickets, visit rtriangle.org.
