Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on SHE LOVES ME at Boston's Huntington.
Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on SHE LOVES ME at Boston's Huntington.
#1Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on SHE LOVES ME at Boston's Huntington.
Posted: 5/24/08 at 10:48am
E40 
She Loves Me
Musical Revival
Huntington Theater Company
BU Theater
5/23 8 pm
2 hours and 30 minutes (with 1 intermission)
Tix price : $50.00 (thru our subscriptions)
INTRO:
What a great way to end Huntington's 2007-08 Season with this Bock & Harnick's musical, SHE LOVES ME! and what a great going away present from Nicholas Martin, the artistic director of Huntington Theater Company to all Bostonians who have no chance to go to NYC (every weekend to catch all the latest on Broadway.. 
) to experience a first rate production like the pre-broadway try-outs of 39 STEPS and STREAMERS (that will go off-broadway next season at Roundabout's Laura Pels Theater) the world premieres of Theresa Rebeck's MAURITIUS. August Wilson's RADIO GOLF and the regional premieres of WELL (with Lisa Kron), SHINING CITY , RABBIT HOLE and KIKI & HERB: Alive from Broadway...to name a few.. and its all due to our great artistic director! Martin will be the next artistic director of Williamstown Theater Festival in Williamstown, MA..
and to Mr. Nicholas Martin.. Thank you soo much for all the great years you spent with us! We can't thank you enough.. you have given us~theater loving Bostonians...so much memories to cherish!
Things I LIKE about the musical
1. Scenic Design by James Noone (Broadway's LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES) :
-Wow and wow. Really Huntington must have spent most of their budget with these gorgeous sceneries.
- The stage has two level- all blue...The second level is where the orchestra is located. The first level where most of the action takes place.. its the facade of the Maraczek's parfumerie, inside of the store and Cafe Imperiale.
-Maraczek's parfumerie : 1st level - the shelves are white & yellow that beautifully contrasted to the blue walls of the entire stage.. the parfumerie's facade at the beginning complete with display windows and door - that would open on the sides..then the whole set will move forward to the stage center.. two display windows with perfumes at the second level would open.. additional shelves will come from left and right (the parfumerie door ) of the stage and will enclosed the entire set to form the inside of the parfumerie.. then the main set retracts back and the windows and doors will appear on the side on the panel ~to form the facade of the parfumerie.. The orchestra is on the second level with see-thru panel- that look like a display window of a store.. its really cute!
-also two beautiful tiffany chandeliers that matches the floor of the parfumerie.
-The inside of the parfumerie (back of store-like stocking room) the main parfumerie set will rotate and the other side would reveal the inside of the store. very very impressive!
- Cafe Imperiale: The first floor (as seen thru the production photos section) with all the red curtains, second flloor - the orchestra which cleverly become a part of the cafe (with red curtains/drapes too and a beautiful painting at the background) two beautiful elegant chandeliers came down to finish the look of the cafe~same location where the tiffanies of the parfumeries.
-There's two more sets- the hospital set and Amalia's bedroom which are on stage right and stage left (where the additional shelves from the parfumeries came)
-The Fall and Winter Scenes are amazing...leaves falling down from the set and snow flakes.
NOTE : The scenery itself is WORTH the price of admission!
2. The Orchestra: Another wow! though not as many as in SOUTH PACIFIC & GYPSY, but definitely a FULL-ORCHESTRA..All wearing black ties! When it was first revealed to the audience~it got the same reaction as in Vivian Beaumont & St. James. Everyone was clapping during the Overture. Aah! The sound of a full orchestra with violin, viola, cello, oboe, trumpets. french horn, bass, percussion, accordion and harp! They are located at the second floor of the set. Its really perfect on the Cafe Imperial scene.
Note: They used same orchestration as in the 1993 Revival Cast Recording.
THE THREE STAND- OUT PERFORMERS:
3. Brooks Ashamankas- I was actually on the fence with him. Ive seen him in Huntington's Present Laughter & THE RITZ. I was very happy with him last night. He was very good in the role of Georg. He did his usual 'frolicking around the stage" ...it was different this time on She Loves Me number...it was not his usual "over the top", though its very funny and very appropriate to the role. Did I mention that he belted few notes from that song too? A great actor and one of my favorite. He cant really do no wrong in my book!
4. Kate Baldwin- I was actually disappointed with the last time I saw her at NSMT's THE THREE MUSKETEERS. That's why I was not expecting much from her. Boy..I was wrong! she was definitely FANTASTIC as Amalia... I never really appreciate how pretty is her voice..beautiful operatic voice! actually I thought she sounded better than the 1993 Revival Cast Recording. She definitely won me over! Another reason to see the show is her! Dont be discourage that the leads are not like famous Broadway stars... they are very excellent in their respectives roles!
5. Jessica Stone as Ilona. one word- FANTASTIC! she got a very powerful voice..she really did jutsice to the song, "I Resolve! " everytime she's onstage.. she really bring this great energy.
6. Other Actors & Ensembles are all great.
a. Dick Latessa- love him in HAIRSPRAY...and he sang my favorite song in the musical, "Days Gone By"~ beautifully executed.
b. Troy Britton Johnson- that cute groom Robert Martin from DROWSY CHAPERONE..
though sometimes.. I feel that he was doing the same role in Drowsy but nevertheless he was very funny and his Ilona number was fabulous!
NOTE : This is one musical that I love all the cast..no one is a weak link!
7. Costume Design by Robert Morgan: Fabulous period clothes. I love Amalia's pink dress at the Cafe Imperial Scene. The females cast clothes looks like they are made of satin...very elegant to look at.
8. Choreography by Dennis Jones (Broadway Bares) not much dancing but the Cafe Imperial's A Romantic Atmosphere number is to die for! Great acrobatic moves on the part of male dancers..and my god! Dennis know how to cast a good looking dancer like that cutie Matthew Warner Kiernan.
9. The Music of Jerry Bock & Sheldon Harnick. This is one of my favorite score.
10. The Direction of Nicholas Martin: This is a show that everything is perfect...from the actors, to the scenery, to the lighting. to the costumes...to the choreography and was perfectly all put together by Mr. Martin. What a great parting gift to us.. bostonians! The audience reaction was great..everyone was laughing hard at Brooks' physical comedic style and falling in love with Kate Baldwin. The audience were very enthusiastic and happy with the entire show!
-I dont know if this production has officially opened yet? but I am predicting GREAT RAVE REVIEWS for the show!
Things I DID NOT LIKE about the musical
N O N E : I cant really think of anything that I did not like about the revival. I was very satisfied with this production! Worth every penny we paid!
In Summary:
GO SEE THE SHOW! I am very glad that the same production will go this summer to Williamstown Theater Festival in Williamstown, MA on June 27 to July 12 bec. this show deserves to be seen. Its definitely a better production than some shows that are currently playing on Broadway-far more superior! I truly hope that this production will find its way on Broadway in the near future! SHE LOVES ME is playing at Huntington's BU Theater from 5/16 to 6/15.
I really had a great evening last night! 
Thanks
J*
Score: 10/0- HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! 
BU Theater
Huntington Theater Company
Boston, MA.
Production Photos
(from Boston Globe) 
-for more production photos & scenic design:
Click here to see the AUDIO SLIDE SHOW and click PLAY:
https://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/specials/052308review/
The Program 
**
Stage Door Photos
with Troy Britton Johnson 
with Kate Baldwin & Brooks Ashmankas 
Chris with Kate & Brooks 
with Jessica Stone 
My Autographed Program 
Updated On: 5/24/08 at 10:48 AM
#2re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on SHE LOVES ME at Boston's Huntington.
Posted: 5/24/08 at 11:05amThis show is very good, mostly due to the staging and cast. Brooks Ashmashkis is hilarious as usual. I'm a big fan, I think he is a great comdedic actor. I had seen him twice before, both times as a gay guy, in The Ritz and in Present Laughter (he re-interpreted the role of the male fan as gay). He is always over the top, and makes the audience roar. I was wondering if he could pull it off in a straight role, and he did. All his funny faces and body language made everyone giggle....he is perfect for the role of a nervous, self-conscious, boisterous guy looking for love. Kate Baldwin has the voice of an angel, and Jessica Stone is a good offset...very powerful, brassy voice. The chemistry between all the actors is excellent. This is well worth seeing, if you have a chance.
Swing Joined: 12/31/69
#2re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on SHE LOVES ME at Boston's Huntington.
Posted: 5/24/08 at 11:11amWhat about Jeremy Beck as Arpad? Seems he'd be ten years too old for the part - how did he come off?
#3re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on SHE LOVES ME at Boston's Huntington.
Posted: 5/24/08 at 11:14amLooks like an AMAZING cast. Brooks is wonderful! Glad you both enjoyed it! Thanks for all the photos.
"The sexual energy between the mother and son really concerns me!"-random woman behind me at Next to Normal
"I want to meet him after and bang him!"-random woman who exposed her breasts at Rock of Ages, referring to James Carpinello
gymdudeva
Broadway Star Joined: 1/29/07
#4re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on SHE LOVES ME at Boston's Huntington.
Posted: 5/24/08 at 11:19am
What about Jeremy Beck as Arpad? Seems he'd be ten years too old for the part
We did a community theatre production where our Arpad was about 35 in real life! (We actually ended up dating.) I googled Jeremy Beck, and he reminds me of our Arpad....
#5re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on SHE LOVES ME at Boston's Huntington.
Posted: 5/24/08 at 11:24amI'm glad this was a good production, because I'm a huge Brooks Ashmanskas fan and was really rooting for him on this one.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
#6re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on SHE LOVES ME at Boston's Huntington.
Posted: 5/24/08 at 11:32amsounds like a lot of fun!
#7re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on SHE LOVES ME at Boston's Huntington.
Posted: 5/24/08 at 12:49pmHow old is Jeremy Beck? I thought he was adorable!
"I seem to have wandered into the BRAIN load-out thread... "
-best12bars
"Sorry I am a Theatre major not a English Major"
-skibumb5290
-best12bars
"Sorry I am a Theatre major not a English Major"
-skibumb5290
#8re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on SHE LOVES ME at Boston's Huntington.
Posted: 5/24/08 at 12:55pm
TheActr97J- I saw you last night! I was not sure, if that's you...that's why I did not say ..hi! I cant believe we saw the same show~you were sitting at Orchestra Front Center Row B and I was on Orchestra E...Funny how...we were just chatting via yahoo messenger earlier that afternoon.. I did not even realize you were from Boston too! I did not make the connections! Talking about anonymous chat friends...lol! Did you like the show?
Jeremy Beck was okay. When I don't mention the cast in my report ..it means not in my like list or did like list...
J*
Updated On: 5/24/08 at 12:55 PM
#9re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on SHE LOVES ME at Boston's Huntington.
Posted: 5/24/08 at 1:07pm
Damn Jay! I had no idea! I can be so oblivious sometimes. We could have stage doored together!
I absolutely loved the show. It was my first time experiencing this little gem in its entirety and boy, I was just a teary mess all the way though. The show's instantly moved into my top ten favorite musicals.
"I seem to have wandered into the BRAIN load-out thread... "
-best12bars
"Sorry I am a Theatre major not a English Major"
-skibumb5290
-best12bars
"Sorry I am a Theatre major not a English Major"
-skibumb5290
#10re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on SHE LOVES ME at Boston's Huntington.
Posted: 5/24/08 at 3:50pmGreat review. I love this show! Wish I could see it.
thatgirl712
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/29/08
#11re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on SHE LOVES ME at Boston's Huntington.
Posted: 5/24/08 at 5:14pm
Wonderful as always Jay! I must really try and see it
If I heard the bells and the banjos ring
Updated On: 5/24/08 at 05:14 PM
CurtainPullDowner
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/4/04
#12re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on SHE LOVES ME at Boston's Huntington.
Posted: 5/24/08 at 5:37pm
Great reporting and pics as usual jaybird.
Looking at the pics I was wondering what happened to Kate Baldwin's face, something looks off.
#13re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on SHE LOVES ME at Boston's Huntington.
Posted: 5/25/08 at 7:46am
Jay - Thanks for a great review again. I really enjoyed reading your continuos 10/10 reports and looking at the photos. When are you coming back to New York City?
Updated On: 5/25/08 at 07:46 AM
MCfan2
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/29/06
#14re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on SHE LOVES ME at Boston's Huntington.
Posted: 5/25/08 at 8:08amThank you for that detailed report and all the pictures. I do wish I could see it!
shesamarshmallow
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/23/06
#15re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on SHE LOVES ME at Boston's Huntington.
Posted: 5/25/08 at 8:28amUgh, She Loves Me is my favorite show but I don't have the time or budget to get out to either Boston or Williamstown to catch it. Boo!!!
broadwayunderstudies.com - most underrated performers on broadway
sszabo
Swing Joined: 11/19/07
#16re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on SHE LOVES ME at Boston's Huntington.
Posted: 5/25/08 at 7:28pm
I went to go see She Loves Me this afternoon and I must echo Jaystarr's review. The show was absolutely outstanding! I went and got a student rush ticket for 15 dollars and was front and center mezzanine, I couldn't believe my luck.
Everything about the show was perfectly executed. I was not too familiar with the show before today but now I am in love. It's a crime that more people don't know about this show. The show had me hooked at the overture. I was in awe at how stunning the set and costumes were. There were some really breathtaking moments that gave me chills, especially at the end in the snow. The restaurant scene was great and had the whole audience in stitches as did the title song in Act 2 which was wonderful.
I plan to go see it again, it was that much fun. Anyone who has a chance to go see this show do yourself a favor and get a ticket. The show more than lived up to the glowing reviews it has been receiving.
#17re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on SHE LOVES ME at Boston's Huntington.
Posted: 5/25/08 at 10:29pmI haven't seen She Loves Me yet, but you should definitely review History Boys at Speakeasy. I thought it was fantastic.
#18re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on SHE LOVES ME at Boston's Huntington.
Posted: 5/26/08 at 8:49am
NYCboy2- I just got back last night. We went to NYC yesterday to see BOEING-BOEING. I will be in the city again next week, will forward you the details.
To everyone-Thanks for your response & inputs again! I will post my 10/10 Report on BOEING-BOEING later today!
J*
Updated On: 5/26/08 at 08:49 AM
MCfan2
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/29/06
#19re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on SHE LOVES ME at Boston's Huntington.
Posted: 5/26/08 at 2:09pm
"It's a crime that more people don't know about this show."
I agree. It's such a wonderful little show.
#20re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on SHE LOVES ME at Boston's Huntington.
Posted: 5/26/08 at 2:44pm
Saw this on Saturday afternoon (also from row E orchestra, Jay.) What a terrific show! I agree with everything you said in your review. Thanks for the pics.
Jeremy Beck did not look too old. He's short and very thin. He looked to be about 17 or so to me. As to his performance, he was very good acting-wise and his comedic timing was notable.
Art has a double face, of expression and illusion.
#21re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on SHE LOVES ME at Boston's Huntington.
Posted: 5/26/08 at 10:34pm
I am glad that you guys like the show too! and please if you live in Boston or around here..Pls GO SEE THE SHOW and don't let this one leave town without seeing it ~ you'll regret it!
btw.. here's the link for bostix for show's discount $26.00 (instead of regularly $50.00)
http://www.artsboston.org/show.asp?shCode=1948¶m2=¶m3=¶m4=¶m5=¶m6=¶m7=¶m8=¶m9=¶m10=
J*
Updated On: 5/26/08 at 10:34 PM
#22re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on SHE LOVES ME at Boston's Huntington.
Posted: 5/29/08 at 10:07am
BTW-here are some of the reviews, in case you guys are interested on how did it go on the opening night:
**************
Boston Globe:
http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/articles/2008/05/23/a_grand_finale/
"Martin directs all of them, as well as the skilled ensemble, with light-footed grace. This isn't a grand show - it's too small and warm for that - but it might be something even better: a good one, and a sweet goodbye."
************
Patriot Ledger:
http://www.patriotledger.com/entertainment/x1192323884/Huntington-artistic-director-goes-out-with-a-bang-with-She-Loves-Me
"The production has been done up in luxe fashion, the expenses being shared by Williamstown where it will run June 27-July 12.
The multiple, revolving sets designed by James Noone are spectacular, hiding and then revealing a 13-piece orchestra on a second story above the stage. Charles Alterman, musical director, and Denis Jones, choreographer, are equally proficient at presenting the lively, lilting score by Jerry Bock (lyrics by Sheldon Harnick).
**************
The Phoenix:
http://thephoenix.com/article_ektid62119.aspx
"The small ensemble, too, has its moment to shine — in the show’s only real production number, the supper-club-set “A Romantic Atmosphere.” In this Hello, Dolly!-worthy singing-and-dancing restaurant outing, the glowering head waiter played by Marc Vietor nimbly tyrannizes Jason Babinsky’s tray-dropping busboy amid a slinky horde of rendezvousing vamps and swains wittily and precisely deployed by choreographer Denis Jones."
****************
The Hub Review:
http://hubreview.blogspot.com/2008/05/youll-love-she-loves-me.html
"The rest is pure pleasure. Brooks Ashmankas obliterates any doubts over whether he's a romantic leading man with a performance that combines both his famously sharp physical comedy with a lightly-rendered vulnerability (his grab-it-and-shake-it-for-all-its-worth take on the title song is probably alone worth the price of admission). And Kate Baldwin - the best thing about last season's Three Musketeers - is both romantically luminous and smartly sharp as the object of his affections. The entire cast deserves awards, both individually and as an ensemble (indeed, their professional give-and-take almost defines ensemble). I might single out Jessica Stone's wide-eyed-yet-world-weary Ilona, or Dick Latessa's melancholy Mr. Maraczek, but could I really do that to Jeremy Beck, Mark Nelson, Troy Britton Johnson, or Marc Vietor, not to mention the talented chorus and dance ensemble (led by the infinitely flexible Jason Babinsky)? No, I couldn't."
************
and Variety:
http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117937285.html?categoryid=33&cs=1
"Ashmanskas tamps down his natural flair for comic eruption, replacing it with a measured, sympathetic and charming perf that doesn't overwhelm the ensemble chamber work. But when love finally comes for sure, Ashmanskas lets loose in the title song that allows his character -- and the audience -- to simply and grandly celebrate the joys of love, and of musical comedy."
Updated On: 5/29/08 at 10:07 AM
#23re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on SHE LOVES ME at Boston's Huntington.
Posted: 6/11/08 at 10:46am
I went to the show last night and I really enjoyed myself! It was very touching :) I was the only one waiting at the stage door and managed to get Jerry Bock's autograph as well. He told me how much he loved their production, too!
The cast was flipping out that the composer was there...
Updated On: 6/11/08 at 10:46 AM
