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Davis Journal

‘She Loves Me’ a romantic comedy treat

Jan 30, 2023 01:19PM ● By Becky Ginos

Claire Glaittli (Amalia Balash), Ben Lowell (Georg Nowack) play feuding co-workers in CenterPoint Legacy Theatre’s production of ‘She Loves Me.” Photo courtesy of CPT

CENTERVILLE—Looking for some fun with a romantic twist? Then “She Loves Me” is the ticket. CenterPoint Legacy Theatre’s production of the 1960s Broadway musical is a sweet story of misunderstanding between two people who find out the other isn’t the person they thought they were.

“She Loves Me” first appeared on Broadway in 1963 but originally got its start as Hungarian playwright Midlos Loszlo’s “Parfumerie.” In 1940 it was made into the movie “The Shop Around the Corner” starring Jimmy Stewart followed by “In the Good Old Summertime” the 1949 musical film with Judy Garland. Probably more familiar is the 1998 version “You’ve Got Mail,” starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. 

 The story is set in 1930’s Europe at the perfume shop Maraczecks that is all about pleasing the women who come in to find just the right lipstick, creams and perfumes. Amalia Balash (Claire Glaittli, MWF) and Georg Nowack (Ben Lowell, MWF) both work at the shop and have been at odds with each from the time Amalia came into the shop looking for a job. If he says one thing, she says another. 

In the meantime, they have both been writing secret letters to someone they met through a lonely hearts ad. Unbeknownst to them they’re writing to each other! Finally, they set a date to meet in person and start worrying about what the other will think because they’ve both been embellishing the truth a little. 

The scene at the restaurant where they are supposed to meet is hilarious. Head waiter Matt Ford (MWF) and busboy Ky Hartley (MWF) are especially funny and the dance number is delightful. The set was also impressive with the restaurant coming up out of the stage.

The cast of characters in the shop all had their own quirks that just added to the fun. Ryan Bruckman (MWF) plays clerk Steven Kodaly, a smooth lady’s man who has been wooing clerk IIona Ritter (Jordyn Tracy, MWF) but proves to be very fickle. Ladoslov Sipos (Chad Wilkinson, MWF) is the steady employee who is always trying to please his boss and supports Georg when things aren’t going well. Owner Mr. Maraczeck (Darin Stite, MWF) does a charming jig as he recalls his youth when he went to dance halls. He encourages Georg to do the same and try to find a date. 

In the end love wins out and Amalia and Georg realize not everyone is as they seem. “She Loves Me” is full of surprises and great music that is sure to win your heart.

“She Loves Me” runs now through Feb. 18 Monday – Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with Saturday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $19-$37. Call the box office at 801-298-1302 or visit CPTUtah.org. CenterPoint Legacy Theatre is located at 525 N. 400 West, Centerville.