Considering 1937 Budapest's economy, owner Miklos Hammerschmidt is on edge. Will his elegant parfumerie enjoy the good holiday sales he's been working -- and pressing his employees -- so hard for?
Then there's that other worry: While he's immersed in affairs of shop, what affairs might his wife be pursuing? Perhaps, then, his snapping at his employees is understandable.
Lifelong salesman, head of a family, and somewhat of a milquetoast, Doug Jones' Mr. Sipos conveys utter fear of losing his job. Bawled out for not bringing a customer a big rather than the small jar of cleansing cream she asked for, slick Mr. Steven Kadar ( Michael Joseph Mitchell, good at putting on airs) acts obsequiously. Really, his attention goes to borrowing money from the staff for after hours pursuits.
Kadar has obviously had a recent relationship with sharp shopgal Miss Ritter, played as a glamourpuss by Bethany Weise. Kadar's saleswoman "touch" now, Amalia Balash (sweet Mackenzie Kyle), succumbs reluctantly to his plea for just a bit of cash. He wouldn't dare ask Miss Molnar ( Nissa Perrot, all business) from booking and shipping. But at this time Amalia has her guard down, as she's in a romantic mood, though not toward anyone at the shop. Certainly not antagonistic shop manager George Horvath!
Most of the boss' moody anger falls on Horvath (sincere Jason Bradley), who suspects Amalia of affecting Mr. Hammerschmidt's attitude toward him. Maybe she's been sniveling to him. Actually the boss has had certain suspicions confirmed by a private investigator (James Clarke). He deduces betrayal by George Horvath, accuses and then fires him. After nine years of loyal and ever-better service!
How terrible for George! He has been about to meet his dream girl of a would-be wife after a year and a half of their anonymous correspondence. Though he misses the date, he learns she's none other than Amalia. His reaction makes for a priceless scene.
Anyone who has seen "The Shop Around the Corner," "The Good Old Summertime," "You've Got Mail" on film or She Loves Me, the stage musical, knows how the romance comes to fruition, since all are based on the original Hungarian play, The Perfume Shop, until now unperformed in the U.S.
This first version puts greater emphasis on the economic situation, though director Peter Amster stresses it only at each end of the play. Costumes on the customers are gorgeous but may seem to belie the state of the economy, which today's audiences are supposed to identify with. Doug Jones' fearful Sipos, as well as that man's sympathy for George, do better in setting the environment.
In the original play, as opposed to its derivatives, Paul Whitworth is able to make Mr. Hammerschmidt's anguish and later reconciliations deeper . There is also wonderful use of the accident-prone delivery boy Arpad (taken fully advantage of by Ghafir Akbar in a standout performance). Promoted after he saves Hammerschmidt, Arpad assumes every aristocratic (and amusing) attitude he can muster. Yet he remains lovable, as well as a model for his successor Fritz (Kevin Stanfa, a tad awkward, also astute).
It may be that the seemingly costly lavishness of dress and detailed two-tiered set prompted Asolo Rep to schedule The Perfume Shop for such a long run. The romantic aura should captivate well toward Easter, but one would think the Christmas decor and would hope the analogy to the current state of the economy will not be as appropriate by April. Perhaps, due to its likeability, the production will draw second-timers to this first-and-fifth version of a beloved comedy.
