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She Loves Me – BrightSide Theatre

In BrightSide Theatre’s spectacular 10th season opener, a most highly-anticipated production take the stage in Naperville. It’s a theatrical marriage made in heaven of what many consider to be the charmingly written musical ever. The story is romantic and beautifully told; the characters are all likable or at least relatable; and the score is absolutely delightful. Add to this BrightSide’s excellent cast and a terrific artistic team, plus the ideal intimate venue for this sweet, old-fashioned story, and you have a production truly guaranteed to charm even the most cynical audience member.

Based upon Miklos Laszlo’s The Parfumerie, adapted for the stage by Joe Masteroff, this Jerry Bock/Sheldon Harnick (Fiddler on the Roof, Fiorello!) musical originally premiered on Broadway in 1963. Instantly the show became a cult classic. The musical has such universal appeal that countless productions continue to be produced around the world. Before the pandemic shut down Broadway, New York’s Roundabout Theatre produced a gorgeous jewel box of a revival that won the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Revival of a Musical. 

Set in a 1930’s Hungarian perfume and cosmetics shop, this charming love story was also adapted into at least three film versions, the latest of which, “You’ve Got Mail,” starred Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Quite simply, the story revolves around two coworkers who have secretly, but anonymously, fallen in love through a series of correspondence by way of a Lonely Hearts Club. The irony occurs when the couple, who both work at Parfumerie, find they cannot stand each other in person, but don’t realize that their heartfelt love letters show that they’re truly made for one another. 

This sweetly entertaining production is a real Valentine to Naperville audiences. Jeffrey Cass, artistic director of BrightSide Theatre, sensitively and creatively guides this production. He both directs and stages his talented cast with skill and aplomb. Jeni Donahue choreographs the dynamic Cafe tango scene, as well as the madhouse shopping crunch that dances through the days before Christmas. Working together with Sara Cate Langham, who musically directs the richly romantic score, while also conducting the backstage accompaniment provided by an excellent nine-piece orchestra. Staged upon Eric Luchen’s lovely, beautifully detailed and adaptable scenic design, lit with color and sparkle by Samuel Stephen (the delicate overhead projections are a gorgeous touch), and costumed with period panache by Leslie Heath, this production is topnotch in so many ways.

“She Loves Me” stars BrightSide’s effervescent Julie Ann Kornak as Amalia Balash. This talented actress has proven herself over and over again, as a musical force of nature at this venue. She recently had a supporting role in “Mamma Mia!” but is best remembered for her glorious, heartfelt portrayal of Francesca in “The Bridges of Madison County.” But in this leading role, Ms Kornak absolutely sparkles and shines. She’s created an endearingly adorable character who’s recently discovered love through a series of letters with a man she’s never met in person. Together they share a mutual passion for good literature. This actress, who’ll win over every theatergoer with her contagious smile and honest, unaffected portrayal, trills through songs like “I Don’t Know His Name,” the gorgeous “Will He Like Me?” and the beautiful “Dear Friend.” But Ms Kornak absolutely bursts into a fireworks of emotion with her eleventh hour sudden realization of love, “Vanilla Ice Cream.”

Julie Kornak is perfectly matched by the always wonderful, superbly talented comic musical actor, Jon Cunningham. Over the years, this talented actor has made a solid name for himself, especially at BrightSide, beginning with his hilarious portrayal of Lawrence in “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” and as the entrancing Chuck Baxter in the theatre’s recent concert version of “Promises, Promises.” The hardworking Mr. Cunningham has appeared almost everywhere around Chicagoland. As Georg Nowack, Jon steps into a romantic leading man role, while still bringing his signature good looks, likability and energy, coupled with a charming quirky sensibility. Here he plays Amalia’s anonymous pen pal and the lead salesman at the parfumerie. Mr. Cunningham mines every comic opportunity from this role, while still remaining believably honest—funny, yet lovable and charismatic. His “Tonight at Eight” is a manic musical monologue that’s filled with schoolboy delight. Watch Jon as he eloquently and hilariously skirts the stage while singing the title tune, delivering his lyrics to various members of the audience. Jon Cunningham is BrightSide’s version of an affable Jimmy Stewart.

The supporting cast is all very good. Gary Charles Metz, plays the somewhat shy, understated, but fiercely supportive salesman, Mr. Sipos. He returns to BrightSide Theatre after appearing in Neil Simon’s comic farce, “Rumors.” Here he plays a family man, who’s worried about keeping his job while also being Georg’s hardworking colleague and best friend. Ken Rubenstein’s portrayal of Mr. Maraczek, the owner and supervisor of the parfumerie, is often too tentative. Perhaps it was opening night jitters, but Mr. Rubenstein seemed unsure of his lines, at times. However, audiences will empathize with this older gentleman who, at the top of the show, thrills about his happily married life (“Days Gone By”), but then he learns that all’s not well on the home front. The role of Arpad Laszlo, the teenaged delivery boy with the grownup aspirations, is played by the likable Logan Baffico. He engagingly renders the role with a sweet, puppy dog innocence. Arpad’s “Try Me,” his musical plea to Mr. Maraczek requesting more responsibility, makes a cheerful opening to the second act.

Gorgeous, gutsy and wonderfully adept Michelle Bolliger, who made a huge impression at this theatre as Amber, in “Hairspray,” and the Lamplighter/Christmas Past, in “A Christmas Carol,” plays headstrong company employee Ilona Ritter. Her character, while a sincere, hard worker, is an easily-sidetracked romantic. Along with several other numbers her rendition of “I Resolve” is a playful ode to the character’s newfound spunk and willpower; then Ms Bolliger brings down the house with her humorous and heartfelt “A Trip to the Library.” Paul Mullen, who charmed BrightSide audiences as Harry in their recent production of “Mamma Mia!,” plays gigolo Steven Kodaly. He’s a smarmy womanizer who loves waiting on the female customers with his signature slick charm, class and obvious glee. Mr. Kodaly’s pompous farewell number, “Grand Knowing You,” elicits much laughter as he departs his position at the parfumerie. And the rollicking Craig Zeller is funny as the Cafe’s fussy Headwaiter who, along with the multitalented ensemble, make “Romantic Atmosphere” a mirthful moment that’s hard to beat.

This wonderfully heartfelt, melodic Jerry Bock/Sheldon Harnick musical classic is perfection. It’s performed with panache, wit and honesty, and sung with beauty in this delightful, much-anticipated production by BrightSide Theatre. The show is stylish, classy, and just an old-fashioned romantic tale that overflows with charm and humor. In short, this musical Valentine is the perfect entertainment to herald in the holiday season. Indeed, at least out in Naperville, love is in the air.  

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas  

Presented October 14-30 by BrightSide Theatre, performed at Meiley-Swallow Hall at North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth, Naperville, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 630-447-8497 or by going to www.brightsidetheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com., IL.