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By Neal S. Reynolds
The process by which the members of a potential couple ultimately find each
other can be the basis for a great story, as in Music On Stage's outstanding
revival of the romantic Broadway musical "She Loves Me."
R E V I E W
The play, under the masterful direction of Kevin Long, makes a compelling case for the familiar,
but often forgotten, notion that what truly matters is what lies deep within us -- if we only get
out of our own darn way and reveal our inner self to the one we are destined to love.
The play is set in and around a European Parfumerie, where clerks Georg
(Robert Kimmeth) and Amalia (Gretchen Schuttler) frequently bicker, never
suspecting that the person they are each corresponding with, and gradually
falling for, is the other.
Schuttler brings to her role a beautiful voice and the ability to convey an
array of emotions. Her performance is key to making us believe it is possible
to know someone well enough from letters to "know what he looks like inside,"
and love him although they haven't met.
Kimmeth is excellent as Georg, who initially considers himself an
ordinary clerk, unworthy of the woman he dreams of. He performs each song
with the emotion of tender longing, and his singing and dancing are
highlighted in the joyful title song "She Loves Me."
Though the plot centers around Georg and Amalia, the play has an entertaining
set of supporting characters, many of whom also experience significant growth.
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Julie Koerner plays Ilona who, after having been mistreated again by
her ersatz boyfriend Steven Kodaly (Tony Calzaretta), sings of her resolve to
tolerate such treatment no longer.
Calzaretta commands the stage during "Ilona," whirling Ilona around the
stage in an elaborate seduction ritual as he sings about a certain kind of
romance.
The Head Waiter (well sung and played by B.J. Foley) attempts to retain "A
Romantic Atmosphere" in the cafe despite the chaos that ensues. The young
Arpad (Tom Vendafreddo, in a strong performance) dreams of becoming a clerk,
and convincingly pleads his case to shop owner Mr. Maraczek in "Try Me."
Harold LeBoyer (Maraczek) and Don J. Orlando (Ladislav) also shine in this
uniformly excellent cast.
Only occasionally does the plot rely too heavily on the contrivances of
farce (such as unlikely coincidences), more often relying on the conflict
inherent in the human heart and the insecurities of the human condition.
Musical director Ann Stewart's deluxe double-violin orchestra generates a
pure, full sound that fills the theatre without the need for
amplification and does justice to the lush symphonic score by Jerry Bock
(with lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and book by Joe Masteroff).
The vivid set is a loving valentine in itself, functional yet colorful and
well lit, complete with falling leaves and snow to show the changing
seasons.
If you have any romance in your soul you owe it to yourself to experience
this quality production.
"She Loves Me" continues through March 11 at Cutting Hall, 150 E.
Wood St., Palatine. Performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m.
Sundays. Tickets are $12 to $14 at the door, or $2 less in advance. Call
(847) 289-4419 for tickets and information.
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