Written by orange• December 15, 2024• 6:40 am• Laguna beach, No Square Theatre, Review, Theater, Uncategorized

She Loves Me @ No Square Theatre in Laguna Beach – Review

Written by Patrick Chavis

She Loves Me is playing now at No Square Theater in Laguna Beach from December 7 to 15, 2024.

Based on the tale that inspired the film You Got Mail in the 1990s, Director Lauren Elder’s staging delivers on the comedic timing and dramatic peaks and valleys but with a more modest presentation of showmanship.

Story:

No Square presents She Loves Me, the musical, a love story set in 1930s Budapest, Hungary, about two co-workers at a perfumery who have fallen in love over mailed letters but have never revealed their identities to each other. Will George Nowack (Griffin Glenn) and Amalia Balash (Anna Martin) ever learn the truth? This and more in this comedic musical, She Loves Me.

Music:

The music direction and live band ensemble conducted by Roxanna Ward excelled at the various ballads and waltz-like voicing used throughout. With music from Jerry Bock and lyrics from Sheldon Harnick, this seven-piece ensemble’s musical approach was better than average across the board.

George Nowack (Griffin Glenn) & Mr. Maraczek (Rob Harryman)

Acting:

Most of the pieces presented are filled with noteworthy performances movement-wise and vocally, with some choices that seemed less thought-through or inventive. With some good, almost incredible performances, this cast has minor vocal issues, pitch, and vocals. What really came through strongly was Griffin Glenn’s old-school, leading man portrayal of Georg Nowack. He is lively and genuine in his reactions and timing with the dialogue.

Connor Francis (Steven Kodaly) has some of the best vocals in the production, and every moment and performance from Kodaly is impactful and impeccably delivered. Especially in the romantic but deceptive tune “IIona”;near the end of the first act.

Anna Martin’s “Vanilla Ice Cream” is a testament to her control of her upper range. She took us on an enjoyable journey from disgust to genuine love.

Oscar Aguilar gives a noteworthy performance in the tune “Perspective,” a funny tune that explains Ladislav Sipos’s worldview.

Arpad Laszlo (Sean Hawkins) & Ladislav Spios (Oscar Aguilar)

Set/Costume Design:

The set design from Joe Lauderdale is functional, putting many of the backdrops on rollers. In most cases, the simple use of curtains, props, and lighting rapidly change to the next scene. While the design was successful, it didn’t do much to elevate the material.

Brigitte Harper’s costume work has a solid eye for eye-catching pieces, as evidenced by the various dresses and gowns worn throughout this colorful piece.