If you’re looking for a feel-good night out at the theatre to escape this crazy cold weather we’re having, look no further than She Loves Me at the Hayes Theatre. It’ll give you the warm and fuzzies.
The musical, based on Miklós László’s 1937 play Parfumerie, introduces us to Georg Nowack and Amalia Balash, two employees of Maraczek’s Parfumerie. They don’t like each other – they love each other. They just don’t know it…yet.
If you’ve seen the Meg Ryan-Tom Hanks rom-com You’ve Got Mail, you know where this is going. That film is probably the most well-known reincarnation of the musical that tells the story of two bickering colleagues who turn out to be writing doting love letters to each other.
This production is the directorial debut for Erin James, and it is full of verve. The cast, on the whole, seem comfortable and confident, with most taking the distinct style easily in their stride.
Rowan Witt as Nowack is superb. He’s the image of glowing boyish charm, and his rendition of the titular ‘She Loves Me’ is one of the highlights of the night. Jay James-Moody provides many a laugh with his impeccable timing and understanding of comedy, and Tony Llewellen-Jones is perfectly befuddled as patriarch Mr Maraczek.
The tiny Hayes theatre has been transformed by Isabel Hudson into a charming perfume shop, full of detail and finesse. Choreographer Leslie Bell must be applauded for her clever and appropriate use of the small space.
Musical Director Stephen Kreamer leads a tight band who play with aplomb. Sound Designer David Grigg* allows us to be immersed into the world of the shop and those in it with a complex and intricate design.
This production is delightful, and there’s nothing quite like it on the stage at the moment. While parts of the plot are flimsy, old-fashioned and therefore a little hard to relate to, I believe this adds to its charm. It also teases the possibility that old-school romance isn’t dead – who doesn’t love a handwritten declaration of love? After seeing this show you might just be inspired to pick up the pen.
Playing at the Hayes Theatre until 22 September.
Noni Carroll Photography
Alana Kaye – Theatre Now
*In the interest full disclosure, David Grigg is my partner, so I might be the teeniest bit biased on this point alone in my appraisal of the show. However, that mustn’t take away from his achievement – his work on this show is excellent.
