Enemies-to-lovers and lovers-to-enemies: Find it all in ‘She Loves Me’
Trending
The WVU School of Theatre and Dance's production of the musical "She Loves Me" will run Oct. 22-25 at the Metropolitan Theatre in Downtown Morgantown.
In this musical adaptation of the play "Parfumerie" by Miklos Laszlo, a store clerk (Georg) and a salesgirl (Amalia) in a 1937 Hungarian parfumerie cannot stand each other but are unaware that they are conducting an anonymous romantic correspondence.
"It’s a timeless tale that anyone of any generation can connect with," said Ryan Scoble, assistant professor of Musical Theatre and director of "She Loves Me." "There's comedy, there's romance, there's a little bit of scandal. Plus, there's gorgeous music that's sung very well by our students."
"She Loves Me" made its Broadway debut in 1963 with a book written by Joe Masteroff, music by Jerry Bock, and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. The 2016 revival became the first ever Broadway show to be livestreamed.
Laszlo's "Parfumerie" has had several adaptations, including the 1940 film "The Shop Around the Corner" starring James Stewart and the 1949 musical "In the Good Old Summertime" starring Judy Garland. It was also the inspiration for the 1998 movie "You've Got Mail" starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.
"This show is about two people and the impact they have on each other, for better or worse," said Madeline Dalesio, a senior Musical Theatre major who plays Amalia. "It's about finding ways to love the best and the worst qualities in each other."
"It's also a show about self-identity and self-worth," added Alexa Sekercak, a senior Musical Theatre major who plays Ilona. "Different characters not only struggle with romance and friendship with others--they're fighting a battle within themselves."
"It's a story that resonates with people because it's about what we let people see and what we hide away--our false perceptions of people and what happens when we just read the cover, so to speak, not the book," said Scoble.
A tale of two loves
"She Loves Me" presents two contrasting romantic tropes--enemies-to-lovers and lovers-to-enemies--through its two main pairings: Georg and Amalia, whose romance takes centerstage, and Kodaly and Ilona, their coworkers.
The show begins with Amalia coming to Maraczek’s Parfumerie to ask for a job. When the assistant manager, Georg, dismisses her, Amalia proves herself to the owner by convincing a customer that a cigarette case is a musical candy box and Maraczek hires her.
"Amalia is an ambitious woman who knows what she wants," said Dalesio. "She's a woman who pisses people off, but if she were a man, she probably wouldn't have been brushed aside in the first place."
So from their first meeting, Georg and Amalia are at odds.
What the two don't know is that they've been corresponding anonymously after each responded to a "lonely hearts" ad in the newspaper. Despite all the letters they have exchanged, and all the emotional intimacy they have built, they only know each other as "Dear Friend."
Hogan Watson, a junior Musical Theatre major, has found a balance between Georg's abrasive and softer sides by drawing inspiration from famous interpretations of the character to create his own version.
"I find James Stewart's George very combative, and there are places where that works in the show, but there are a lot of points where I'm like 'No, Georg is much sweeter than that,'" said Watson. "And Tom Hanks brought an incredible sensitivity in 'You've Got Mail,' but also this strength because in that interpretation, he's already the boss."
Georg is the first to realize that his "Dear Friend" is none other than his workplace nemesis.
"I think he goes into that conversation with Amalia wanting to give her a chance, to be a little nicer and work it in that they're each other's 'Dear Friend,' but his mouth moves faster than his brain. He just can't shut up and let it happen," said Watson.
For Amalia, this is just another typical encounter with Georg.
"Earlier that day they were bickering and fighting," said Dalesio. "As much as he's rude to her, she combats him on the same level. She doesn't take it to heart--she just takes it and gives it right back."
Their adversarial dynamic shifts when Georg tends to Amalia after she becomes ill, showing her a softer side that he had previously reserved for his anonymous "Dear Friend." Amalia also finds herself warming up to her rival.
As Georg and Amalia's romance sweetens, the romance between their coworkers, Ilona and Kodaly, sours.
"If you were to pick one person in the show to hate, it would be Kodaly," said Andrew Holmes, a sophomore Musical Theatre major who plays the flirtatious ladies' man. "Everybody else has redeemable qualities. They apologize for their actions. Kodaly just doubles down, and he treats Ilona so poorly."
While Amalia is falling in love, Ilona is learning how to be more discerning in whom she gives her heart.
"Ilona has this journey of finding that love she's been seeking from other people, and she finds her own self-worth in the process," said Sekercak.
While the central storyline focuses on Amalia and Georg, all seven principal characters have shining moments, and the ensemble brings the musical numbers to life.
"As much as it is the Georg and Amalia show, everyone on stage could carry a show all on their own," said Watson. "This cast is packed with talent."
"All the actors onstage are just absolute stars," added Dalesio. "And it doesn’t end with just the people on the stage. All the people backstage are just powerhouses. The costumes are dazzling, the set pieces are elaborate and exciting, and I cannot wait for people to see this."
"She Loves Me" runs Oct. 22-24 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. at the Metropolitan Theatre in Downtown Morgantown. Tickets can be purchased online at go.wvu.edu/shelovesme, by phone at 304-293-SHOW or in person at the box office located in the main lobby of the WVU Canady Creative Arts Center, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"She Loves Me" is the second production in the 2026-27 WVU School of Theatre and Dance season. These live theatre and dance events are faculty-directed and completely student-produced including the acting, dancing, choreography, stage management, costuming, lighting, sound and scenic design and technology. "Celebration of Dance" and "As You Like It" come up next in late October and November, respectively. Learn more about the School of Theatre and Dance and see the full season calendar at theatre.wvu.edu.