Dear Friend, Go See She Loves Me!
Dear Friend; What’s hot at the Everett Village Theatre this season? She Loves Me, a classic tale of romantic comedy set in the 1930s about a man and a woman (main characters Georg and Amalia) who annoy each other at first sight.
These two have already fallen in love as pen pals through a Lonely Hearts advertisement but don’t realize they have met each other and work together daily. In their correspondence they simply call each other Dear Friend, not knowing any names or sharing any pictures. (Crazy to imagine in the current times, am I right?)
Eric Ankrim (Georg Nowak) and Allison Standley (Amalia Balash) //She Loves Me pre-production photo. // © 2019 Danielle Barnum //Property of Village Theatre
This particular production is exquisitely portrayed on a quant stage of bright colors, elegant lines and an enormous functioning prop that magically turns the stage into an old perfumery, inside and out. From start to finish your ears and eyes will be tickled with music and authentically classic costumes of the era. The cast hits the high notes with each number and fills the auditorium with quirky songs that can pull a person right into the narrative along with them.
While love is the key message in the playwright, the comedy shared between characters will keep an audience of all kinds laughing. Did I mention the live orchestra hidden in front of the stage? Oh yes, there is that too and they are equally amazing as the performers. Beautiful melodies surround the crowd completely.
The cast of She Loves Me // She Loves Me production photo. // © 2020 Tracy Martin // Property of Village Theatre.
There’s song, dance, humor, quick wit and romance all tied together on the stage before you. It’s a roller coaster of emotions as you watch the Georg and Amalia’s love unfold to everyone around them while they remain unaware. I found the play to be an adorable and flawless performance that also brought me back to a time when things seemed a little simpler and carried more charm.
This is a magical 40th anniversary for the Village Theatres and a perfect excuse to carry on (or create) a tradition in supporting the arts with family and friends.
A note from Village Theater: The health and safety of Village Theatre's family of staff, artists, volunteers, and audiences remains our top priority amidst this crisis. In response to the new mandates for social distancing announced by Governor Inslee and King and Snohomish Counties yesterday morning, all performances through the end of March have been cancelled.
The theater is located in the heart of downtown Everett at 2710 Wetmore Avenue, Everett, Washington 98201. The location is prime placement for making a full adventure with dinner, cocktails and a show all within walking distance from one another. Check out our food guides and make a plan.
Header image // Allison Standley (Amalia Balash). She Loves Me production photo. // She Loves Me production photo. // © 2020 Mark Kitaoka //Property of Village Theatre.
Everett Performing Arts Center
2710 Wetmore Ave.
Siobhain Melcer has been an Everettarian since 1987, lover of the city, the scenic views and all of the music in-between. Mother of cats. Chooses kindness over all.
