Why Isn't She Loves Me a Monster Hit — Page 4

Full theater on Friday night. It was my second time seeing it -- saw it with Laura Shoop and liked her immensely. To me, she captured the awkward shyness and sadness to the character a lot more than Benanti, who's tough as nails in the part.

Has Zachary Levi stopped doing his cartwheel in She Loves Me? He didn't do it Friday, or, according to a friend, the night before either. That was such a cute part of it!

How does someone explain the somewhat rarefied, less-than-blockbuster appeal of this beloved show without sounding like an absolute snob?

Might it be that to open yourself fully to the joys of SHE LOVES ME requires a degree of audience attention less needed to enjoy most popular shows? SHE LOVES ME is often said to be pure bliss. But perhaps it's the bliss that comes from being totally beguiled by a world of romantic charm, delicacy and nuance? Rather than the bliss that comes from being ravished by the joys offered by the other great shows? Joys which might be similarly rapturous and irresistible but are simply grander and more consuming?

Updated On: 4/11/16 at 10:24 AM

You might have misconstrued my point, After Eight.
Which I'm sure we'll both wear as a badge of honor.

Updated On: 4/11/16 at 11:55 AM

Like many others, I enjoyed She Loves Me immensely and was perplexed as to why it isn't selling out. I agree the title is among the worst, but I think it's more than that. It has no hook - it isn't high-concept, it isn't edgy, it isn't based on something that resonates with most fans. For revivals like King & I and Fiddler, most people saw the movie, saw it as kids, performed in it in school, etc. Despite having seen hundreds of shows, I had never seen She Loves Me nor heard any songs (outside of Sirius XM). I only saw it because I'm a fan of the cast. People ask me every week what to see on Broadway - I always tell them about She Loves Me and often get blank stares in return. Many people don't know what it is - who wants to see a revival of a show they've never heard of? I tell them how truly delightful and charming it is, and for those who go invariably tell me how much they loved the show. I do hope it becomes a bigger hit than it already is - the show and cast deserve it!

Yes, the cartwheel is delightful but I fondly recall how Boyd Gaines showered the audience with love letters at that same point in the number.