Review by Jeanne Kinley Deller

Village Theatre’s adaptation of “She Loves Me,” fully encapsulated in a flawlessly charming set, delivers anticipated heart and levity with its artful, high-spirited cast. 

Upon perusal of Village’s ‘encore 50’ program, you’ll find fun facts beginning with ‘5 Shows You Didn’t Know Are Based on the Same Story.’  Many theatre aficionados, without doubt, are well aware of the fact that “She Loves Me” and the movie “You’ve Got Mail” are pretty much one and the same. Most, however, are unaware that this endearing tale came to life in 1937, under the title “Parfumerie.” Trust Village Theatre to enhance your knowledge of theatrical tidbits – you’ll find the “encore 50” discussion most informative. 

While “She Loves Me” saunters somewhat leisurely through Act I, it escalates with lightning speed in Act II. Allison Standley (as Amalia) and Eric Ankrim (as Georg) are deliciously delirious in portraying the muddle their characters find themselves in the number “Where’s My Shoe?” On the heels of “Where’s My Shoe,” Ms. Stanley raises the bar even higher in Amalia’s “Vanilla Ice Cream” antics. Taryn Darr (as Ilona Ritter) gives a delightfully endearing performance with “A Trip to the Library.”

Village Theatre’s “She Loves Me” orchestra is superb, period costumes are remarkably spot-on, rousing dance numbers are amazingly clever, versatile, and thoroughly engaging . . . this production is clearly a winner in every way.

Perfectly orchestrated for families (though maybe a tad slow for young children), “She Loves Me” promises an invigorating night of musical theatre for teens, in-betweens, parents, and (of course!) grandparents. On stage at Issaquah Village Theatre now through February 23, and Everett Performing Arts Center from February 28 through March 22, 2020.

“She Loves Me” tickets are available here.