Harper College’s “She Loves Me” Brings Timeless Romance to Stage

The musical “She Loves Me” will light up the stage at Harper College from November 14-23, showcasing a charming tale of love and connection in a 1930s European perfumery. Directed by Kevin Long, the production features a story that revolves around two employees who, despite their apparent dislike for one another, unknowingly exchange heartfelt letters after responding to a lonely-hearts club advertisement.

Set against the backdrop of Europe just before the rise of fascism and the onset of World War II, the musical, which was adapted from a play by Miklos Laszlo, draws parallels to significant moments in history, including adaptations like “The Shop Around the Corner” and “You’ve Got Mail.” Long emphasized the relevance of the story during times of societal unrest, stating, “It’s a show with a giant heart, and it couldn’t come at a better time.”

Character Insights and Performances

In the musical, Bethany Brautigam portrays Amalia, the female lead who navigates the complexities of romance and personal insecurities. Brautigam expressed her excitement about the role, noting, “It’s such a fun role for a soprano. The character is really smart and funny and endearing.” She highlighted the relatable aspects of Amalia’s character, particularly her struggles with first impressions and romantic insecurities, making her journey resonate with many.

Brautigam’s performance includes powerful emotional moments, especially in songs like “Dear Friend,” where Amalia faces her lowest points, and “Where’s My Shoe?” which showcases a more playful side. “We get to see her at her lowest and we get to see her at her highest,” she explained, underscoring the character’s depth through her emotional range.

Opposite Brautigam, Sam Garrison takes on the role of Georg, Amalia’s male counterpart. Garrison, who has performed in over 20 shows in the last decade, found a personal connection with Georg’s character, describing him as shy yet romantic. “He wants to find love and he doesn’t know how, so he resorts to a lonely-hearts club,” Garrison said. His favorite songs in the production include “Grand Knowing You” and “12 Days to Christmas,” the latter being a lively number featuring “good chaos all around.”

Production Details and Community Engagement

The performances of “She Loves Me” are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays during the run from November 14 to 23, with ticket prices ranging from $15 to $25. In addition to the main show, there will be opportunities for audience interaction, including free “Coffee with the Director” sessions on November 16 and 23.

Long praised the creative team, including set designer Lauren Nichols, for their innovative approach to staging despite limited resources. “This show is like a piece of finely-woven fabric. Everybody’s got to be tightly tied to the world of the play,” he remarked.

In a nod to the musical’s historical context, free screenings of the films “You’ve Got Mail” and “The Shop Around the Corner” will take place on October 29 and November 1, respectively. These events aim to enhance audience appreciation for the source material and the themes explored in “She Loves Me.”

For more information on tickets and showtimes, interested individuals can contact Harper College at 847-925-6100 or visit their official events page. With its heartfelt narrative and engaging performances, “She Loves Me” promises to be a rewarding experience for all audiences.