Julius Thomas III and Alicia Kaori Photo by Curtis Brown Photography

She Loves Me takes place primarily in the Parfumerie, a shop run by Zolton Maraczek (Raphael Nash Thompson). He is a rigid man who has stiff requirements for his employees. Georg Nowack (suave Julius Thomas III) helps him run the store. Several clerks run around assisting customers. "Sounds While Selling," an early song for a presentation which lasts two hours and forty-five minutes, exemplifies the mood. Georg has been writing letters which a woman identified as "Dear Friend" appreciates, and off goes the plot with this mysterious correspondence.

Amalia Balash (Alicia Kaori) is a skittish yet appealing young woman who arrives at the shop with the intention of landing a job. Kaori showcases her voice on "No More Candy" and again and again on various numbers. When she opens the candy box, music plays, and musical director Miles Plant provides the chime effect. Plant is pivotal to the success of this show, since he plays keyboard, accordion, and more while conducting four splendid musicians who combine delightfully on violin, cello/guitar, trumpet, and clarinet, and other woodwind instruments. Watch Plant and you will see that he is animated, focused, and facially expressive.

Before the first act concludes, Maraczek and Georg, failing to see eye-to-eye, quarrel and Georg quits his job. Meanwhile, a budding romance is in the air as Amalia sings "Will He Like Me?" In all, one feels wonderfully involved in the goings-on within this shop in Budapest in 1937. This period piece feels authentic rather than dated, as an ensemble of skilled actors bring a joyful vivaciousness to the stage. As said, the audience sits on two sides, the third side is home to the band and the fourth, across the stage, includes the Parfumerie supplies. The performers easily slide set pieces around and about. Designer Emmie Finckel advises that "the floor pattern is inspired by the mosaic outside of St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest!"

During the second and shorter act, Maraczek becomes more benevolent. Georg is concerned about Amalia and finds his way to her home. She feigns surprise that she is actually pleased to speak with him–and more. The final scene finds everyone jauntily sprinting into Christmas with vigor as they sing and dance with great gusto. Chris Bell's movement choices, here and previously, fuel a snappy, brisk pace.

Alicia Kaori, playing winsome Amalia, has great vocal range and her upper register rings very true. Julius Thomas III, opposite her as Georg, demonstrates a warm, honest presence and it's easy to root for him. The quality supporting actors are impactful as their characters are individually charming and blend together gracefully. This company honors the tender nature of this musical. Whether the scenes are within the store or in a cafe, they feel genuine. Some are kinetic and others softer.

Long Wharf adroitly makes theatre happen in positive ways. A few years ago, it departed a former home just across Interstate 95 from Long Island Sound. Artistic Director Padrón (with, one supposes, other key individuals) locates likely spots for productions. Now, within the confines of a space which was once a gymnasium, this 60-year-old regional company has most successfully reinvented itself with this production.

She Loves Me runs through December 15, 2024, at Long Wharf Theatre, The Lab at ConnCORP, 245 Morse, St., Hamden CT. For tickets and information, please call 203-693-1486 or visit longwharf.org.