Renton, WA — By the time the doors to the seating area opened just before 1:35 p.m. on Sunday, a steady stream of theatergoers was already lining up at the Renton Civic Theatre. By 1:55 p.m., the house was nearly full and anticipation buzzed through the room. The stage went dark with the music playing just after 2:05 p.m. to begin a matinee performance of She Loves Me. What followed was an afternoon that reminded audiences why live theatre remains one of Renton’s quiet treasures.
A Classic Romantic Comedy, With a Fresh Touch
She Loves Me, the beloved musical romantic comedy set in a 1930s European parfumerie, delivers mistaken identities, sharp workplace banter, and swoon-worthy melodies. Sunday’s performance embraced the charm of the original while adding modern touches.
One standout moment came during “A Romantic Atmosphere,” where the staging included same-sex dancing and moments of intimacy. For LGBTQ+ audience members and allies, those choices carried a quiet but meaningful resonance. Arpad Laszlo — typically a male role — was portrayed by Clara Jordan, a casting choice that fit seamlessly within the production’s contemporary sensibility. The creative decisions felt natural and celebratory.
Performances That Sparkled
The cast delivered across the board.
Ksenia Popova, in the role of Amalia Balash, commanded the stage with a voice that carried effortlessly through the theatre. Her timbre and control rivaled some of the strongest live musical performances this novice reviewer has heard. She balanced vulnerability and wit with ease, making Amalia both relatable and radiant. Paired with Casey Raiha as Georg Nowack, the two delivered a compelling push-and-pull that anchored the story’s romance.
Mauro Bozzo’s Steven Kodaly leaned fully into the character’s smarmy charm, earning both laughs and groans in all the right places. Meanwhile, Eric Hartley as Mr. Maraczek gave a layered and emotionally persuasive performance, particularly in moments where the character’s internal turmoil surfaced. His expressiveness anchored several pivotal scenes.
And then there was “Twelve Days to Christmas.”
The number — a fast-paced, chaotic romp through holiday shopping madness — quickly became a favorite. Collin Polasky, appearing as P.I. Keller and in the ensemble, endured the onstage mayhem with impeccable comedic timing. His physical comedy during the shopping frenzy had the audience in stitches and may well linger in memory long after the final bow.
A Community Stage Worth Showing Up For
From the musicians in the pit to the ensemble filling out the bustling shop floor, the production felt polished, cohesive, and joyful. The afternoon audience responded warmly, with sustained applause and enthusiastic energy that matched the performers beat for beat.
In fact, the experience was compelling enough that this resident has already secured a ticket to see it again.
Live theatre in Renton continues to surprise and delight, and She Loves Me is no exception. If you’re looking for an afternoon (or evening) filled with romance, humor, and memorable music, this production is well worth your time. You can see the show until Sunday, March 1st at Renton Civic Theatre.
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