Don’t get us wrong. She Loves Me is undoubtedly a musical comedy that will have you walking out of the theatre grinning from ear to ear. And yet, in many ways She Loves Me sets that joy as defiance against the struggles particular to 1930s Hungary. Between the two wars, the nation seemed in a constant battle to form a self-identity amid its rampant economic uncertainty. Resident
As a skillful, dedicated, and strong-willed young woman, Amalia has just lost her job due to the shop’s closure and has stopped into Maraczek’s to secure a new job. She is a single woman with dreams and ambitions, who continuously uses her hardships as motivation. Not dissuaded by several attempts by both Georg and Mr. Maraczek himself to send her away, she’s able to land the job of a sales clerk by putting on a dress that gives her enough confidence to prove her worth and talent. Amalia’s outfit for the first scene plays a powerful role—almost a manifestation of her ability to find beauty in the ordinary aspects of life—whether it be a breezy patterned dress or a musical cigarette case.
The final step consists of seeing how actress and costume work together in action at dress rehearsal, under the lights and stress of actual performance. After a minor adjustment here to ensure the skirt swishes just right and a few tweaks to the accessories, the audience is left with a dress—months in the making—that perfectly reflects Amalia’s character and situation. Because Amalia is not just a working woman; she is also a romantic, hoping to find someone with whom she is “one in mind and heart.” Whether she does or not…well, you’ll just have to see the show!
She Loves Me is on stage now through December 9. Get your tickets today!