The University of Lethbridge Theatre XTra group is exploring the ins and out of love in Norm Foster’s “The Love List, which runs in the David Spinks Theatre, Jan. 24-26.

  The 2006 comedy by Canadian playwright Norm Foster is about Leon, a 50 something man who signs up his divorced friend Bill with a matchmaking service run by an old gypsy woman.

 Leon (played by Brett Gartley) convinces Bill ( played by Ryan Wahl)  to make a list of the 10 qualities he wants in a woman and much to their surprise, the “perfect” woman,” Justine, shows up at Bill’s door.

 They discover perfection isn’t all it’s cracked up to be as while they change their list, the qualities of the woman change along with it.

 Director Raynah Bourne noted actress Natalie Buckley who plays the woman Justine, brought the play to the attention of the group.
“Natalie Buckley proposed this show because it is a great character for a female to play, because the character keeps changing and it is hilarious,” Bourne explained.

“ It’’s definitely a comedy with heart,” she described adding it is definitely meant for a mature audience.

The cast is enjoying their roles.

“He (his character Bill) is always pushed around,” said Ryan Wahl.
  Brett Gartley noted his character Leon pictures himself as a ladies man.
“ Leon is very overconfident. He thinks he has game but he really doesn't have game at all,” Gartley said.
“ He treats his best friend as a doormat,” Gartley continued.

“My favourite line is ‘You don’t fall in love with a perfect person. You fall in love by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly,’” Wahl added, summing up the play.

“I fell in love with the script,” Bourne said adding it blends fantasy with reality, so the set is one of the more elaborate sets Theatre Xtra has created as the sinks and fridge even work.

“We couldn’t have done it without a lot of people helping,” Bourne continued.
“ I get fed. I get a full meal,” enthused Gartley of his favourite part of the play.
“ It’s very realistic,” he said.

The Love List runs Thursday, Jan. 24 to Saturday, Jan. 26 at  8 p.m. each night, plus a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday.
 Tickets  are $11 regular, $7 seniors and students. They are available at the University of Lethbridge Box Office Monday -Friday, 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. or by calling 403-329-2616 or online at www.uleth.ca/tickets