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“The Bunker” inside the Forest Lake American Legion Post, is at face value,  just another vinyl-floored event room.  But, the lights go down, the warm bodies in the seating area grow hushed and the stage takes on its own special energy-- and this year’s very un-stereotypical Masquers Theatre holiday production becomes an intimate theatre experience.  For a couple of hours you are inside the magic and so close to the actors it’s uncanny. 

Accompanied by a keyboardist and violin player the 20 different scenes (or vignettes) float effortlessly on the ebb and flow of Karen Hillman at the piano and Maija Johnson on strings. These two were delightful.

There are six actors in this play “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.”    They portray several characters who will remind you of your uncle, college roommate, co-workers or even yourself at times.

The audience of about 40 people was laughing out loud by the third line spoken.

There’s a scared straight-style scene on avoiding life as a single person that is very funny.  Offender Joe Finn-Bolling-- in his Masquers debut-- gives Holy roller street advice on romance.  

Katlyn Moser, with her animated face, can and did get laughs without saying or singing a word.

Stephanie Johnson does it all;  singing with a clear lyrical tone and on a dramatic front, touching a nerve as “Rose Ritz” recording her video-dating profile.

As the real life mother of a 4-month old; veteran Masquers actor Emily Lehmann-Wiberg probably was the ideal person to play the desperate spouse, ready for action in her red lace teddy, while baby naps off stage.

It can be difficult to perform in a such a confined space and all the cast members did a great job making audience eye contact (but not too much) while maintaining show-pacing that must have called for personal trainers.

Judy Marleau, Masquers Board Member, said the Legion Post location has been home for three shows, which have been Christmas-themed until this one.  “We decided to try something different,”  she adds.

Director Vanessa Brook Agnes gave the actors lots of freedom to let it all hang out and they seemed to enjoy being together.  The songs were flawless  in a set-em-up and knock-em-down way.  There won’t be any sweeping, classic tunes coming out of this production,  but the melodies were upbeat and lyrics very clever. I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is the second longest running off-Broadway musical.

Masquers will have The Bunker through December 18.  Shows are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday the matinee is at 2 p.m. Tickets are $16 or $14 for seniors and students. It’s not a play for young kids.

On-line tickets have a $2 service fee or call 651-464-5823 and ask about group discounts.

The Legion Post is a one-stop destination, with dessert available at intermission and of course adult beverages. You can always rely on the post’s menu before or after the show.  

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