Return to innocence

She Loves Me!, reviewed by KELLY FERJUTZ

What a romantic bon-bon is SHE LOVES ME! Lighter than air, sweeter than candy, more innocent than most of us can remember, Hungarian Miklos Laszlo's story has certainly exceeded expectations in several directions. In addition to its original incarnation as a play, it has since been the basis of three movies and a musical. No matter. Lyric Opera Cleveland hit the jackpot with their version; an intimate production with a terrific cast that could not look or sound better, an excellent chamber orchestra in the pit, colorful yet sensible costumes and a versatile set that transforms itself easily and quickly from perfume shop/back room to nightclub to hospital or bedroom as needed.

Director Jacqi Loewy engages all the senses in her pacing and direction, and is ably assisted by Music Director Paul Transue. If you saw the original 1963/64 production of the Bock/Harnick/ Masteroff work and think it's different from this one, you're right, it is. A revival in 1993/94 made some changes in both words and music, and it is this version utilized by Lyric Opera Cleveland.

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