The 1963 Broadway musical classic She Loves Me is sure to delight with comedy, dancing, and just a hint of romance. The Denison performances are free and open to the public, but tickets are required.
Showtimes at the Sharon Martin Theatre at the Eisner Center are:
She Loves Me, which inspired the beloved film You’ve Got Mail, follows the story of two feuding shop clerks, Georg and Amalia. As they begin falling in love with their respective pen pals, hijinks ensue on their monthslong journey that ends in a discovery: Sometimes love appears in the most unlikely of places.
Katie Kress ’25 plays Amalia in She Loves Me.
Katie Kress ’25 who plays Amalia, calls She Loves Me a “golden age musical mixed with a sprinkle of Disney pixie dust — a story full of vulnerability and the warm beauty in humanity: lovingness.”
Kress shares more insights about the musical in this Q&A.
Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself and your involvement with the theatre department at Denison?
A: I’m a junior majoring in music performance. She Loves Me is my 54th show, although it’s only my fifth time in the cast of a Denison production. In the past, I worked with DITA, which is Denison Independent Theater Association, on Midnight Mamma Mia, and it was super fun!
Q: Walk us through your character, Amalia. What’s she like?
A: Amalia is definitely the most hopeless romantic character in the show. She’s book clever and kind of introverted.
The more I get to know this character, the more I think that we share more similarities than I initially thought. I remember crying in Huffman Dining Hall when I found I was chosen for this role. Amalia feels so close to me that it feels like bringing a lot of my own personality on stage.
There are also raw emotions and vulnerabilities in this character that would make her very easy to relate to. In a way, I think it opens her up to the audience.
Q: Can you tell us a bit more about the play itself?
A: She Loves Me will definitely let your romance dreams soar, and magically somehow it’s still so real and close to one’s heart that anyone can relate.
The two main characters are Amalia and Georg, who both work at a perfumery and can’t stand each other. They each write anonymous love letters to an unknown person. The plot continues to unfold and walk us through the loneliness in both of their lives and their desperation for love. How the story ends — I’ll save that for you to come and enjoy!
Q: What are the main themes the play explores?
A: It’s a musical about desperately looking for love, falling in love, and not realizing love has always been right in front of our own eyes. It’s a fantasy world, but based on our very own reality. She Loves Me is a story full of vulnerability and the warm beauty in humanity: lovingness.
Q: What are you most excited about in She Loves Me?
A: You know how talented your friends are, but seeing them onstage and witnessing all the pieces fit together, you realize how amazing they truly are. Everything ties together like a little bow. Seeing the talent of my fellow cast members and the complex technical details of the set coming to life is truly rewarding.
Q: Is there anything you’d like to share about the play or your experience?
A: Talking about the historical context of the play, which takes place just before World War II, is a reminder that in times of hardship, works of art like this offer a much-needed escape and a sense of hope. Similarly, with all the social injustices going on in our reality, She Loves Me can be a little positive note and a warm bowl of soup for the soul. We all need a story that reminds us of a world where everything works out. It is important to pull out pieces like this to give people a sense of help.
On a personal note, I’m going to have a hysterical breakdown on stage! I’ll eat ice cream. If that doesn’t spark your curiosity enough, the dancing is going to be crazy. The cast is so talented. Gorgeous costumes. The technical effects of this will be amazing.
This is the kind of show where you don’t have to think hard. It’s gorgeous and it’s funny. It’s one you won’t want to miss!
She Loves Me
Book by Joe Masteroff, music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. Based on the play by Mikos Lazlos, directed by Brad Frenette.