For more information, contact James Jolly, director of marketing and communications, at 843.383.8018

Hartsville, S.C. — Coker College Musical Theater presents the comedy “She Loves Me,” based on the story that inspired the 1998 film “You’ve Got Mail,” on two weekends at the end of March in the Watson Theater of the Elizabeth Boatwright Coker Performing Arts Center.

The curtain rises on “She Love Me” at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 23 and Saturday, March 24, and again on Thursday, March 29 through Saturday, March 31. There will also be a 2:30 p.m. matinee performance on Sunday, March 25. Admission at the door is $15 for adults, $5 for students and senior citizens, and free with Coker College ID.

Based on a 1930s play by Hungarian Miklos Laszlo, “She Loves Me” tells the story of a couple who write anonymous love letters to each other without realizing that they work in a shop together and can’t stand each other. Mistaken assumptions and confusion ensue with much laughter and eventual resolution. Music is by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, the award-winning duo responsible for “Fiddler on the Roof.”  

“The play has great songs and witty dialog that will have the audience laughing,” said musical director Graham Wood, associate professor of music and coordinator of musical theater. “Think of the British comedy “Are You Being Served?” with singing.”

“She Loves Me” stars Coker College musical theater students Meredith Gratton as Amalia and  Adam Winstead  as George. Other leads are students Michelle Caulder and Paige ManWaring, double cast as the ditzy Miss Ritter, Justin Johnson as the store owner, Josh Newman-Lindorf as the faithful sales clerk, and alumnus Wes Atkinson as the energetic delivery boy. Coker performing arts center facilities manager Carl Barnwell Jr. plays sales clerk Mr. Kodaly.

The rest of the cast is students Amesha Johnson, Stephanie Hazelton, Kate McElveen, Jewel Clark, Rose Forman, Joshua McKenny, and Julio Ruiz.

“She Loves Me” is directed by voice professor Serena Hall.  She is also the costume, hair and makeup designer. Set and lighting design is by Tim Baumgartner, assistant professor of theater while Barnwell is responsible for sound design.

To reserve tickets for “She Loves Me,” call 843.383.8065 or email gwood@coker.edu.

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March 8, 2007