The fall season of Wichita State’s School of Performing Arts closed last weekend with a production of the acclaimed 1963 Broadway musical “She Loves Me,” boasting an exuberant amount of talent from the cast and crew.

The plot of this musical may sound familiar, as it has been implemented in many romantic comedies. It concerns a pair of co-workers, played by Ross McCorkell and Claire Gerig, who constantly bicker with each other, but unknown to them, they have been exchanging love letters and, of course, hilarity ensues.

Featured in the cast with McCorkell and Gerig was Luke Walker as a significantly-older-than-his-fellow-workers salesman, who constantly fears being fired by the grouchy owner, played by Caleb Coffman. This is in contrast with a naïve teenage delivery boy, played by Casey Bagnall, who is always eager to please, as is anyone at that age.

Emily Pirtle and Aaron Craven play another pair of co-workers whose relationship may or may not be strictly work related. All had fine singing voices, particularly for the scenes set in the store where the employees sang in perfect harmony while wishing their customers a fond farewell.

Wayne Bryan from Music Theatre of Wichita returned for the fourth time to co-direct, alongside assistant professor Amy Baker Schwiethale, who also served as choreographer. Conducting the orchestra in the pit in front of the stage was Phillip Taylor. A notably memorable element of the musical that relied on the efforts of choreography and music was the number “A Romantic Atmosphere,” where the patrons progressively got more raucous.

The predominate usage of one giant set piece serving as the outside and inside of the store is a testament to the scenic designer David Neville, along with the lighting designer Jonathan Standridge to make it all vibrant for the audience to behold.

Of course, what is a 1930s period piece without some fine costumes to back it up? Costume Shop Manager Rebecca Maholland delivered all of the goods of the period with fedora hats, pinstripe suits and long coats for the men, while the women had unique hats and beautiful dresses that aren’t very common in 21st century fashion.

“She Loves Me” provided a good sense of fun and romance with a talented group of individuals who brought this all to life for our enjoyment. There’s more to come next semester. See you there!