by Jiana Martin ('26)
Tonight at 7:30 p.m. the Lyric Theatre will perform “She Loves Me” (its second of four shows) in Houghton Academy’s Tysinger Auditorium.
“She Loves Me” is a warm and charming romantic comedy – music by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick and a book by Joe Masteroff – set in a 1930s European perfumery owned by Mr. Maraczek.
Professor Amanda Cox, Director of Houghton’s Lyric Theatre, explained, “It is actually based on the same Hungarian play (“Parfumerie” by Miklos Laszlo) that inspired three movies, including the beloved film “You’ve Got Mail” starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks.”
The story follows two shop clerks, Amalia Balash and Georg Nowack, who initially cannot stand each other. After responding to a “lonely heart’s advertisement” in the newspaper, they are delighted and look forward the love letters they exchange. However, they do not realize they are corresponding with each other.
“I have had the most wonderful time directing this musical,” Cox added, “many of the roles are double cast and it has been such a joy to see each actor bring their own personality and choices to the role.”
Cox chose this production because it is her favorite musical and she had been waiting for the right time to put it on. She has played the role of Amalia twice and finds it to be a beautiful experience directing it now.
Emily Quick ‘23 is one of the two actresses playing the smart, hardworking, funny, and sometimes unhinged Amalia.
“I see a lot of myself in Amalia, so it’s been so much fun getting to portray a character that’s already very similar to me,” Quick commented. “It’s been great getting to explore such a relatable character who feels such a wide range of complicated emotions.”
Despite the challenges, she has enjoyed working with a double cast because it is fun to see how the characters vary depending on who’s performing.
Professor Benjamin Lipscomb, one of the two actors who play Mr. Maraczek, expressed, “It’s been a delight to work with students I already knew (and some I didn’t) as a collaborator.”
As he prepares for the show, Lipscomb has reflected on his character’s paternal relationship with the men working under him. He considers it essential to establish the relationship early on; otherwise, Mr. Maracek could come across as a jerk when he is stressed and irritated.
Emily Hanes ‘26, who plays Miss Illona Ritter, has enjoyed the opportunities to share fun moments with the cast.
“Even though we’ve had a lot of late nights, it truly is a joy to be able to do this show with all of these wonderful people,” Hanes stated. “It’s been a big blessing!”
Her favorite part of bringing her character to life has been exploring Illona’s journey from doubt and insecurity to finding love and herself.
“She starts off unsure of herself, caught in shallow relationships, but by the end, she finds her own voice and realizes she deserves true happiness,” Hanes explained.
Audiences can count on an enjoyable evening of laughter and smiling tears.
“The story is so fun, the characters hilarious and engaging, and the music is wonderful and will stick in your hearts and minds for days!” concluded Cox.
“She Loves Me” will perform a 2 p.m. matinee tomorrow, with a final performance at 7:30 p.m. that same night. ★
