As She Love Me opens, we’re transported back to Budapest in 1934. The orchestra is on both sides of the balcony, and music is everywhere. We focus in on a charming perfumery; the outside is frilly and pretty, and when we’re led inside, we find shelves stocked with dozens of dazzling perfumes. The owner, Mr. Maraczek (Byron Jennings), does a bustling business. He’s a dapper chap who’s dressed impeccably; he sports silver hair and a well-trimmed mustache. He obviously sets the tone for his shop. All the clerks are suited up, and gracious to the costumers in the extreme. They warble to those exiting with purchases “Thank you, madam, please call again. Do call again, madam,” even when the Christmas rush is running them ragged. But the workers are hardly a homogenous group. Each has an inner life full of hopes and fears. Georg Nowack (Zachary Levi) longs for someone to love and has joined a lonely hearts club. He writes frequently to his “Dear Friend,” but when he’s actually going to meet her, he’s terrified. Ilona Ritter (Jane Krakowski) is having what she hopes is a secret affair with the store lothario, Steven Kodaly (Gavin Creel). It’s obvious to everyone but Ilona that this will end badly. Ladislav Sipos (Michael McGrath) will do anything to keep his job so he can support his wife and kids; bowing and scraping is no problem. Arpad Laszlo (Nicholas Barasch) dreams of climbing from delivery boy to the exhausted position of clerk. Mr. Maraczek is clearly troubled, and takes out his anger on his former protégé, Mr. Nowack. Some of the staff has had to be laid off, but when Amalia Balash (Laura Benanti) arrives desperately needing a job, she won’t take “not hiring” for an answer. She quickly convinces a customer to buy an item that doesn’t seem promising, a cigarette box which plays music. Maraczek is impressed, and he hires her on the spot. Sparks fly between Georg and Amalia; they just cannot seem to get along. Amalia is also in the lonely hearts club, and cherishes the letters she’s received. Soon, she and her penpal will meet, and she wonders “Will He Like Me?” She keeps the date at the lush Café Imperiale, but Dear Friend never shows up. Worse yet, Georg does. Amalia is embarrassed and deeply disappointed. Of course, Georg and Amalia finally get together, Ilona realizes that Steven is a creep, and the mystery of Mr. Maraczek’s irrational behavior is solved. The audience is treated to beloved favorites, including “Tonight at Eight,” “Grand Knowing You,” the title song, and the aforementioned “Will He Like Me?” Director Scott Ellis has created a well-oiled machine with his ensemble cast, and included a couple of delightful surprises. Laura Benanti’s glorious soprano voice hits an unexpected high note which makes the audience gasp with pleasure. There’s a cartwheel which amusingly punctuates a moment of exuberance. There’s a tip of the hat to “Titanic,” a restaurant scene which recalls “Hernando’s Hideaway,” and a nearly impossible split by the eternally youthful and high spirited Jane Krakowski. In an outstanding cast, these women bring such talent, joy, and beauty to the evening, She Loves Me is elevated to an unforgettable theater experience. The sets and costumes are fanciful and totally in sync. Purple, pink, and deep red form the color palate, and there are charming little touches everywhere the eye can see. In fact, the only dark cloud in this creampuff fantasy is the fact that in 1934 Budapest, it’s all about to come to a grim end. She Loves Me captures a brief moment in time, when life revolved around perfume shops, music boxes, bonbons, and love affairs. Let the band play on — both sides of the stage — and let’s pretend that this magical journey can last forever.
