In a perfume shop in Budapest, there’s more than just floral fragrances floating through the air. As affairs, divorce, and new love permeate the stage, the audience gets an intimate look inside the vibrant hopes and rejections that abound this delightful musical. Directed by Teri Grimes at the Bellingham Theatre Guild, She Loves Me is a charming, silly, and comedic production showcasing a stellar ensemble of actors.
She Loves Me was originally written in 1937 by Joe Masteroff, Jerry Bock, and Sheldon Harnick, with Broadway’s most recent revival in 2016. In it, we follow Georg Nowack (Kyle Johnson) and Amalia Balash (Carmen Souza) – two bickering coworkers who both fall in love with their mysterious correspondent, “Dear Friend.” It doesn’t take the audience long to realize that they are, in fact, actually writing letters to each other. While we wait for them to catch up, we enjoy the impressive, Broadway-style musical numbers focused around each of the shop clerks. Other side plots – an unfortunate affair between Ilona Ritter (Carly Fear) and Steven Kodaly (Paul Henderson II) and the boss Mr. Mazurek (Matthew Hull) becoming increasingly irritated – continue to entertain as we wait for these enemies to become lovers.
Georg’s comedic yet genuine acting compliments Amalia’s radiating voice, and it’s a pleasure to watch such an eager ensemble. The shop clerks serenade their customers (and us) like an ear-tickling barber-shop quartet, weaving harmonies as they make sales. Special credit is due to the actors playing Ilona Ritter and Ladislov Sipos (Brian Joseph). Though Ladislov is a self-proclaimed “idiot” and Ilona plays the dumb-blonde archetype, neither came off as stupid. Their acting strength and grand voices set them apart from just being the comedic relief friends, making them great assets to this show.
Though roll-on parts of the set were a tad clunky, the primary set was clean and efficient. It was wonderful to watch the shop walls open up to reveal the pastel wall paint and candy-pink gift boxes, all of which helped create a light-hearted tone. Most actors projected well, though it would have served the show better to stage several interactions farther downstage.
The live orchestra was a special treat. Though unseen, it helped ground the show and added a layer of natural quality not often achieved in pre-recorded soundtracks.
I recommend this show to anyone who appreciates a classic, campy Broadway comedy. For a community production, She Loves Me serves up an impressive array of talent and charm.
She Loves Me by Joe Masteroff, Jerry Bock, and Sheldon Harnick. Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St, Bellingham WA 98225. June 15th, 16th, 17th 7:30pm, 18th 2pm. June 22nd, 23rd, 24th 7:30 pm, 25th 2pm. Info: https://bellinghamtheatreguild.com/ or (360) 733-1811. Lot and street parking available.