Long before “catfishing” entered the modern lexicon, there was the mystery of the anonymous pen pal. The Western Illinois University Department of Theatre and Dance will explore this early form of secret identity in its upcoming production of the musical “She Loves Me.”
Set in a 1930s parfumerie, the story follows feuding co-workers Amalia and Georg, who—to put it mildly—despise one another. What they don’t realize is that the lonely-hearts letters they cherish each night are actually being written by their real-life rival.
The production highlights the thin line between resentment and romance, suggesting that love and hate exist on the same emotional spectrum. Both require an intense, consuming energy; in Amalia and Georg’s case, their to wonder: Can they bridge the gap between their public disdain and their private devotion?
Written by Joe Masteroff with music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, the production is directed by Edward Lindem. The musical reminds us that our strongest emotions— whether sparked by a grudge or a crush—are what make us feel most human.
“She Loves Me” runs at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, through Saturday, Feb. 28, with a 2 p.m. matinee Sunday, March 1, at Hainline Theatre. Tickets are $20 for the general public, $17 for non-WIU students and seniors, and free for WIU students, faculty and staff with a valid ID. Reservations can be made at westernpresents.com, by calling 309-298-2900 or at the WIU Box Office.
