WYO and CTG co-production of She Loves Me

Director of the upcoming WYO Performing Arts and Education Center and Sheridan Civic Theatre Guild co-production of She Loves Me, Pollyanna Averett appeared on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse to invite the community to a love story that has stood the test of time and inspired film adaptations.

Having directed and acted many times in the past, Averett jumped at the chance to direct this production once it was revealed the organizations had the rights to the musical, which is set inside a 1930s European perfume shop. The story follows two clerks, Amalia and Georg, who barely tolerate each other during the workday. Their bickering is constant, their opinions never align and their personalities seem entirely mismatched.

P. Averett

Averett said the tension between the two characters helps drive the heart of the story.

Local actor and director Dan Cole plays Sipos, a loyal, middle-aged and often anxious senior clerk. But Cole told listeners the “anxious” trope of the character did not sit well with him. As a director, Averett gave Cole room to develop his own version of the character. Cole said although the lines do not change, characters can while retaining their place in the story.

D. Cole

With a dedicated director, a passionate cast and music direction by Turner Bruce, the production is led by Michelle Forster as Amalia and David Myers as Georg. The cast also includes Ian Garrison, Wen Miller, John Goodell and Andy Bartell.

Performances will run Feb. 20-21 and 27-28 at 7 p.m., with matinees on Feb. 22 and March 1 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $26 for adults and $22 for students and are available at the WYO Theater box office or online at wyotheater.com.