Cast Announced for Romantic Musical She Loves Me
at The Hayes from August 24
The cast members have been announced for the upcoming romantic musical comedy, She Loves Me. Chosen for the inaugural Artist-Led Production Initiative, this heart-warming musical will charm audiences at Hayes Theatre Co from 24 August with tickets on sale now.
Playing the lead role of Georg is Rowan Witt. Fresh from treading the boards in his Helpmann nominated role playing Elder McKinley in the smash-hit The Book of Mormon, Rowan is well known at the Hayes after his mesmerising portrayal of Bernstein in the Australian premiere of Dogfight. Playing the lead role of Amalia, Georg’s co-worker, is Caitlin Berry, who returns from her scene stealing role in Melba. She has also performed in South Pacific, Lola Montez and Grey Gardens.
Also returning to the Hayes after her knockout performance in High Fidelity is Zoe Gertz, who will play unlucky in love, Ilona Ritter. Making his Hayes debut is the suave Kurt Phelan (Dirty Dancing), alongside the hilarious Jay James Moody (The Book of Mormon) playing the roles of Stephen Kodaly and Ladislov Sipos respectively. Joel Granger (Big Fish) plays Arpad Laszlo while Georgina Walker (Alice in Wonderland) and Suzanne Steele (Dream Lover) are ensemble members.
Set in 1930’s Europe, co-workers at Maraczek’s Parfumerie, Amalia and Georg are in love – just not with each other. In fact, you could say that in their case, it was loathe at first sight! Whilst engaged in their ongoing and bitter feud, the pair unknowingly find solace in one another by conducting an anonymous and passionate correspondence through a lonely-hearts column.
As Christmas approaches and the staff of Maraczek’s deal with demanding customers and complicated inter-personnel relationships, Georg and Amalia continue to clash, while pouring out their troubles to each other in letters. What will happen when the two finally decide to meet? Will love triumph when the truth is revealed?
She Loves Me is based on the original stage play Parfumerie which was later adapted into the films The Shop Around the Corner, In the Good Old Summertime and most recently the 1994 film You’ve Got Mail with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. This feel-good romantic comedy features a book by Tony Award winner Joe Masteroff, music by Tony Award winner Jerry Bock and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Sheldon Harnick.
She Loves Me boasts a stellar Australian creative team including up and coming director Erin James. James is the recipient of the inaugural Artist-Led Initiative and is a highly esteemed performer in numerous large-scale productions including GFO/ Opera Australia’s My Fair Lady and The King and I. Joining James is musical director Steven Kreamer (Assassins, Little Shop of Horrors) and choreographer Leslie Bell (Big River) with costumes and set design by Isabel Hudson (The View UpStairs, Dry Land) and lighting by Matt Cox (A View From the Bridge, Hamlet). This production is proudly sponsored by Frederic Marguerre and Rodrigo Martino.
Featuring the songs Vanilla Ice-Cream, Tonight at Eight and Will He Like Me, She Loves Me is a witty and enchanting chamber musical that will charm everyone’s socks off.
