Arts & Culture
Sadie Langemo and Andrew Hollenbeck play leads, Amalia and George, in “She Loves Me,” a romantic musical staged by the department of theatre and dance at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point on April 10-12 and 15-18.
Get a whiff of the perfumery romance on campus: UW-SP theatre department presents “She Loves Me”
The Pointer
ataub878@uwsp.edu
Within the walls of the Studio Theater exists a quaint replica of a burlesque perfumery run by the stern, yet softhearted, Mr. Maraczek, played by James Roland Freer.
But the smell of perfume is not the only aroma in this shop; a strong, bittersweet scent of romance lingers in the musical comedy, “She Loves Me.”
This charming production is the story of two perfume shop employees, Amalia Balash, played by Sadie Langemo and Georg Nowack, played by Andrew Hollenbeck, who cannot stand each other. They quarrel every day at the shop, but find comfort in their anonymous pen pal lovers, who, ironically, turn out to be each other.
This unusual romance seems dire at times, keeping the audience involved until the very last song. But do not fear; love prevails.
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point reproduction, based on the Hungarian play, “The Shop Around the Corner,” has also been retold in the 1998 movie, “You’ve Got Mail,” starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. However, while Meg Ryan’s legs may be motivation to stay awake during “You’ve Got mail,” the compelling voices in “She Loves Me” will keep the audience stirring.
The score alone should bring in an audience as the witty songs, created by the same team that composed the songs of “Fiddler on the Roof, showcase the undeniable talent of the UW-SP theatre and dance department.
Describing the cast as “talented, hard-working and positive,” Director Roger Nelson rehearsed for seven weeks and created a complete past life for each character so that their actions onstage would be believable and motivated; they were.
The 21 musical theatre and acting majors performed in the Noel Fine Arts Center April 10-12, but will recreate the show April 15-18 for the largest production thus far in the Studio Theatre. Housing a perfumery, in addition to settings that represent a romantic restaurant, street, hospital room and cozy apartment, one must see it to believe it.
But quality doesn’t only survive on stage. A live four-piece orchestra composed of piano, celeste, percussion, violin and cello, makes the musical come alive. Superb lighting, special effects and elegant costuming also make this show a delight.
In the words of the director, “It’s witty, intelligent, adult and romantic.”
