By Tracy Hawkins
“She Loves Me” is a musical with a book by Joe Masteroff, music by Jerry Bock, and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick (the latter two best known for Fiddler on the Roof). Hungarian playwright Miklos Laszlo’s play Parfumerie, on which She Loves Me is based, was later adapted into several films, the last of which was the 1998 movie You’ve Got Mail.
The cast performs a song and dance number in “She Loves Me”. Photos by Dee Henken
The story is set in Budapest, Hungary, in the 1930’s, in the shop of Mr. Maraczek. The group of clerks seek Mr. or Mrs. Right, or Miss Right Now, as well as the big sale, the big raise, a better job, and hope for the future. If you Google the show, you’ll find it described as one of the most romantic musicals ever. That’s not an exaggeration. It reflects an earlier time – one of writing letters, of kindness and innocence, and hopefulness.
The cast are uniformly in excellent voice, most particularly the two leads, John D. DiFerdinando (Georg) and Lindsay Looloian (Amalia), who start out battling, but then soften over time. Likewise, other members of the ensemble shine in their own solos as well as in lovely harmonic support of the production. Jenn Smith’s Ilona is not only light on her feet as she dances away from her rogue ex (Chris Betzler as the louse Kodaly), but also has a lovely soprano, used to great effect in “A Trip to the Library.” The other members of the ensemble and the chorus swirl through the fast-paced choreography and hit all the right notes (literally and figuratively).
Directed with obvious affection (and touches of whimsy) by Sammi Kuhl, “She Loves Me” is a sweet night out.
Directed with obvious affection (and touches of whimsy) by Sammi Kuhl, the show is a sweet night out. The production is ably supported with music direction by Andrew Rudderow and choreography by MeLinda Tatum Kaiser, set design by Harvey Perelman, lighting design by Erin Markham, sound by Justin Lamphere, and spot-on period costumes by Eileen Ciccarone. It’s a complicated show, with a number of different settings. It is to be hoped that the set changes will become more fluid as the run continues.
If you go:
Performances are Friday & Saturday at 8 PM through Sept. 2, with Sunday matinees at 2 PM. Runtime is 2:30, and tickets are $24/each with discounts for students and seniors. More information at www.barnplayhouse.org or 619-539-BARN.