Review: BroadHollow's SHE LOVES ME

BroadHollow's latest offering, the multi Tony winning musical She Loves Me, boasts a superb ensemble cast that wonderfully delivers this sugary-sweet production with panache. Well, mostly sugary-sweet... there are some tense moments peppered throughout. Running through February 26th at their BayWay Theatre in East Islip, Long Island (then continuing to their Elmont location), this incarnation is excellently directed by Bobby Kabat.

In a hilarious story of finding love, we follow Georg Nowack and Amalia Balash who are co-workers at Maraczek's Parfumerie. They tend to clash, to put it mildly. Throughout the show, however, they are unaware that they have been writing each other through a "lonely hearts" club. BroadHollow vets Tracylynn Conner and Michael Mandato delightfully portray the unsuspecting co-workers.

First, Ms. Conner's stunning soprano voice is a perfect fit for Amalia Balash truly making you feel exactly what she is going through. Frustration, jubilance, a balance of nervousness and confidence in starting a new job... it's all there and Ms. Conner exudes each emotion exquisitely. Indeed, audience favorites from the charming Jerry Bock/ Sheldon Harnick score include Ms. Conner's adorable renditions of "Where's My Shoe" and "Vanilla Ice Cream".

And Mr. Mandato is excellent as Georg Nowack. Georg is a shy man, but a hopeless romantic. I would venture to say he's more thrilled he's "found someone" than Amalia is! In addition to a terrific overall performance, Mr. Mandato's renditions of "Tonight At 8" and "She Loves Me" also bring a rousing round of applause.

The entire company is really top-notch as is Mr. Kabat's splendid creative team. With the music on tracks, Dana McDonald's chorography flows well. This is enhanced beautifully by Hemraj Budhram's spot-on lighting design and Joseph Kassner's beautiful costumes. Incidentally, Mr. Kassner, who is featured in this production as the waiter, gives a side-splitting performance of "Romantic Atmosphere" in Act Two.

And so, She Loves Me is indeed another hit for the BroadHollow Theatre Company. Perfect for a Valentines holiday date, this sappy story will certainly leave you smiling. A strong cast and lovely production make for an exultant night of theatre.

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BroadHollow Theatre Company presents She Loves Me at the BayWay Theatre through February 26th and at their Elmont location from March 18th through April 2nd.

Book by Joe Masteroff, Music by Jerry Bock, Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, Directed by Bobby Kabat, Stage Management by Allegra Mattel, Choreography by Dana McDonald, Musical Direction by Brian Sweeney, Technical Direction by Robert Butterly, Lighting Design by Hemraj Budhram, Costume Design by Joseph Kassner

Starring Michael Mandato, Tracylynn Conner, Jim Sluder, Anthony Arpino, James Taffurelli, Frank Tangredi, Graham Burdick, Kelsey Gronda, Niki Kuttler, Tara Kennedy, Chrissy Menfi, Michael Buscemi, John Emro, Joseph Kassner, and Morgan Faye Neunedel

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