Congratulations to Sheryl-Lee Secomb and Emma Erdis for a top class polished show. The Tin Shed in Beenleigh is home to the Phoenix Ensemble and on Saturday night what a pleasure it was to sit in the comfy seats and enjoy “She Loves Me”. No wonder this musical has won 3 Tony awards, it is delightful.
A love story of boy meets girl, boy dislikes girl, girl hates boy but wait there’s more. Will a connection happen or just lonely hearts. And who is writing those letters??? The story follows the lives of the shop clerks and their boss with beautiful costuming and impressive singing.
The main set was the interior shop of Maraczek’s Parfumerie with side aprons for smaller scenes, the layout meant plenty of room for singing and dancing and the cosiness of the theatre meant that all seats are close to the action and intimate.
Stand out singers …well … surprise … they were all wonderful to listen to. We had dragged along the friend who doesn’t like musicals and he had to admit how impressed he was by the talent.
Georg Nowack the lonely heart manager with the gentle Scottish brogue was enjoyable to listen to when speaking but man can he sing, costume on point, acting believable and so engaging to watch.
Chloe Evans as Amalia, the straight and direct clerk desperate for a job, classically trained and did she get to flex those vocal chords, again great acting, singing, we sat there a bit star struck.
Ilona aka Grace Clarke, you minx, those va va voom dresses, that confidence, it was so much fun watching her bring that vampish charm to the stage.
August Cocks, Mike Zarate and James Hogan can pat themselves on the back – singing, dancing the acting, they were all an integral part that just kept making the show better.
Joshua Brandon had to play the sweet little delivery boy, and he pulled off a cuteness that just made you smile and your heart melt, so much fun and stayed in character so well.
The ensemble also captured your attention with well performed choreography and great harmony, singing and dancing is no mean feat, you must train hard and be fitter than a normal actor. Very impressive.
Everyone was very welcoming and helpful which made the trip to Beenleigh even more memorable, in the most delightful way.
So, if you are a musical fan and like a polished professional performance then get to Beenleigh, before it closes on the 29th of August. Ticket prices mean you really will be getting the bargain of the century, a touch of Broadway in your own back yard, no airfare needed.
To book tickets to She Loves Me, please visit https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1507617.
Photographer: By Brit Creative
