Brisbane review - She Loves Me: romantic, funny, beautifully performed
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
By David Wilson
Phoenix Ensemble
Music by Jerry Bock
Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick
Book by Joe Masteroff
Based on Parfumerie by Miklós László
Directed by Sherryl-Lee Secomb
Musical Direction by Emma Erdis (they/them)
Choreography by Jaime O’Donoghue
Costume Design by Emma Parkinson
Lighting Design by Liam Gilliand
Sound Engineer Luke O’Hagan
Season 7–29 August 2026
Venue The Tin Shed, James Street, Beenleigh
Tickets $45 | $38 concession
She Loves Me is a romantic musical comedy with music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and book by Joe Masteroff. Based on Miklós László’s 1937 Hungarian play Parfumerie, the musical premiered on Broadway in 1963 and received five Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical. Its acclaimed revivals have attracted numerous further awards and nominations, also inspiring the much loved film You’ve Got Mail, confirming the enduring appeal of this beautifully constructed work, regarded by many as one of the most charming romantic musical comedies ever written.
Set in a Budapest parfumerie during the 1930s, the story follows Georg Nowack and Amalia Balash, two frequently quarrelling colleagues who remain unaware that they are also the anonymous pen pals with whom each has fallen in love.
Phoenix Ensemble has delivered the whole package with this wonderfully warm, funny and beautifully realised production. Under the very clear and confident direction of Sherryl-Lee Secomb, this is an exceptionally tight production in which the fast dialogue, significant movement and wonderful physicality are given full licence. Secomb maintains an excellent pace while ensuring that the romantic, comedic and more meaningful moments are all given the space they require. The influence of musical director Emma Erdis and choreographer Jaime O’Donoghue is equally apparent throughout. Together, the creative team has established a wonderfully cohesive vision, perfectly brought to life by the talented and committed cast.
As is always the case at The Tin Shed, the set, staging and costuming are wonderful, transporting the audience to 1930s Hungary and providing an excellent setting for the unfolding romance, comedy and intrigue. The attention to detail helps establish the parfumerie as a living workplace, while the clever use of the space allows the action to move seamlessly between its different locations. The result is visually impressive, atmospheric and completely engaging.
David West delivers a wonderful performance as Georg Nowack, the hardworking and endearingly awkward senior clerk whose confidence and happiness grow through his anonymous correspondence. West captures the character perfectly, bringing a genuinely charming quality to Georg while balancing his nervousness, frustration and growing romantic optimism beautifully. His vocals are very strong throughout, and his strong connection with Chloe Evans is central to the success of the production.
Evans is simply outstanding as Amalia Balash, the intelligent, determined and romantic young woman whose professional rivalry with Georg disguises a much deeper connection. Her vocals are absolutely incredible throughout, delivered with magnificent control, clarity and emotional depth. Evans brings tremendous warmth and sincerity to Amalia, making the character’s hopes, disappointments and growing affection completely believable. Together, West and Evans create two fully realised characters and a wonderfully engaging central relationship.
August Cocks is at his charismatic best as Steven Kodaly, the charming and self-assured ladies’ man of the parfumerie. He brings a significant presence, excellent physicality and complete commitment to every appearance. Their theatrical performance is beautifully pitched, ensuring Kodaly makes an immediate impact whenever he enters the action.
Grace Clarke is sensational as Ilona Ritter, the experienced shop assistant determined to find something better than her complicated relationship with Kodaly. She displays incredible stage presence and vocal range, while their comedic talent and timing are on full show throughout the production. Clarke approaches every moment and every movement with confidence and precision, creating a wonderfully engaging character whose journey is both amusing and uplifting.
Mike Zarate gives a perfectly understated performance as Ladislav Sipos, Georg’s loyal, cautious and quietly perceptive colleague. Zarate brings warmth and humour to the character while ensuring that Sipos remains a meaningful and reassuring presence within the parfumerie. His carefully measured performance provides an excellent contrast to the larger personalities surrounding him and makes every contribution count.
Joshua Brandon is brilliant as Arpad Laszlo, the enthusiastic delivery boy determined to prove himself worthy of becoming a sales clerk. He brings wonderful physicality, infectious energy and natural comic ability to the role, making Arpad an audience favourite.
James Hogan delivers a commanding and meaningful performance as Mr Maraczek, the proud owner of the parfumerie whose personal struggles have a profound effect on those around him. Hogan captures both the character’s authority and vulnerability, giving Maraczek genuine emotional depth and ensuring that his journey is handled with great care and sincerity. It is a beautiful performance that adds considerable heart to the production.
The small and exceptionally talented ensemble is brilliantly used throughout, with each performer given opportunities to showcase their significant talents at different stages. Their energy, vocals, movement and detailed character work add enormously to the world of the production, ensuring it remains exceptionally tight and of the highest quality across the board. Whether portraying customers, restaurant patrons or members of the wider Budapest community, the ensemble contributes wonderfully to the pace, atmosphere and polish of the show.
Phoenix Ensemble is well known for its consistently high-quality productions - She Loves Me takes that reputation to another level with this exceptionally cohesive, visually impressive and thoroughly entertaining production. It is romantic, funny, beautifully performed and filled with genuine warmth.
This is community theatre at its best, and I thoroughly encourage you to see it.
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