What a romantic bon-bon is SHE LOVES ME! Lighter than air, sweeter than candy, more innocent than most of us can remember, Hungarian Miklos Laszlo’s story has certainly exceeded expectations in several directions. In addition to its original incarnation as a play, it has since been the basis of three movies and a musical. No matter. Lyric Opera Cleveland hit the jackpot with their version; an intimate production with a terrific cast that could not look or sound better, an excellent chamber orchestra in the pit, colorful yet sensible costumes and a versatile set that transforms itself easily and quickly from perfume shop/back room to nightclub to hospital or bedroom as needed.
Director Jacqi Loewy engages all the senses in her pacing and direction, and is ably assisted by Music Director Paul Transue. If you saw the original 1963 production of the Bock/Harnick/ Masteroff work and think it’s different from this one, you’re right, it is. A revival in 1993 made some changes in both words and music, and it is this version utilized by Lyric Opera Cleveland.
The basics are still the same: a young woman (Amalia) and a young man (Georg), unknown to each other, conduct a romance through letters. By chance, she secures employment where he works, and immediately, sparks fly. In the wrong direction! They can’t stand each other—in person. After an abortive attempt at a meeting, they each have regrets, until finally, disclosure is made and they admit to each other that the reality of the letters is the reality they most desire.
Maraczek’s Perfumerie in 1930s Budapest is the main setting and provides the ensemble with multiple goofy bits of charming entertainment. In addition to Amalia and Georg, splendidly portrayed by the incandescent Nicole Bégué and the beguiling, limber-legged Daniel Hoy, respectively, the shop’s owner Mr. Maraczek is capably played by Cleveland favorite Mitchell Fields. The other employees are the slightly world-weary older woman, Ilona Ritter (Fenlon Lamb), the conscientious Ladislav Sipos (Michael S. Preacely), the slightly smarmy opportunist Steven Kodaly (Dominic M Aquilino), and the over-eager delivery boy Arpad Laszlo (Alex Wyse).
These seven main characters are all allowed to fully develop their character in words and mannerisms. They each get a turn or two in the spotlight, and take great advantage of the opportunity! In smaller roles Nicholas Edwin as the Headwaiter and Jungwoo Kim as the Busboy generate laughs aplenty. A surprise appearance is that of Peter L. Rubin as the Inspector. It’s not often one sees a prominent CEO and civic leader on stage at the opera! In the audience, yes, but seldom up there in costume and all—speaking lines, yet!.
Lighting by Jeremy Benjamin, set design by Don McBride and costumes by Costume Specialists of Columbus add greatly to the charm of the production.
But it’s the songs—the tunes—that determines the success of a musical comedy. This one abounds with marvelous music, and familiar tunes. Standouts were the title song which came to vivid life with the singing and dancing of Mr. Hoy, with his goofy just-in-love demeanor. Ms. Bégué imbued Dear Friend and Vanilla Ice Cream with vivacity and gentle emotion.
Next up for Lyric Opera Cleveland is their final production “The Fall of the House of Usher” with music by Philip Glass on July 20, 23 and 24, followed on July 27 by their Annual Apprentice Showcase. For tickets or other information, visit their web-site: http://www.lyricoperacleveland.org.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz ArtsWriterATadelphia.net
(:divend:)