Starlighters delights with ‘She Loves Me’

     Many people might be familiar with the popular late 1990s movie “You’ve Got Mail” starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. The musical behind the movie is now on stage at Starlighters II Theatre in Anamosa.

     “She Loves Me” debuted in 1963 on Broadway.

     The local production is directed by Jennifer Beall of Anamosa.

     The story centers around an unsuspecting couple, Georg (played by Jackson Bartelme) and Amalia (Rebecca Vernon). The co-workers can’t seem to stand one another, despite the fact that they’ve unwittingly fallen in love through the exchange of letters. The identity of their pen pals eventually becomes known, with twists and turns along the way.

     Other cast members include: Megan Turner Ginsberg as Iiona, Steven Clemmons as Kodaly, John Crosheck as Maraczek, Robert Kurt as Sipos, Clay Olson as Arpad, and Kevin Sims as the head waiter.

     “She Loves Me” is set in the 1930s in Budapest, Hungary.

     This is the second time in the director’s chair for Beall. Ironically, she directed “Inheritors” last year, which was also an historical piece.

     Beall has quite a history with Starlighters, going on 15 years now. She was a part of the Young People’s Theater when she was in fourth grade.

     After seeing “She Loves Me” in 2016 on stage in New York City where she was attending college, Beall felt it would be a good fit for Starlighters.

“I enjoyed it,” she said of being introduced to it a couple of years ago.

     It’s a tradition at Starlighters that those who suggest a play take on directing it. So Beall stepped in.

     When it came to casting, Beall said it was important to “focus on acting over music.

     “I wanted to make sure they were a good fit for the part based on the delivery and character,” she said.

     Beall is assisted in directing by Aimee Jones. The two searched Pinterest for ideas on 1930s costumes and set designs.

     Cast member Robert Kurt assisted in building the set, which contains colorful shops inside and out.

     “We researched Budapest in this era for photos and paint colors,” Beall said in adding color to the set.

     The characters themselves are responsible for transforming the set from scene to scene as they transition from spring to summer to fall and winter. Beall said she sees the seasons change based on what the characters are wearing and small props that get added to the set.

     “It has a lot more transitions than a play,” she said. “But Robert designed a great set for easy transition.”

     The characters remain in song as they move the set around.

     “She Loves Me” concludes around the Christmas holiday season.

     “The story is charming and a lot of fun,” said Beall. “The characters are really quirky, and they add some humor to the holidays.”

     Beall said the show is really character driven, which is another reason she felt it would be a good fit at Starlighters.

     There is also quite an ensemble of characters who make their way around the city from shop to shop, interacting with the clerks.

     “They also help with the scene changes as part of the show,” said Beall.

     During the holiday scenes, the ensemble joins in the Christmas songs as well.

     The music is also performed behind the stage, live, as part of the production.

     “I hope people enjoy seeing it,” Beall encouraged.

     “She Loves Me” premiered last weekend. You still have three more chances to see it this weekend, Dec. 7, 8, and 9.

     “It’s a family affair,” added Beall. “It appeals to a wide audience.”

     Tickets can be purchased online at starlighters.org. Or call the box office at 319-462-4793.