BROOKFIELD — Hungarian playwright Miklós László, and his 1937 play Illatszertár, may not immediately be familiar to audiences upon first glance. What may be more familiar are the many adaptations of this play, which include the 1940 film The Shop Around the Corner, the 1949 Judy Garland musical film In The Good Old Summertime and, probably the most prominent, the 1994 Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan rom-com You’ve Got Mail.

In 1963 the (pre-Fiddler on The Roof) songwriting team of Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick decided to take a crack at a stage adaptation of the story. The result was the short-lived Broadway musical She Loves Me, starring Barbara Cook and Jack Cassidy. While it only played 301 performances, it was a critical darling and remains a favorite of many today.

A delightful new production of She Loves Me is now appearing on stage at Brookfield Theater For The Arts under the direction of Sean Latasa.

She Loves Me tells the story of two sales clerks at a Hungarian Perfume shop, Amalia Bash (being played in Brookfield by Renee Brown) and Georg Nowack (Michael Newman). They can’t stand each other, while simultaneously being unaware that they are exchanging romantic letters with each other. Romantic musical comedy hijinks ensue.

Brown and Newman are a perfect Amalia and Georg. Amalia can sometimes come off as brash and whiny. Brown finds every touching and comedic note of her character, however, bringing a beautiful humanity to the role. Brown also meets and exceeds the vocal demands of this show. Her delivery of one of the most iconic songs in the show, “Vanilla Ice Cream,” is a real treat (pun intended).

Newman is a wonderful balance of charm and arrogance with a dash of what his character calls “ordinary.” It’s a tall order for any actor taking on the role of Georg, and Newman does so with excellence.

The “B” plot of the show involves two other clerks at Maraczek’s Perfumerie, Steven Kolday (Jason Maur) and Ilona Ritter (Rebecca Spalvieri).

Maur is always a joy to watch on stage. While Kolday is the villain of the show, audiences can’t help rooting for Maur.

Spalvieri embraces Illona with all of her alluring style. Their big dance number, “Ilona,” is a showstopper.

In the role of shop owner Mr Maraczek, Chris Fay is tasked with taking on a more dramatic plotline in this light musical comedy. As always, Fay delivers.

Maraczek’s delivery boy, Arpad Laszlo, played by Becket Bottelsen, also is a highlight. Robert Roda brings the funny as Ladislav Sipos, another clerk at Maraczek’s. His delivery and facial expressions throughout the show light up the scenes he is in.

Jason Styka as the head waiter is a standout. While he only appears in two shorts scenes, he makes the most of every moment. This is Styka’s return to theater after a long hiatus, and one hopes we will get to see him many more times on local stages over the coming years.

Styka’s sidekick is Angie Volipintesta, who plays the inept busboy with an astute deftness.

There is not one weak link in the cast, and one wishes there was enough room to mention every person.

Director Latasa has pulled off an incredible feat, bringing such a big musical comedy to the small TBTA stage, especially as his first, but hopefully not last, directing gig.

For those looking for some fun holiday cheer, look no further than Brookfield’s She Loves Me, running through December 6.

Tickets and more information can be found at brookfieldtheatre.org.

Michael Newman and Renee Brown are a perfect Georg and Amalia in the Brookfield Theatre for the Arts production of She Loves Me. The two are part of a perfect cast being directed by Sean Latasa. —Stagepix photo