"She Loves Me"

July 25, 2026 — I was surprised to find I just wasn't inspired by She Loves Me at the Barnstormers in Tamworth, New Hampshire. Neither was the audience it seemed. Dialog led into songs in a way unusual in musicals. The songs got brief, polite applause just because experienced theater-goers know what's expected of us.

When Americans think musical play, they imagine Oklahoma, South Pacific, A Chorus Line, etc. She Loves Me is set in Hungary featuring Hungarian characters with Hungarian names, in a style not familiar to Americans.

The show comes with impressive credentials. With book by Joe Masterofff, music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, it premiered on Broadway in 1963 and ran for 301 performances, then was produced in the West End and received awards on both sides of the Atlantic. It became somewhat of a cult classic. It inspired the 1998 movie, You've Got Mail.

But a change took place near the end of Act 1. There were a few good laugh lines, the energy level went up, the audience responded positively. In Act 2 the songs were getting prolonged, noisy applause and cheers. There were some well-choreographed dance numbers. I came away feeling this was a great show! So did the rest of the audience.

The show takes place in a Budapest parfumerie (perfume and beauty products). Georg (Andrew O'Shanick), an assistant manager and Amalia (Selene Klasner with a terrific voice), constantly bickering at work, are unaware of another dimension of their relationship which I've chosen not to divulge in this review, even though it's well-known. Sorry, no spoiler alerts from me!

Also in the very talented cast were Will McGarrahan as Mr. Maraczek, the shop owner; Scott Cote as Ladislav Sipos, a salesman who believes Georg and Amalia unknowingly like each other; Jacob Erdody as Arpad Laszlo, a delivery boy; Aimee Doherty as Ilona Ritter who's having an affair with Steven Kodaly, played by Lee Hollis Bussie.

Also appearing were Hannah Nye, Jordan Eagle, Sophie Pankhurst, Michael Jennings Mahoney and Alex Jorth. I have to give special mention to Doug Shapiro, a Barnstormers favorite and certainly one of mine. He's the only actor that got his own round of applause from the Barnstormers regulars when he appeared on stage. His part in this production was minor, his character didn't even have a name, but he was important to the play.

Ilyse Robbins was director/choreographer for this production, a very impressive achievement. Michael Ursua was music director. Jane Howland's scenic designs produced some beautiful stage sets. Clara Jean Kelly designed costumes.

Talent was the keyword for this production. Strong talent in all areas.