California Baptist University’s Wallace Theatre will present the musical “She Loves Me,” featuring music by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick and script by Joe Masteroff (1963).
“She Loves Me” stars Daniel Beimford, junior theater major, as Georg and Sam Shroll, senior theater and behavior science double major, as Amalia. The production’s director is Lisa Lyon, adjunct professor of theater.The show opens Nov. 16.
The show follows the accidental love story between two feuding co-workers at a European perfumery set in the 1930s. The two fall in love after they both respond to a lonely hearts advertisement in a newspaper. The musical then follows the wild twists and turns of their romance as enemies turned into lovers.
Beimford said he has played lead roles since his freshman year and is no stranger to the limelight as this is his sixth show on a CBU stage.
“I’m excited for people to see this classic romantic comedy we’ve put on,” Beimford said. “It’s very old-fashioned and romantic and it just makes everyone’s hearts swell by the end. I hope audiences really love this thing because we’ve put a lot of work into it.”
Beimford said he relates to his character but that has made this role a challenge for him.
“My character, Georg ,is a lot like me, oddly enough,” Beimford said. “He’s probably the character most similar to myself that I’ve ever played, which has made the whole process a lot harder if I’m being honest. It’s odd having to really carve out a character to make sure that it just doesn’t become yourself up there on stage.”
“What I love the most about Georg is how he just wears his heart on his sleeve. He’s in love with a girl he’s never met, but to him that doesn’t matter; he knows she’s perfect. It’s a beautiful thing.”
Moriah Causly, sophomore creative writing and musical theater double major, plays multiple roles and in the ensemble and chorus.
Causly said even though this is her first show at the Wallace Theatre the cast and crew have become close.
“I’ve been doing theater most of my life and it’s been so good to be a part of this,” Causly said. “We are like a family. Being a part of this show solidified my love for the program and everyone in it. We all love and support each other.”
“I’m most excited for the costumes and sets. They’re really awesome. I love how the dresses look when we spin during the dance.”
This is Causly’s first show at CBU, but she said her role in the production has always been a dream for her.
“‘She Loves Me’ has been one of my dream shows to be in,” Causly said.
Amber Harris, senior theater major is the stage manager of the production and said this is the seventh show she has worked on at CBU.
She said her experience on the show has taught her a deeper respect for her craft and all it entails.
“I’m excited for the audience to experience the joy we feel on the stage or in our theater,” Harris said. “I love the music in ‘She Loves Me’ because it’s old-timey.”
The musical opens Nov. 16 and 17 but more showings will be available Nov. 29 through Dec. 1. Tickets are available for sale at the Wallace Theatre as well as online at calbaptist.edu/theater.
