Love is in the air at the Sullivan Theater with its new musical “She Loves Me.”
The Sullivan is a new theater in the Baton Rouge area, located at 8849 Sullivan road, that opened less than two years ago. The theater was created to bring performing arts to Central, Louisiana, and to create a space to keep the city’s history and art alive.
“She Loves Me” is a musical adaptation of the play “Parfumerie” by Hungarian writer Miklós László. The show is known for being one of many adaptations, one of which was the 1998 film “You’ve Got Mail.”
Thursday, Oct. 17, was the preview night. Friends and family of the cast and crew arrived a day early to enjoy the show. Inside the theater, no space was left untouched, and walls were lined with art and decor for the show.
The front desk, tables and set around the theater were decorated with roses, perfume bottles and love letters. The set, with its art deco styles and fun, colorful decor, brings the show to life.
Behind the shop’s wall is a pink “Parfumerie” set. The set was covered in products, precisely pink and teal boxes, perfumes and lotions. Part of the set is a bronze spiral staircase, and the second level has a large “M” logo hanging over it. Set in the 1930s, the play tells the story of shop clerks working at a Parfumerie in Hungary.
The two main characters, Georg and Amalia, are played by Kristina Cawthon and Ben Dubin. The characters butt heads and often complain about one another.
“It is everything golden age musical theatre should be, and there are so many moments that you can’t help but smile at,” Cawthon said. “Amalia is probably my favorite role I’ve ever done.”
Unbeknownst to the characters, they have been sending one another anonymous love letters for months after responding to a Lonely Hearts Club advertisement. The show follows Amalia, Georg and the other clerks as they work at Maraczek’s and find love.
“Thomas [who plays Kodaly] has been a joy and pleasure to watch and work with,” Dubin said. “Also, Kamryn’s performance is worth the price itself.
Kamryn Hecker plays Ilona Ritter in the show, and she’s a sophomore arts administration major at LSU.
“Kristina has been an amazing force, and I can’t believe how lucky I have been to be her co-lead in two shows,” Dubin said. “I could not ask for a better show partner.”
Dubin mentioned that one of his favorite parts of the show is Arpad, a delivery boy who wishes to be a clerk at Maraczek’s.
“The whole process has been wonderful, and I really do feel like I have been part of something special being in only its 10th show here,” Dubin said.
Dubin says Delilah Guilbeau, the stage manager, has coordination with everyone. She’s the glue that holds everyone and the show together. Dubin is also happy to be working with Arden Hale, a member of the production team and a staple of the Sullivan Theater.
“I really think this is the most community I have felt in a theatre,” Dubin said.
Tickets are available for “She Loves Me” on the Sullivan Theater’s website and are $15 with the code “YOUNGLOVE.” There’s special pricing for LSU students on Saturday Oct. 26. “She Loves Me” runs until Oct. 27, and the theater’s next show is the “Winter Wonderettes,” which will run from Dec. 6 through Dec. 15.

Gallery • 2 Photos

Sarah Walton

Ilona and Kodaly [Kamryn Hecker and Thomas Jackson] in Maraczek's. Sullivan Theatre's Production of "She Loves Me". Photo by Jackie Haxthausen.