THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, April 11, 1996 TAG: 9604110023
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E5 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Theater Review
SOURCE: BY MAL VINCENT, THEATER CRITIC
LENGTH: Medium: 87 lines
``SHE LOVES ME'' is a show that, up until its Broadway revival two years ago, had received legendary status even though relatively few people had seen it. In theater circles, those of us who missed the 1963 original (which ran only 320 performances) were considered both theatrically illiterate and outright unfortunate.
The old-timers, or even those who had merely been exposed to the original cast album, elevated it to cult status, claiming that it was one of the great unrecognized gems of Broadway's past.
Now, in a blast of stage lights at Chrysler Hall, there is proof that the legend was not a myth. This is indeed a charming, light and deft little musical that puts the ``theater'' back in musical theater.
In what is surely the most varied theatrical season in Chrysler Hall's history, this is the ``little'' romance that is the other side of the ledger from the spectacular showmanship of a ``Phantom'' or the bombastic newness of a ``Jekyll/Hyde.'' This is a simple little bit of romantic fluff that depends on character more than costumes and plot more than production.
Its plot is simplicity defined. Two clerks who work in a perfume-cosmetic shop in Budapest fall in love with the pen pals to whom they've written for several years. Georg and Amalia, the two long-distant lovers, have no idea that the object of each's affection is in the shop. In fact, the two dislike each other intently. They have tiffs and spats. They argue constantly, but, of course, we know that sooner or later they are going to realize that they've been writing all those love notes to each other.
This light confection has had a varied route to its present Broadway musical version. It began as a play by Miklos Laszlo in the 1930s. In 1940, a movie adaptation directed by the master of stylish romance Ernst Lubitsch was a hit. It was called ``The Shop Around the Corner'' and starred James Stewart and Norfolk's own Margaret Sullavan as the unaware lovers.
In 1949, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer turned the same plot into the musical ``In the Good Old Summertime'' with Judy Garland and Van Johnson as the spatting romancers in a music shop. It used familiar musical standards.
The present musical score, with music by Jerry Bock and super-smart lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, debuted on Broadway in 1963. It was directed by Harold Prince. Barbara Cook and Daniel Massey had the leads. That was the year dominated by ``Hello, Dolly!'' and ``Funny Girl.'' ``She Loves Me'' was perceived as being perhaps too quiet and romantic for its own good.
It may still have that problem.
If you want a ``big'' show, this is not it. Most of it is set in the shop, with simple fold-out scenery that is changed by two doormen in liveried costume. There is only one dance number - a modest kind of tango. This is an intimate musical that cajoles its audience with romance rather than grabbing it with shouts.
Yet there is a joy in the exuberance of the two lovers finally realizing that they care. Timothy A. Booth, a native of Charlottesville, fairly bursts with enthusiasm as he sings that title song: ``She loves me, but she doesn't know it. . . . She loves me, but she doesn't show it.'' His joy is infectious.
Stephanie Lynge brings a pert vitality and bright personality to the role of Amalia. Her clear soprano voice is perhaps the more winsome ingenue than one usually thinks of as the leading lady, but she brings a spark to what is perhaps the score's most clever song, ``Vanilla Ice Cream.''
``She Loves Me'' takes its time about developing its plot. It is best when it sticks to its two young lovers and perilously off-course when it tackles subplots concerning the shop owner's marital problems and a suave lady killer who works in the shop.
There are moments, though, in which you wonder how long they can keep the boy and girl from finally meeting.
If you can adjust to the leisurely pacing, which you should, ``She Loves Me'' evolves as a likable little romantic confection that is designed to be a dessert, not a main course. MEMO: THEATER REVIEW
What: ``She Loves Me,'' the musical with music by Jerry Bock and
lyrics by Sheldon Harnick
Where: Chrysler Hall in Norfolk
When: Tonight through Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 7:30 p.m.,
matiness at 2 p. m. Saturday and Sunday
Tickets: $27 to $35 at the box office, Ticket Master outlets or call
671-8100 ILLUSTRATION: Photo
The original 1994 Broadway company of ``She Loves Me,'' the musical
that opens tonight at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk.
by CNB