Mission

Chromolume Theatre’s name comes from the Stephen Sondheim/James Lapine musical, Sunday in the Park with George, about an artist struggling to make art meaningful in 19th Century France. Chromolume Theatre was founded by two struggling artists in 2003 with its primary mission to present the American musical on an intimate level in an entertaining, intellectually stimulating and emotionally satisfying way. With growth and change, Chromolume Theatre’s mission has evolved with a new dedication to presenting Broadway’s forgotten gems and off-Broadway’s undiscovered treasured, and shining a light on productions that deserve a second look. Chromolume Theatre also provides opportunity for artists to shine who have not had such an opportunity in the past, as well as a dedication to diverse and multi-cultural casts and crews.

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I Love You Because

Book and Lyrics by Ryan Cunningham
Music by Joshua Salzman

february 28 – march 16, 2025
zephyr theatre

I Love You Because is a modern twist on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, set in New York City. A young, uptight greeting card writer’s life is changed when he meets a flighty photographer. Along with their eccentric friends and siblings, they learn to love each other not despite their faults, but because of them.

Cast/Crew Bios

ANOTHER SATURDAY NIGHT IN NEW YORK

MUSIC VIDEO

MEET THE CAST OF I LOVE YOU BECAUSE

MEET THE CAST

PERFORMANCE

MAIN CAST

PERFORMANCE

UNDERSTUDY CAST

i love you because

Latest Reviews

  • The musical goes on to explore all the highs and lows of being single and hooking up while looking for love, filled with catchy tunes performed with sass and strong belting voices

    Other scenic elements designed by Rody Villegas and spot-sensitive lighting designed by Stephaney Knapp add to filling the intimate space to the max.

    Meghan Ripchik’s direction and seriously rambunctious choreography portray these mid-twenties characters...more like a TV sitcom. That mood was set during the adorable video playing before the show to introduce the characters.

    [The] silliness was a welcome distraction from the political turmoil in our world right now, offering some comfort through much-needed laughter.

    Kudos to onstage musical director Miki Yokomizo who accompanies the cast on keyboards without drowning out the unmiked actors, and mixing their natural harmonies beautifully.

    Shari Barrett, Culver City News

  • [Troy] Dailey's powerhouse tenor in "Maybe We Just Made Love" and "Goodbye" and [Cassandra] Caruso's exquisite soprano in "Just Not Now" and "Even Though" are as good as it gets, and Daily, Caruso, [Colin] Huerta, and [Lauren] Josephs' four-voices-in-counterpoint "But I do" ears deserved cheers.

    [M]usic director Miki Yokomizo keyboard accompaniment throughout the show is impeccable.

    Steven Stanley, StageSceneLA

  • Skillfully helmed by director/choreographer Meghan Ripchik, I LOVE YOU BECAUSE is a charming examination of dating, love, and everything in between.

    I LOVE YOU BECAUSE is a perfect “date” show – light and fast-moving with just a tiny bit of message for all the lovers watching.

    It is pleasant, entertaining, and filled with very talented folks who clearly enjoy performing and sharing their songs and stories with others.

    Elaine Mura

  • [T]his 2006 show boasts delightfully bouncy 1980s-style Broadway music in the vein of Maltby & Shire by composer Joshua Salzman.

    The biggest highlight of the night comes from Colin Huerta as Jeff...Huerta turn[s] Jeff into an absolute scene-stealer.

    [T]he cast was made up of very strong singers, aided by strong musical direction from Miki Yokomizo

    Tony Frankel, Stage and Cinema

Troy Dailey, Austin

 

Troy Dailey is thrilled to return to Chromolume Theatre for a second shot at romance. He enjoys long walks on the beach, an Irish mule, and playing with all the doggies. His first memory on stage is joining Van Halen during their Balance Tour. Introducing them in true rebel child fashion, he froze hearing the thunderous applause. Being carried offstage by a band member aside, it was love at first fright. Favorite roles: Archibald Craven (The Secret Garden), Beast (Beauty and the Beast), Baker (Into the Woods). Troy dedicates today’s performance to his mother, who was always his biggest supporter.

Cassandra Caruso, Marcy

 

Cassandra Caruso is very psyched to make their debut with Chromulome! Cassandra studied opera and vocal performance in Missouri, and their favorite credits include Bat Boy (Shelley Parker), Jekyll & Hyde (Lucy), She Loves Me (Amalia Balish), Zanna Don’t! (Roberta), Chicago (Velma Kelly). When not performing, you can find them learning a new instrument or fun little hobby. Cassandra would like to thank their best friend Haley Wolff and their vocal coach Joslynn. Seeking representation. Follow their theater exploits on instagram @thecassandracaruso

Colin Huerta, Jeff

 

Colin Huerta (he/him/his) is stoked to be making his Chromolume Theatre debut. Recent theatre credits: Among The Dead (Jackalope Theater), Tartuffe (DePaul University), and Everybody (DePaul University). Recent film/tv credits: Chicago Fire, Crooks, and Invader. He has a BFA from The Theater School at DePaul University.

Lauren Josephs, Diana

 

Lauren is thrilled to be making her Chromolume Theatre debut in this hilarious and heartfelt show! Lauren studied theatre at UC Irvine and is ecstatic to be performing with such a wonderful cast, crew and creative team. Her favorite previous roles include Meredith Parker in Bat Boy the musical, Bea in Something Rotten! and Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes. Lauren would like to thank her ILYB family for the wonderful memories as well as her friends and family for all their love and support! She hopes all her calculations are correct and you’ll love this show as much as she predicts you will!

Ellie Rodriguez, NYC Citizen

 

Ellie Rodriguez is overjoyed & grateful to be making her Chromolume Theatre debut! She is delighted to be taking on the many personas of an NYC Citizen, and work alongside such a marvelous cast & crew. Ellie gives all the honor & glory to God, and she thanks her family, boyfriend, friends and animals for their endless support! She hopes all who attend enjoy the show because that’s What We Do It For! 

Renee Cohen, NYC Citizen

 

Renée Cohen is delighted to make her Chromolume debut! Credits include Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Yitzhak), Cabaret (Emcee), Jesus Christ Superstar (Judas/Mary), Madam Scrooge (Charwoman), Rent (Maureen), Legally Blonde (Paulette), Peter Pan (Peter), Lippa’s Wild Party (Queenie/Kate/Mad True), American Psycho (Evelyn), Assassins (Guiteau), Lizzie (Emma), Merrily We Roll Along (Gussie), American Idiot (Whatshername), Shrek (Dragon), Pippin (Leading Player). Up next: Judas in JCS at Theatre Americana in April! Instagram: reneesings TikTok: naynayrc

Blake Rhiner, Austin (u/s)

 

Blake is excited to be making his debut with Chromolume Theatre as Austin! He has most recently been seen as Frank Churchill in Chance Theater’s production of Jane Austen’s Emma, The Musical. Other recent credits include Melchior in Spring Awakening  with Mouth Bone Productions, and Guy in Once with Domino One Productions. He would like to thank his girlfriend, who loves him because, and his friends and family for their continued love and support. Enjoy the show!

Christina Jardine, Marcy (u/s)

 

Christina is excited to be making her Chromolume Theatre debut! She recently graduated from a film acting program and is delighted to be getting back into theatre. She’s enjoyed performing in a variety of musicals such as: The Addams Family Musical (Wednesday), Into the Woods (Cinderella), and Oliver! (Nancy). Christina is thankful to her family, friends, cast, and two cats (Zuko and Arwen) for always supporting her! She also gives special thanks to her late vocal coach Nuhad Levasseur and current coach, Jenni Barber, for their incredible guidance. 

Meghan Ripchik, Director, Choreographer

 

Meghan Ripchik is an LA based director/choreographer with a Theater BA from UC San Diego. Previous credits of hers include Bat Boy: The Musical (Director/Choreographer), American Idiot (Co-director/Co-choreographer), & Six Characters in Search of an Author (Director). Catch her next upcoming directing work: Girl Blood (a period piece) at Hollywood Fringe this year! Meghan also works in theatre administration, serving various position over the years as an artistic director, stage manager, production manager, and marketing chair. She currently works as the Artistic Coordinator at The Wallis. She wants to thank her family and friends for all the encouragement, the incredible cast and creative team that made this show possible, and most importantly, her partner Tommi Jo, who has been the biggest support and her rock — I love you! Thank you all for coming to see our show, I hope it brings back comfort & nostalgia of your favorite sitcoms!

Miki Yokomizo, Musical Director

 

Miki Yokomizo is excited to return to Chromolume Theatre after many years!  Chromolume provided her first opportunity with its production of Edges, and she’s done many shows with them ever since, including Songs for a New World and Dessa Rose.  Miki also just finished assistant musical direction of Pacific Overtures with East West Players.  She currently teaches at Children’s Theatre of Long Beach, and recently celebrated another performance of her 80s arrangement of Pirates of Penzance with them.  She also does taxes.

Ariella Salinas Fiore, Intimacy Director

Ariella Salinas Fiore (she/her/ella) is thrilled to join in on another Chromolume production!  She was Intimacy Director for First Date, and has created consent forward spaces and intimate moments for theaters all over Southern California including Romeo and Juliet, Choose Your Own Ending (Morgan-Wixson), Las Sirenas (LATC), American La Ronde (PRT), Elf (SVCAC), Losing Your Humanity (HFF), and Seminar (Little Fish Theatre), among many others.  She is also an Intimacy Coordinator for film and television.  She has been performing as an actor since she was 3. She is grateful to James, Meghan, and the team for having her on board to help tell this story. Much love and thanks to her amazing people, who all always provide her with so much love and support. ¡Pa’lante! IG: AriellaSalinasFiore

Rody Villegas, Scenic Design

 

Rody (he/him) is excited to be working with Chromolume Theatre for the first time! Having taken a course at Stanford University for Theatre, studied at the Cambridge Scholars Programme for Scriptwriting (UK), and Kingston University (UK), he received his Bachelor’s in Theatre from the California State University of Northridge and continues to be a life-long learner about all things theatre. Other scenic design credits include: Zooman & the Sign, Black Comedy, Noises Off, James & The Giant Peach, As You Like It, Infierno, and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

Michael Mullen, Costume Design

 

Michael Mullen is a costume designer, actor, and writer. Among his theatrical design credits are Dreamgirls, The Boy From Oz, Siamese Sex Show, Fugue, When Jazz Had The Blues, Burners, Cabaret, Year Of The Rooster, Fixed, Sweeney Todd, American Idiot, The Legend Of Georgia McBride, A Little Night Music, The Wild Party, Guess Who‘s Coming To Dinner, Alice, Formerly Of Wonderland, and L.A. Now And Then. He has received several awards and nominations for his work both onstage and off from such organizations as LA Stage Alliance Ovation, L.A. Drama Critics Circle, L.A. Weekly, N.A.A.C.P., Scenie, Stage Raw, OC Theatre Guild, Robby, Broadway World, Ticket Holder, Eddon, and Desert Theatre League. He hopes you enjoy the show!  

Stephaney Knapp, Lighting Design

 

Stephaney Knapp is a Los Angeles-based lighting designer with a Theatre degree from UC San Diego. Specializing in theatre and dance lighting design, she has a strong background in electrical work and programming, blending creativity with technical expertise. She is passionate about using lighting to shape stories, create atmosphere, and bring performances to life. 

Mara Aguilar, Production Stage Manager

 

I am so happy and thankful for having you support this live theater production. This will be my second production with Chromolume Theater. The first production she was involved in was Hello Again in which she got to work with a wonderful team. Other previous works were Alice in Wonderland: a follow the white rabbit musical adventure which premiered in April 2024 by Brooke DeRosa as well as a French opera called Dialogue of the Carmelites with Independent Opera company. If you would like to see more of her past, present , and future adventures feel free to follow her on her instagram page @maramargarita13.

Vincent Macias, Assistant Stage Manager

 

Vincent is very excited to make his Chromolume debut assistant stage managing along side one of his favorite directors Meghan Ripchik. When Vincent isn’t behind the scenes working on shows he is on stage performing too. He really wants to thank both Meghan Ripchik and James Esposito for allowing him to join this amazing process. Proud father of a five year old beagle named Chief.  @vinceedmac

Ken Werther, Publicity

 

KEN WERTHER PUBLICITY has been a staple in the Los Angeles performing arts community since 1982. Public relations, producing, directing. As producer: All Your Hard Work (Brimmer St. Theatre Company); The Good Boy (LATC); A Kind of Kind (Celebration Theatre @ Atwater Village) the Queer Classics productions of The Importance of Being Earnest and The Taming of the Shrew. Assistant director: Stop the World, I Want to Get Off (Musical Theatre Guild); The Women of Brewster Place (Celebration Theatre); The Woodsman (Coeurage Theatre Company).

Troy Dailey, Aaron

 

Troy Dailey enjoys walks on the beach, an Irish mule, and playing with all the doggies.  His first memory on stage is joining Van Halen during their Balance Tour. Introducing them in true rebel child fashion, he froze hearing the thunderous applause. Being carried offstage by a band member aside, it was love at first fright. Favorite roles: Archibald Craven (The Secret Garden), Beast (Beauty and the Beast), The Baker (Into the Woods). Troy dedicates today’s performance to his mother, who was always his biggest supporter.

Paloma Malfavon, Casey

 

Paloma Malfavón is excited to be making her Chromolume Theatre debut as Casey in the Los Angeles premiere of First Date at the Zephyr Theatre. She recently played Elle Woods in Legally Blonde at the El Portal Theatre, earning a SCENIE Award for Breakout Lead Performance. Other favorite roles include Rizzo in Grease and Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family. She would like to thank her family and friends for their endless love and encouragement.

Kendre Scott, Gabe

 

Kendre Scott is ready to help bring in the new era of Chromolume after their hiatus and kill it on stage doing the LA premiere of First Date: The Musical. He’d like to thank his wife Gina for always pushing him to perform and do what he loves. His previous roles include Jack Kelly (Newsies at CTG Santa Clarita), Audrey II (Little Shop of Horrors at ActingOut!), and Benny (In The Heights at Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center)   

Natalie Scott, Lauren

 

Natalie Scott is a Los Angeles-based actor and singer. After earning her BA in Theatre from Eastern Michigan University, she moved herself out to California where she’s performed on stages with Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, and Whoopi Goldberg. Favorite theatre credits include: Legally Blonde (EMU), Alice in Wonderland (Wilshire Ebell), and A Case of the Mondays (The Actors Group). She recently starred in the Christmas caper, Merry Heistmas, and is looking forward to continuing her training with The Groundlings this spring. ItsNatalieScott.com

Christopher Baker, Reggie

 

Christopher Baker, a Florida native, is excited to be part of First Date. He has performed in productions such as Rent at Chance Theatre, where he played Benny, and recently portrayed Jerry in ARENA: A House Music-al. Christopher is a passionate actor, constantly honing his craft at Baron Brown Studio, and looks forward to delivering a great performance.

Rachel Yoffe, Allison

 

Rachel is excited to be making her Chromolume debut! Rachel received her BA in Theatre from California State University, Northridge and some of her previous credits include: Sweeney Todd (Johanna), The Secret Garden (Lily), Spring Awakening (Martha), Evita (Mistress), The Drowsy Chaperone (Kitty), Legally Blonde (Vivienne U/S), Big Fish (Sandra), The Prom (Kaylee), Something Rotten (Portia U/S), Les Miserables (Cosette U/S), Elf (Jovie U/S). Enjoy the show!

Michael Angel, Waiter

 

Michael is extremely honored to be back at Chromolume Theatre, after having played Buck in Zanna, Don’t! back in 2017. Some past credits include Legally Blonde (Elle’s Dad/Ensemble), In the Heights (Domingo), Mamma Mia! (Eddie), Grease (Roger) and Elf (Store Manager). When he is not performing, you can catch him serving Theatre greatness in the Box Office at the Pantages Theatre! Thank you for supporting live theatre and enjoy the show!

Bonnie Joy Sludikoff, Grandma Ida

 

Bonnie Joy Sludikoff is thrilled to be returning to the stage after a nearly four year hiatus! These days Bonnie mostly works as a writer and activist/advocate, but she never turns down an opportunity to burst into song whether onstage or— let’s face it — literally anywhere else. Past favorite performances have included Songs For A New World (Woman 2), A Chorus Line (Bebe), Hair (Jeanie), The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas (Doatsy Mae), Godspell (Joanne), and six magical seasons singing at Disneyland Resort and other amazing venues with Mixed Company’s Tis The Season Handbell Carolers. Bonnie has also starred in four solo shows including The Magic Schoolbus: A Traumedy.  She is grateful for the opportunity to get back to the magical world of telling stories through song. www.BonnieJoySludikoff.com

Andreas Pantazis, Aaron u/s

 

Andreas Pantazis is grateful for the return of Chromolume Theatre and be apart of that. Just seen in Guys and Dolls with Altadena Music Theatre, Beauty and the Beast as Beast with Nocturne Theatre and as Gaston with Candlelight Pavilion/Inland Pacific Ballet. Other Credits: Les Miserables (Courfeyrac, u/s Marius) Regional Tour; Kiss Me Kate with Marina Del Rey Symphony; Home For The Holidays (Santa) Knott’s Berry Farm; Elf the Musical (u/s Santa, Greenway) Sierra Repertory Theatre; and Cinderella with 5 Star Theatricals. He’s thanks James, Jonny, Michael and talented cast for letting him share the stage with them. Big thanks to his family and friends, and you for your continuous support of LA theatre. IG: @Andreas.a.Pantazis

Olivia Leyva, Casey u/s

 

Olivia has a B.A. in English and a minor in Theater Arts from California Lutheran University. Her recent previous acting credits include In The Heights (Morgan-Wixson Theater) and The Prom (Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center). She’s also a director, playwright, and dramaturg around Los Angeles and Ventura counties. She hopes you have many fruitful first dates!  

James Esposito, Director, Scenic Design, Sound Design

 

James is thrilled to be back in the director’s chair after a six year hiatus. Directing credits include Dessa Rose (LA Premiere), Pacific Overtures (Stage Raw Winner for Best Musical), Songs For A New World and Strip. He is a founding member of Chromolume Theatre and is currently the V.P. of Operations. Sound Design credits include Dessa Rose, Pacific Overtures, Zanna, Don’t! just to name a few. Scenic Design credits include the NAACP Award Winning production of Do Lord Remember Me and Dessa Rose. On stage, his credits include In The Heights (Kevin) Company (Bobby), City of Angels (Munoz), Two Gentlemen of Verona (Thurio) and Forever Plaid (Sparky) just to name a few.

Brianne Lopez, Assistant Director

 

Brianne Lopez is thrilled to make her debut as assistant director for the production of First Date. Brianne’s previous acting credits Include In The Heights at Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, Rent at Cabrillo stage, Little Shop of Horrors and Bring It On The Musical at College of the Canyons. While Brianne is regularly seen on stage, she is so excited to step onto the other side of the curtain. She wants to thank her partner Domonique for always supporting her in whatever she does.

Jonny Perl, Musical Director

 

Chromolume debut! Former Managing Director, Shinbone Theatre Company. Musicals: Shel, Lorelei, Macabaret, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Cabaret; and Immersive Experiences: What Went Wrong, Welcome Back Woodchucks, Afterlife Anonymous. Actor: Cuckoo’s Nest, Tick, Tick…BOOM!, and Merrily We Roll Along. Co-Producer How to Dance in Ohio on Broadway, Production Supervisor Paws of Fury for Paramount. Upcoming: Farewell My Concubine by Kenneth Lin and Jason Robert Brown. Jonny also regularly music directs, accompanies, teaches, and leads piano bar singalongs. Best known for TikTok @Jonny.Perl.

Michael Marchak, Choreographer

 

Michael received a BA in theatre with a minor in chemistry from USC. He is currently pursuing a masters in Urban Planning also at USC. Having choreographed Zanna Don’t, Pacific Overtures, Dessa Rose, and directed Story of My Life; Michael is thrilled to be back at Chromolume once again! Starting his dance training at sixteen years old, Michael found a passion for storytelling through movement. Ballet became a favorite while also training in jazz, tap and dabbling in hip-hop. Past choreography/directing credits: Mean Girls (Fairfax High School), Topsy Turvy (Cupcake), The Legend of Georgia McBride (Crown City), The Importance of Being Earnest (Crown City), She Loves Me, Charlie Brown, Legally Blonde, Little Women, Wild Party, Matilda, Frog & Toad, Addams Family, and Prom (all at MWT). @mikejmarch “You’ve got talent. Don’t give up.”

Ariella Salinas Fiore, Intimacy Director

 

Ariella Salinas Fiore (she/her/ella) is excited to be part of the return of Chromolume! This is her first time working with this company.  She has served as Intimacy Director for Romeo and Juliet, Choose Your Own Ending (Morgan-Wixson), Las Sirenas (LATC), American La Ronde (PRT), Elf (SVCAC), Losing Your Humanity (HFF), and Seminar (Little Fish Theatre), among many others.  She is also an Intimacy Coordinator for film and television.  She has been performing as an actor on stage since she was 3, and has worked as a sex educator since college, so the leap to Intimacy Professional was a natural one. She is grateful to James and the team for having her on board to create a consent forward space for this story. Much love and thanks to her partner, Michael, to their loinfruit, and to her friends, who all always provide her with so much support. IG: AriellaSalinasFiore

Kara McLeod, Costume Design

 

Kara has been a theater professional for about a million years, or over 30, depending on how you count them.  She has worked with companies such as South Coast Repertory, Center Theater Group, The Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles, LA Opera and Disney Imagineering.  Some of her past shows with Chromolume are The Musical of Musicals, the Musical!, Pacific Overtures and Dessa Rose.  She’s excited to be back at this, the rebirth of Chromolume Theatre and hopes you enjoy this and many more shows to come!

Cici Mao, Lighting Design

 

Cici is excited to join Chromolume for First Date! Their past work includes Footloose at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre, If All The Sky Were Paper with Arroyo Reparatory Theatre, and various theatre productions at MIT, including Jekyll and Hyde, The Wedding Singer, and A Chorus Line.

Brandon John, Master Electrician

 

Brandon John is excited to join Chromolume as the Master Electrician. Recent lighting and sound design credits include Small Mouth Sounds, Jekyll & Hyde, Legally Blonde, A Chorus Line, Jasper in Deadland, Spamalot, Footloose, and The Addams Family.

Emily Walker, Production Stage Manager

 

Emily is so excited to work with Chromolume for the first time as the Production Stage Manager. Her previous work as a PSM includes Footloose, In The Heights, and Wild Party. She would like to thank her friends and family for all the support and love. 

Ken Werther, Publicity

 

KEN WERTHER PUBLICITY has been a staple in the Los Angeles performing arts community since 1982. Public relations, producing, directing. As producer: All Your Hard Work (Brimmer St. Theatre Company); The Good Boy (LATC); A Kind of Kind (Celebration Theatre @ Atwater Village) the Queer Classics productions of The Importance of Being Earnest and The Taming of the Shrew. Assistant director: Stop the World, I Want to Get Off (Musical Theatre Guild); The Women of Brewster Place (Celebration Theatre); The Woodsman (Coeurage Theatre Company).