'Love, Candy' uses memories, songs for laughter

Laughing at yourself in love was the theme of "Love, Candy" at the Bloomington Playwright's Project, 308 S. Washington St., Wednesday night. Anyone who ever got excited when the cute boy at school said "hello" or looked to see how the pretty girl in class signed her Valentine could relate to this event. \nMore than 70 people gathered on Valentine's Day to hear tales of love lost, love found and the crazy things people do on their search for that special someone. The night began with a champagne and dessert reception. Couples chatted, children laughed and parents recalled stories from their younger years as the anticipation of what they would soon see mounted. \nThe stage was lit only by pink and white lights, some in the shape of hearts, others adding to the romantic feel of the room. The champagne was distributed continually throughout the show, and audience members whispered, creating a friendly, intimate atmosphere.\nAfter a brief introduction, Candace Johnson appeared wearing a smile that permeated the room. She stood alone on the floor in front of the stage with only her piano accompanist, Jennifer Hughes, behind her. It was Valentine's Day and Johnson said she was going to take the audience on a tour through love during various parts of life, some that would make them cry and some that would make them laugh.\n"Far too often, we are pressured by the holidays like Valentine's Day to find the perfect event, have the perfect dinner, and, well, nothing is perfect,'' Johnson said.\nJohnson's energy filled the room through her songs, stories and audience interactions. She was hysterical. Her stories of trading valentines in grade school made the whole room laugh and shout with agreement. In one of her stories, she explained how in grade school, she would sit at her desk and wait to see who gave her valentines.\n"He came over to my desk with a valentine in his hand and he gave it to me and said 'Hey,''' she said.\nShe said this moment -- when all the boy did was say "hey" -- was the best thing in the world at that time. The idea that this one insignificant event was once a huge moment in a young girl's life was so ridiculous that everyone in attendance laughed.\nJohnson's words had emotion, excitement and intense energy. Audience members sat up in their seats as she told them stories of love, lust, friendship and heartbreak. \nShe continued with stories about perfect dates that end with your boyfriend giving you his ex-girlfriend's favorite CD, and asking your grandmother how you know when you have found true love. The audience listened attentively to each tale and eagerly awaited the next. \nThe night was filled with songs from the past and songs from the present. Some, like "My Funny Valentine,'' people knew and sang under their breath. \nOld songs were presented with a twist. One of the best parts of the night where everyone cheered and yelled the loudest was when Johnson told a story using the song "I Will Survive." She used gestures and her voice to make the song into a story describing her feelings after she broke up with her college boyfriend. It was an old song, but the spin she put on it made it funny, emotional and entertaining for the audience.\nIt was a night that ended with cheering, yelling, whistling and people leaving the theater talking about their own funny experiences in love. The room itself was intimate and the people on their way out said they felt that throughout the show. It made for a Valentine's Day to remember and an event to recall the next time you find yourself doing all those crazy things on your search for love.