She Loves Me - A musical from the Golden Age

She Loves Me is a musical with a book written by Joe Masteroff (Cabaret), and music by the duo Harnick and Bock (Fiddler on the Roof, and Fiorello!). This is one of many musicals written during the time period known as the Golden Age of musical theater.

During this time period we are welcomed by musicals where we can go and escape the troubles of our own daily lives and just sit and enjoy a wonderful show. The golden age features many musicals that you may already know such as Fiddler on the Roof, Oklahoma!, My Fair Lady, Guys and Dolls, The Music Man, West Side Story, and many more. The shows from this time period are consistently done, time after time, seeing as a variety of these shows have had recent revivals on Broadway.

The question remains though, why do we still choose to do these shows when they were written and produced over 50 years ago? On important answer is that they feel timeless, and they had a massive impact on the future of musical theater. These shows left such a strong impact, where we still choose to put them on our stages, because of the timeless nature of the stories.

This musical follows the budding love story of Amalia and Georg, as they are writing anonymous love letters to a "Dear Friend," while they are also coworkers who despise each other at Maraczek’s perfumery. This musical provides a moment for the audience to step in and forget their troubles and be transported into this love story. As an audience, we want to connect to an enduring love story while also recognizing that there are portions of love that we choose to keep hidden and sealed away until the moment arises to release them. She Loves Me shows us the ways in which we can connect with others, and the beauty of human connection is something we need in this modern day.

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by Jessa Cunningham, dramaturg After the show wrapped up and people went their separate ways, Garret Rushforth, who played Wilbur, and I chatted and I asked him some questions about his experience with the play. What better way to gain insight about the show than from the actor who was in the thick of things from the very beginning? Here is what Garret had to say about this unique opportunity: Me: How was this experience of playing Wilbur? What was your Favorite aspect of it all? Garret: I loved playing Wilbur. My favorite aspect was discovering the character more and more each performance. I never really felt that I had learned all that the character had to offer. Me: What were some challenges that you faced while preparing for the show? Garret: A few of the challenges that I faced had to do primarily with transportation. My car tried to die a couple of times during the run. As far as developing the show goes, I found that the difficulties were mostly in finding the lines. Not simply reciting them, but discovering what was beneath them, motivating them and making them come to life. Me: What lessons have you learned from playing this part, or just from the play in general? Garret: I've learned that there is an amazing opportunity to find out about yourself from the character discovery process. I also learned how much a family the cast can become if given the opportunity. Me: What is your favorite part of this story? Garret: I love when Wilbur and Charlotte talk about Charlotte's death and Wilbur is so devastated. It showed how deep Wilbur's reliance on Charlotte was as well as his desire to help her too. Me: As you leave this production, what will stay with you? Garret: The friendships I've made and the things that I've learned about myself because of the show. Me: What aspects of your character did you love/latch onto from the beginning? Garret: I latched onto the loneliness aspect of Wilbur's life. For all his life, he'd not been given much of a chance, Fern and Charlotte being the exceptions. He was written off by nearly everyone until Charlotte pointed out how special he is. Me: Any final thoughts you would like to share with those who came to the show? Garret: Charlotte's a web was a show that offered a unique view of friendship and family. It doesn't matter what someone looks like or where they're from, friendship and family can transcend all differences.

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She Loves Me - A musical from the Golden Age

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