“She Loves Me” Brings Romance to The Firehouse Arts Center April 12-28

April 12, 2013

The Tri-Valley is in for a treat starting tonight – the joyful Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre production of She Loves Me is playing at The Firehouse Arts Center in Pleasanton April 12-28 (Fridays and Saturdays – 8pm, Sundays – 2pm).

If you’ve seen the Nora Ephron comedy “You’ve Got Mail” or the 1940′s James Stewart version ”Shop Around the Corner”, then you know the story. Funny, intelligent, honest and sentimental, She Loves Me is a warm romantic comedy with an endearing innocence plus a touch of old world elegance. This perfect show, based on the play Parfumerie, by Miklos Laszlo, is so resplendent, charming and well-constructed that New York Magazine recently deemed it one of the best musicals ever written. The musical’s creative team of Bock and Harnick, who were on a hot streak, would be heard from again in 1964 when they premiered Fiddler on the Roof.

Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre co-founder Joy Sherratt, “I did ‘She Loves Me’ in college and it’s been one of my favorite musicals ever since. I think it’s a little gem. We have an amazing director and I know it’s going to be a great show.”

I had the privilege of watching dress rehearsals this week, capturing in photos and video the work in progress, when the planning, set design, and countless decisions required to mount a successful production come together. And despite all the planning, it was fascinating to watch the problem-solving required by those on stage and off to ensure a seamless experience for the audience.

During the run of the show, theatre lovers can also enjoy a special opportunity to interact with the actors: A Free Inside the Show discussion with the actors and director will take place after the Sunday Matinee performance on April 14, 2013.

The show will run from April 12, 2013 through April 28, 2013: Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. All performances will take place at Firehouse Arts Center, located at 4444 Railroad Avenue in Pleasanton, CA. Tickets are $19-$35 each, and are available at The Firehouse Arts Center Box Office, by phone at (925) 931-4848, or online at www.pcrtproductions.org or www.firehousearts.org. Discounts: 10% discount is available to groups of 10 or more, contact the box office directly.

Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre’s She Loves Me cast details:

Lois Grandi is back again after numerous accolades for her direction and choreography in PCRT’s sizzling production of Chicago. Ms. Grandi was the Founder and Artistic Director of Playhouse West, the highly successful small professional theatre company in the San Francisco Bay Area. Playhouse West enjoyed an impressive, award-winning 13 year run. Prior to that, she had successive roles On and Off Broadway in New York City as well as National tours and has appeared on television and in many commercials. She became a Chanteuse in several San Francisco clubs and established herself as a prominent acting teacher.

Joining the cast of She Loves Me is Pleasanton favorite, Lauren Bratton-Kearns. Ms. Bratton-Kearns was last seen in PCRT’s opening season production of Disney favorite Beauty and the Beast. Ms. Bratton-Kearns (featured dancer) grew up in Pleasanton and attended Contra Costa Ballet Centre for eight years. She graduated in dance from UC Irvine, studied at Alvin Ailey in New York City for two years, and has since performed with several New York City dance companies where she currently lives. The audiences will be delighted by her performance in this production. Also back for another PCRT production is Dublin High School junior Patrick Wallace.

The entire production is Directed and Choreographed by Lois Grandi, Musical Direction by Pat Parr, Scenic Designs by Patrick Brandon, Lighting Design by Chris Guptill, and Costumes by Liz Martin.

She Loves Me – Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre Production – Firehouse Arts Center