The plot of “Parfumerie” at 1st Stage may seem vaguely familiar, but that’s understandable. “Parfumerie,” by Hungarian playwright Miklos Laszlo, was the inspiration for three movies, including “You’ve Got Mail,” and the Broadway musical “She Loves Me.” But where the later forms of the story depend on an excess of cuteness, “Parfumerie” is a more authentic, credible drama with unique old-world charm. The story involves two clerks in Hammerschmidt’s toiletry shop in Budapest in December 1937. George Horvath (Joshua Dick) and Amalia Balash (Amal Saade) fight daily. Amalia is convinced that George doesn’t like her. George taunts Amalia by pronouncing her name strangely.
But all of the sniping goes on during working hours. Away from work, they fall in love through the anonymous letters they write to one another.
| Onstage |
| ‘Parfumerie’ |
| Where: 1st Stage, 1524 Springhill Road, McLean |
| When: Through Jan. 8 |
| Info: $15 to $25; 703-854-1856; 1ststagetysons.org |
Director Leslie Kobylinski gives the drama a nice context, showing people passing by outside the shop. As a senior clerk, Dick is particularly smooth, playing Horvath as the young Cary Grant portrayed characters in his screwball comedies, especially in Act III, where Dick analyzes how to be two people at once.
Saade is a solid actress who must display a broad range of emotions. Saade makes those emotions appear truly heartfelt. Manolo Santalla is good as Miklos Hammerschmidt, the owner of the parfumerie, a superficially grouchy character with a soft spot for his employees just underneath the tough exterior.
Leigh Taylor Patton brings a chill to Ilona Ritter, a clerk who seems more interested in showing off her gorgeous clothes than in helping the customers. Matt Boliek exudes dishonesty as Steven Kadar, a cad who takes advantage of women right and left, while relishing his duplicity.
Mario Baldessari portrays Mr. Sipos, the oldest clerk, with patience and understanding, appropriate in the one character who is the voice of reason. Raven Bonniwell plays Elizabeth, the cashier, as a stern, no-nonsense member of the team. One of the liveliest characters is Arpad, a delivery boy, portrayed with exuberance by Ben Lurye. Genevieve James plays an enthusiastic Fritz, who replaces Arpad when he is promoted.
Cheryl Patton Wu’s elegant costumes illustrate the era perfectly, with belted coats, hats, gloves and fur. Steven Royal’s pretty set is comprised of arches outlining the shop and glass display cases everywhere. Colored glass perfume atomizers and beautifully wrapped gift boxes are found on every available surface.
The big question that keeps this script aloft is how George and Amalia will find out that they are each others’ pen pals and reveal their true feelings. Kobylinski and her actors understand how to spin out the suspense, making “Parfumerie” a delightfully sweet holiday confection.
