Sometimes shows—and theaters—are destined to be off-Broadway.

Currently the longest running off-Broadway show, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change fits naturally with Glen Rock's Broad Street theater, Porch Light Productions.

"It isn't your typical Broadway show, and it represents, a little, who we are," said director Ryan Pifher, also Porch Light's co-owner. "Some shows are meant to live off-Broadway. It's better told in an intimate setting."

With fellow Ridgewood resident—and a Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce director—Jenn Boles, Pifher runs the new theater and will present the company's first main stage musical tonight.

A musical comedy, four actors present love in various stages of life and atmosphere. Although the show lacks a traditional story line, a logical progression takes the audience through a host of different relationships and scenarios despite a four-person cast.

Pifher said the show demonstrates how "It's really how the worst of [relationships] makes it the best. It's those little nuances that everyone goes through, and can relate to."

Comprised of theatrically trained professional actors, the cast has half New York and New Jersey actors. Lucas Turner (Verona), Lindsay Carter (River Vale), Aimee Byers, and Dylan H. Thompson all play different characters and belt out the review's score.

"It appeals to us because we consider ourselves an off-Broadway, black box theater that has a smaller audience in an intimate venue," Pifher said.

Although the mostly black-and-white costumes are minimal, Pifher gave scenes the hint of red to symbolize important aspects.

The love theme coupled with Valentine's Day isn't a coincidence, either. The show is presented in cafe-style seating and is also BYOB.

Without a standard narrative arc, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change presents different challenges to the actors and Pifher.

"I like the [structure] because it allows flexibility. It's a challenge for everyone, me included. Together, we have to find different body traits, characteristics we think are believable as different characters so the audience can lose themselves."

Naturally, a musical is a more involved process. As its Porch Light's first full-fledged musical (Porch Light's teen Academy Series did High School Musical last November), the group had to put together an orchestra.

"It's nice, because it allows us to hire outside of Porch Light, but it's tough because you have to rely and trust them, too," Pifher said.

A Midland Park resident, music director Ilya Maslov found the position through a Craig's List ad. Working with Maslov since Christmas, Pifher said the show is at a great place. Additionally, Ridgewood High School senior Tyler Clementi plays violin in the pit.

This show is the second of Porch Light's three-show season, following Play It Again, Sam and proceeding Picasso at the Lapin Agile, which opens June 4.

"It's filled with comedy, but there's those touching moments where people will ask themselves, 'Is love worth it it?'" Pifher said. "Then you realize it is, because of that one person who makes it so great and, you fall in love."

If you go: I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change runs at Porch Light Theatre (555 Broad St.) in Glen Rock every Friday (8 p.m.), Saturday (8 p.m.), and Sunday (2 p.m.) from Feb. 12 to 28. Tickets: $25 adults; $22 seniors/students. Call 201-857-3520 for tickets or visit www.porchlightproductions.org. BYOB.