The story of “She Loves Me,” is about two retail shop workers who bicker with each other in person, while carrying on an anonymous romance by post. After some complications, they learn the truth, and fall in love for real. It was first a Hungarian play, “Perfumerie” by Miklós Lásló. Then it was a classic film, “The Shop Around The Corner,” starring Jimmy Stewart, Margaret Sullivan and Frank Morgan. Then it was a film musical, “In The Good Old Summertime” with Judy Garland and Van Johnson. And THEN, for the internet age, there was “You’ve Got Mail” with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.
You might say not just that “She Loves Me,” but that “She Has Legs.”
And for good reason. Shakespeare, for example, knew about couples convinced that they hate each other only to find out they were really in love after all. Consider “Taming of the Shrew,” and “Much Ado About Nothing.” It’s a story that works.
And it works again for 42nd Street Moon. This production is well designed with a workable and efficient set by Kuo-Hao Lo, lovely costumes by Adrianna Guttierez, and pleasing props coordinated by Jenna Forder. Director Peet Cocke makes sure the jokes land and the tempo doesn’t lag. Choreographer Leslie Waggoner’s clever dances work well on the small stage and allow each performer some shining moments.
As the bickering couple, Georg and Amalia, Riley McFarland and Marah Sotelo have great chemistry. Lee Strawn is very effective as the elderly shop owner, Mr. Maraczek.
There are numerous stand-out musical numbers. I especially enjoyed Riley McFarland’s performance of “She Loves Me,” finishing with a cute-as-a-button choreographic turn that precisely quotes Gene Kelly in “Singin’ In The Rain.” Nick Nakashima as the self-effacing store clerk, Nipos, is funny and charming with “Perspective.” As a headwaiter, Ted Zoldan shows scene-stealing propensities with “A Romantic Atmosphere.”
Marah Sotelo, as romantic lead, Amelia Balash, makes lovely use of a delicate soprano, especially with the song “Will He Like Me.” And Sophia Alawi, as Ilona Ritter, brings big laughs singing about “A Trip to the Library.”
Special call out to Daniel Gilmer, a very charismatic long limbed actor with an amazingly expressive face and an obvious gift for physical comedy. He sparkles in a small role as a clumsy busboy. He is very young. Keep your eye on him.
“She Loves Me” continues at the Gateway Theatre in San Francisco through June 23, 2023. For further information click here.
_________________________________
Rating: **+ (For an explanation of Theatrestorm’s rating scale, click here.)
_________________________________
“She Loves Me,” by Joe Masteroff. Produced by 42nd Street Moon. Music: Jerry Bock. Lyrics: Sheldon Harnick. Based on a play by Mikos Laszlo. Director: Peet Cocke. Music Director: Daniel Thomas. Chreographer/Associate Director: Leslie Waggoner. Scenic Designer/Technical Director: Kuo-Hao Lo.
Cast:
Sophia Alawi: Ilona Ritter. Milo Bolnd: Ensemble. Bekah Lhynn Broas; Ensemble. Ben Chau-Chu: Ensemble. Will Giammona: Steven Kodaly. Daniel Gilmer: Busboy/Ensemble. Riley McFarland: Georg Nowack. Nick Nakashima: Ladislav Sipos. Roeen: Arpad Laszlo. Deborah Rosengaus: Keller/Ensemble. Monia Rose Slater: Ensemble. Morah Sotelo: Amalia Balasch. Lee Strawn: Mr. Maracek. Ted Zoldan: Headwiater. Lighting Designer: Brittany Mellerson. Costume D esigner: Adriana Gutierrez. Properties Coordinator: Bryan Sweet.
The Band:
Daniel Thomas: Piano. Emily Chiet: Violin. Nick Discala: Winds. Lynden James: Keyboard.
TheatreStorm 