I was one of the frantic shoppers in the Okemos Barn’s 1973 version of She Loves Me, and I saw a fine version at Riverwalk in 1999, so I was not that excited to see it yet again — but this 2017 version proved to be the topper: stylish and charming all around, with fabulous voices, great orchestra (John Dale Smith) super set (Bob Nees with Eric Chatfield’s scenography) wonderful 1930’s costumes (Laura Croff & crew) and fun choreography (Rachel Cupples and Meghan Eldred) —all beautifully coordinated by first-time-at-Riverwalk but obviously experienced (at DeWitt Schools) director, Meghan Eldred-Woolsey.
Meghan's new husband and frequent star of Riverwalk, Owosso and Peppermint Creek shows, Adam Woolsey, was once again on top of his game as our hero, Georg, running the gamut of emotions, in love with a woman he “hates,” the silver voiced Kelley Lofton. Kelley stepped out of the choruses of Grease and Catch Me If You Can to soar in the super-soprano role of Amalia. Sarah Hayner was back — after charming us in Wonder of the World — this time reveling in a more worldly role as the unlucky-in-love Ilona, seduced and abused by the underhanded womanizer Kodaly (Alex Quinlan.) Kyle Harwood was a wry and amiable foil as Sipos. Bill Henson was a perfect Mr. Maraczek, bossy but benevolent. Isaac Orr shined as both the delightful dancing busboy and earnest, adorable Arpad, the ambitiously cheery delivery boy. This role was played in 1999 by Edric Haleen (then Spivey) who returned to this show in a stormy gem of a featured role as the beleaguered head waiter fighting to preserve his restaurant’s romantic atmosphere.
This show is a “beautiful adventure, with a lot of laughter and a touch of confusion and frustration” as Meghan says in her illuminating Director’s Note. It deserved its standing ovation, and deserves to play to full houses for the rest of the run (7pmThurs/8pm Fri-Sat/2pm Sun) through September 24. Call 482-5700 for reservations or get tickets online at
http://www.riverwalktheatre.com
Meghan's new husband and frequent star of Riverwalk, Owosso and Peppermint Creek shows, Adam Woolsey, was once again on top of his game as our hero, Georg, running the gamut of emotions, in love with a woman he “hates,” the silver voiced Kelley Lofton. Kelley stepped out of the choruses of Grease and Catch Me If You Can to soar in the super-soprano role of Amalia. Sarah Hayner was back — after charming us in Wonder of the World — this time reveling in a more worldly role as the unlucky-in-love Ilona, seduced and abused by the underhanded womanizer Kodaly (Alex Quinlan.) Kyle Harwood was a wry and amiable foil as Sipos. Bill Henson was a perfect Mr. Maraczek, bossy but benevolent. Isaac Orr shined as both the delightful dancing busboy and earnest, adorable Arpad, the ambitiously cheery delivery boy. This role was played in 1999 by Edric Haleen (then Spivey) who returned to this show in a stormy gem of a featured role as the beleaguered head waiter fighting to preserve his restaurant’s romantic atmosphere.
This show is a “beautiful adventure, with a lot of laughter and a touch of confusion and frustration” as Meghan says in her illuminating Director’s Note. It deserved its standing ovation, and deserves to play to full houses for the rest of the run (7pmThurs/8pm Fri-Sat/2pm Sun) through September 24. Call 482-5700 for reservations or get tickets online at
http://www.riverwalktheatre.com
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