A Timeless Treasure

She Loves Me

Citadel Theatre is presenting a musical masterpiece for their holiday offering. “She Loves Me” is a tuneful timeless treasure that has been called the perfect musical comedy. And audiences flocking to this intimate theatre in Lake Forest are in complete agreement, as evidenced by the standing ovation. With the talented cast, director and artistic staff supporting their work, this is a perfect production of a perfect show!

Based upon Miklos Laszlo’s The Parfumerie, this Jerry Bock/Sheldon Harnick (Fiddler on the Roof, Fiorello!) musical originally premiered on Broadway in 1963 and it became an instant cult classic. There have been countless productions around the world, and a few years ago New York’s Roundabout Theatre produced a gorgeous jewel box of a revival. Set in a 1930’s Hungarian perfume and cosmetics shop, the 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.  

This charming love story revolves around two coworkers, Georg and Amalia, who don’t get along at the beginning of the play. Secretly each belongs to a Lonely Hearts Club. Sharing a mutual enjoyment of good books, they’ve unknowingly fallen in love through a series of anonymous correspondence. The irony comes when the couple, who are continually bickering fellow employees, eventually realize they are attracted to each other and fall in love.

Matthew Silar is the clever and masterful director of Citadel’s hit from last season, “Little Shop of Horrors.” Once again he’s skillfully guided an incredibly gifted cast of talents to share this little love letter of a musical. Equity actress Hannah Louise Fernandes, a gifted actress with a gorgeous soprano, is leading lady Amalia Balash. This lovely, petite actress explodes with passionate enthusiasm and humor in every scene. Hannah’s vocals are luminous, delivering crystal clear lyrics. She’s matched, note for note, by handsome, gifted Travis Ascione’s portrayal of Georg Nowack. Tall, good-looking, with perfect comic timing and an unlimited vocal range, Mr. Ascione is the ideal leading man. Together, these two actors have wonderful chemistry together and perfectly play off each other. 

The talented supporting cast is equally impeccable. Beautiful Kaitlin Feely makes a delightfully ditzy Ilona Ritter. A lithe, blonde romantic, she easily falls for her smarmy co-worker, Steven Kodaly. He’s portrayed with leering lechery by Jeffrey Charles. Both actors have beautifully expressive voices, as do all of their fellow cast mates. Darian Goulding is simply excellent as their coworker at the Parfumerie, and Georg’s close friend, Ladislav Sipos. Young delivery boy Arpad Laszlo, who dreams of being promoted to salesperson, is amusingly played with boyish glee by talented young Brody Tyner; and Mr. Maraczek, the boss and owner of the little shop around the corner, is nicely portrayed by veteran actor, Geoff Isaac.

Playing multiple roles throughout this delicious, two-and-a-half hour production, Trey Mendlik is a put-upon busboy at the Cafe Imperiale, a customer at the Parfumerie and Ilona’s latest love. Also adept in several roles, Jake Busse returns to Citadel as the Head Waiter, Detective Keller and in other ensemble roles. The lady customers, all of whom possess voices like angels, include Laura Brennan, Jill Iverson and Abbey Loria.

One of the stars of this production is Eric Luchen’s incredibly versatile stage set. This accomplished young scenic designer has been making a name for himself all over Chicagoland, and his imaginative work for “She Loves Me” is one of his finest achievements. Painted in pastel pink, blue and green, and framed in off-white, the setting features an onstage bandstand for Rex Meyer’s talented five-member orchestra. The set also has a curtained center area, which instantly changes throughout the show to become the Parfumerie floor (with its rolling display cases), the shop workroom, the Cafe, Amalia’s bedroom and even a hospital ward. 

In addition, Danielle Reinhardt has outdone herself with an array of beautiful, well-tailored costumes that have been designed and crafted with care. Jodi Williams illuminates the production with just the right atmosphere and mood. The only problem with the production is the sound design. It amplifies the actors’ voices far too much. Alex Trinh could turn down the volume a bit and the audience would be much happier. Choreographer Amanda Schmidt has provided a few challenging dance steps for the cast, and David Zizic’s musical direction is, of course, spot-on for this enchanting show.      

This glorious and timeless Jerry Bock/Sheldon Harnick musical classic is flawlessly acted and beautifully sung in Matthew Silar’s polished professional production. It’s a colorful, classically stylish, old-fashioned romance that overflows with charm, beautiful songs and plenty of humor. In short, this charming Christmas gift is a timeless, tuneful treasure—the perfect entertainment present to herald in the holiday season. Love indeed is in the air in Lake Forest.  

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented November 17-December 17 by Citadel Theatre Company, 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 847-735-8554, x1, or by going to www.citadeltheatre.org.

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