Like fine wine paired with rich chocolate or imported cheese, dinner and a show is an undeniably palatable combination that pairs well with romantic occasions such as Valentine's Day. Fortunately for all, the South Sound region is filled with playhouses and theaters, as well as restaurants of every stripe. The pairing possibilities are plentiful.

And yet it's tough to top a show that runs throughout the month of romance and centers on all things love. I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change opens at Tacoma Musical Playhouse on Feb. 5 and delves into the lifecycle of love in all its many incarnations.

"I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change celebrates the relationship in this hilarious comedic musical about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws," said Sue Snyder, Marketing Director at TMP. "Nothing better than a musical comedy to celebrate Valentine's!"

The show is divided into two acts, each of which takes a look at a different aspect of love. Act I is all about dating and early marriage, while Act II gets real with everything from love after a newborn to dealing with in-laws to pick-up techniques in the Golden years. The show is - obviously - perfect for couples, but is rated PG-13 so teens can also include this in their Valentine's plans, too ... perhaps as a prep course (read: warning) of what love really entails down the line.

"The show is a little bit about everything when it comes to relationships - a little slapstick with a comedic look at life," said Snyder. "The characters describe what your inner-self wants to say out loud and then when you're walking out of the theater you'll be wondering ... hmm, were they talking about me?"

The show is carried by four actors who play more than 40 roles throughout the course of the evening. Steve Barnett is returning to the TMP stage and most recently appeared in last year's Seussical the Musical, but you may also have seen him in other area shows as he's an active performer in the area as well as the Director of Education at TMP. Brynne Geiszler is another TMP veteran who has been in almost 20 shows, including West Side Story and The Wedding Singer.  Derek Hall is new to TMP, but known locally as the choir teacher at Baker Middle School. However, he's no stranger to the stage and has several operas under his belt. Alena Menefee has worked with TMP before in a number of shows, including the lead in Evita, as well as traveled to Europe with the Navy Band and a few a cappella groups.

Tacoma Musical Playhouse just recently underwent a complete renovation. The lobby is an inviting place to hang out before the show with a bar where you can enjoy a few snacks or beverages before the show. Each TMP show features a special drink designed to fit in with the theme of the show. For I Love You, tip back some Champagne and Love Potion. If you book tickets for Valentine's Day, also expect chocolates for all in the lobby.

I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change runs Feb. 5-28; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m.; and also at 2 p.m. on Feb. 20 and 27. Tickets are $31 for adults; $29 for seniors/military/students; $22 for kids 12 and younger; and $27 per person for groups of 10 or more. If you want to get into the performance a little more, attend Behind the Curtain! At TMP on Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. where you can learn about the show from TMP's Artistic Director and join in a Q&A with the cast. Behind the Curtain! is free.

Tacoma Musical Playhouse is located at 7116 Sixth Avenue in Tacoma. For more information about I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change or other shows at the venue, call 253.565.6867 or visit TMP's website at https://tmp.org.