Photos by Joan Marcus
I must admit that I revel in a well written old-fashioned musical. “She Loves Me” written by Joe Masteroff with music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick is in my opinion, a sweet confection worth spending calories on. This beautifully cast show at Roundabout had me, and I savored every song, dance move and funny moment.
Zachary Levi has amazing chemistry with Laura Benanti and sings “She Loves Me” with such passion it brought me to tears. It is his best role to date!
Laura Benanti plays Amalia Balash as a smart and talented perfume sales star. She sings like an opera star and knows how to charm and delight with her comedic chops. Michael McGrath, who never disappoints, is hilarious as a perfume salesman with many funny moments especially when he dances. Peter Bartlett just has to speak to make me laugh as a snobbish manager at a happening club for lovers and Jane Krakowski and Gavin Creel create magic when they Tango.( She does amazing splits)
The entire production will leave you on a cloud of happiness. I was literally on a sugar high from this production. The casting is pure magic and every detail and every role including the entire ensemble make it a flawless diamond and one to cherish and adore.
Mr. Sheldon Harnick, I am here to tell you I am in love with this production and seeing it made my week better. In a perfect World, this musical will have an open-ended run on Broadway so it can bring joy to the entire World. See it at the Roundabout at Studio 54 and hoping that some smart Broadway Producers will take this current cast and bring it to a permanent home.
Stars: 5 out of 5. (Yes, this is a rave!)
This is Corine Cohen for Broadwayshowbiz Network.
