Romance, wit, and a dash of musical magic are heading to the Donelson stage as SHE LOVES ME opens at The Keeton Dinner Theatre, running December 4–21, 2025. With show-only Thursday evenings and full dinner-and-a-show experiences on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, audiences can step into Maraczek’s Parfumerie for an evening of charm wrapped in melody. We caught up with the cast and creative team for a Rapid Fire 20Q—diving into character work, classic film adaptations, backstage dynamics, and what makes this production sparkle. Consider this your first peek behind the counter before the curtain rises.
_____
RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH CAST AND DIRECTOR OF THE KEETON’s SHE LOVES ME
RAPID FIRE WITH JAYDEN MURPHY, GEORG IN SHE LOVES ME
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Georg is the original “grumpy romantic.” What part of his personality do you most relate to in your everyday life?
JAYDEN MURPHY: Oh my gosh, where do I even start? I’m kidding, but honestly, even at my age, dating is rough. We have all this technology now and it still feels confusing and disappointing most of the time. I’m not saying I’m trying to settle down and start a family right now, but I definitely relate to Georg on that level. What I connect with the most is that his grumpy romantic side really comes from him being a hopeless romantic. He wants to fall in love so badly, and when things don’t go the way he hopes, that disappointment shows up as frustration. I understand that. I’m a hopeless romantic myself, and that helps me tap into who he is. His grumpiness isn’t about being cold. It is because he genuinely cares and he wants that storybook ending with someone. And we will see if he finds it.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: SHE LOVES ME has such a beloved lineage — from the original play Parfumerie to this musical adaptation to the classic film The Shop Around the Corner to the more modern You’ve Got Mail. I know you’re much younger than the character you’re portraying. Heck, you were born more than a decade after the Tom Hanks film version came out, so…were you familiar at all with the history of the show prior to your audition?
JAYDEN MURPHY: I spent a lot of time researching the full history of SHE LOVES ME. I’m the kind of actor who prides himself on being well-prepared before an audition or before my name goes into a Playbill. In college, I actually worked on all of Georg’s songs, which gave me an early understanding of who he is. My college director also directed a national tour of SHE LOVES ME and has close ties to the original writers, so being around him helped me learn even more about the show. I also looked back at the original play, the musical itself, and the film versions. One of my favorite parts of musical theatre is becoming a character, so even though I’m younger than Georg, I wanted to fully understand his world and the legacy of the role before stepping onstage. All that research helped me connect with him in a real and honest way.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: The original run of SHE LOVES ME debuted on Broadway in 1963. Since then it has enjoyed Broadway revivals in 1993 and 2016. One aspect it has maintained since its debut is that many of the tunes feature a more operatic vocal style, as opposed the the more common showtimes flair of many modern musicals. Having seen you wow the crowd as Coalhouse in The Keeton’s Ragtime, I’m curious to know if this second pairing with Roger Hutson as your Music Director has helped you lock in on your approach to Georg vocally?
JAYDEN MURPHY: Yes, absolutely. I really pride myself on being a versatile vocalist. My vocal coach and everyone I work with knows that I don’t like to put labels on what I am or what I can be. I’m only 19, and my voice is still developing, so I try to stay as agile and flexible as possible in what I do. Working with Roger again has been amazing. He really lets me explore who I believe Georg is, both onstage and through the songs. At the same time, he holds me accountable and pushes me in all the right ways. We work really well together, and I definitely feel like he’s helped me find a strong vocal approach to this role. I think people will be surprised by how I portray Georg and how he sounds, because Roger has helped me tap into a version of the character that feels natural and honest to me while still honoring the more classical style of the show.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: If Georg were working at Maraczek’s Parfumerie today, what modern-day app or platform do you think he’d be using? AND…How would the opening line of his profile bio read?
JAYDEN MURPHY: That is a hilarious question. I definitely think Georg would be on Hinge. He just gives me “Hinge guy” energy. His opening line would probably sound very proper, like “Good day, madam, may I help you?” lol But honestly, I think he’d lie a little on his profile at first. He’d probably say he was some kind of businessman or shop owner, something that makes him sound more impressive. But I also think once he actually met the girl, he’d come clean. Georg is charming, and he means well, so he’d eventually tell the truth. But yeah… he’s absolutely a Hinge guy.
RAPID FIRE WITH JIANA KEVILUS, AMALIA IN SHE LOVES ME
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Amalia is smart, stubborn, and deeply hopeful. What’s your favorite contrast between how she sees herself vs. how others see her?
JIANA KEVILUS: I think the contrast in Amalia’s self-image versus how others see her is one of the most compelling things about her as a character. In one of her songs, we learn that she worries that “Dear Friend” will be disappointed to find that she is “shy” and “quiet.” This is a stark contrast to the confident and witty personality we see from her when interacting with Georg and the other clerks and customers at the shop. I think this offers a very human and relatable side to Amalia, because while she may be secretly insecure, the people around her are more focused on her charm.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: The 1940 film The Shop Around the Corner gave Amalia a slightly different flavor. In researching the role, did you check out either film adaptation? Or, did you simply find your own Amalia through the rehearsal process?
JIANA KEVILUS: This show has been a favorite of mine for a long time. Because of this, I was already somewhat familiar with different productions and adaptations. When preparing for the role however, I’ve tried to avoid spending too much time watching other people’s interpretations of Amalia as I tried to learn what my own organic take on the character should be. I think there is happy medium between golden age damsel and independent and headstrong young woman that I’ve found in my interpretation of her.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Vanilla Ice Cream is a beast of a number. Did your Director, Morgan Roberts or the show’s Musical Director, Roger Hutson offer any specific advice that changed how you approach this number?
JIANA KEVILUS: Morgan and Roger have both had such wonderful visions for this production! With their guidance, I’ve been lucky enough to have been given a lot of artistic freedom in this number. When discussing with Morgan what Amalia’s motivation is in this song, we found that it is much more compelling if this is the beginning of her slowly starting to realize the true identity of “Dear Friend.” Whether she fully understands it yet or not, this is a turning point for her character and altogether such a fun number to sing!
JHPENTERTAINMENT: As Amalia and Georg, you and Jayden have to walk the tightrope between enemies, coworkers, and secret lovers. What has helped you unlocked that balance?
JIANA KEVILUS: Jayden is a delight to work with and he puts on such a charming performance. While our characters certainly take some hard digs at each other, so much of the dialogue is so humorous that we find it hard not to laugh when rehearsing many of the scenes. We just have so much fun with these characters that I think it translates well to the different dynamics between them.
RAPID FIRE WITH TOMMY ANGLIM, KODALY IN SHE LOVES ME
JHPENTERTAINMENT: If Kodaly were to follow in Georg’s example and begin corresponding to an unknown potential love interest, how would the opening line of his introductory letter read?
TOMMY ANGLIM: Kodaly would NEVER pick up a woman without knowing what she looks like! However, his go to pick up line for strangers on the street (or in the shop) is likely along the lines of “Cherie, I have never seen a face like yours. You are absolutely as glamorous as Garbo.” And somehow… that line would work every time.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: The banter between the characters in SHE LOVES ME is iconic. What’s one line in the show—whether yours or that of a co-star—that makes you laugh even after dozens of runs?
TOMMY ANGLIM: I feel like two specific moments come to mind. The scene leading up to the song Ilona is one of my favorite ones to do with Kim Wolff. She and I have found a rhythm to those lines that are quick jabs at each other and it’s a joy every time (even though we seem quite angry in the moment!). For my second answer, I have to give a shoutout to Sam Boggs who plays Arpad. He brings such an innocent humor to that role that makes me laugh at lines I’ve never even thought were meant to be funny!
JHPENTERTAINMENT: If Kodaly were giving modern-day dating advice, what’s the first rule he’d insist everyone follow?
TOMMY ANGLIM: Always have a backup plan in case you need to replace your date!
JHPENTERTAINMENT: This show is quite the conundrum. It’s beloved by those who know it, but by-and-large, it’s rarely done by local theatre companies. How excited are you to potentially be introducing audiences members to this show?
TOMMY ANGLIM: I think it’s a very exciting opportunity! The show is a pretty trope-heavy, low stakes, enemies-to-lovers story that also has a cozy, Christmas ending, so it’s generally easy for audience members to find something about it to enjoy. I think what really sets the bar high in this production is the set that Kevin Driver has designed. He has really outdone himself providing mobile set pieces to really bring this story to life, and bring the audience into the shop with all of us.
RAPID FIRE WITH KIMBERLY WOLFF, ILONA IN SHE LOVES ME
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Ilona’s glamour and vulnerabilities are such a fun combination. What part of her surprised you most once you started digging in?
KIMBERLY WOLFF: Ilona, although may not be the smartest, she is still a catch. She is caring, loving, and very loyal. She’s just looking for someone to treat her right so that she can do the exact same for someone else. One the surface she may come across one way, but when you really dig in and see who she is, she offers so much more.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Every adaptation handles Ilona a little differently. In preparing for the role, did you check out any of the previous incarnations, whether stage adaptations or film versions? — or did you purposely avoid them?
KIMBERLY WOLFF: Before I even audition, I will generally skim through other productions so that I have a good grasp on what the show is about and who these characters are. After that, I never go back, as I don’t want to be too influenced by other performances. Once I have the script in hand, and start acting it out with the other actors cast, I can bring her to life how I see her. That is half the fun of it. Bringing to life this character that I have spent weeks getting to know.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: With a background in choreography yourself, how has it been having Heidi Buyck as choreographer for the show? AND…Which number makes you feel the most like you’re living your full Ilona fantasy?
KIMBERLY WOLFF: I’m very excited to finally get to work with Heidi. I have seen other shows she has choreographed, and she has seen other shows I have been a part of. We have both mentioned we hope we get to work together one day. Now, here we are. Performing the song, Ilona, that Tommy, aka Kodaly, sings has been a blast. Tommy and I have had a lot of fun bringing that one to life. Ilona is once again seduced by Kodaly’s charm, and against her better judgement gives him, yet again, another chance.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Ilona and Kodaly have… a complicated relationship. What’s one thing your Kodaly, Tommy Anglim brings to the dynamic that made your scenes instantly click?
KIMBERLY WOLFF: Tommy is a great scene partner. He has certainly brought all of his Kodaly energy for this role. His ability to transform into this character is effortless. We were both very excited when we found out we would get to play these characters together. We already have hilarious banter off stage so we couldn’t wait to be in this dynamic on stage.
RAPID FIRE WITH SHE LOVES ME DIRECTOR, MORGAN ROBERTSON
JHPENTERTAINMENT: While you’ve performed as an actor, music director, teaching artist and choreographer, I understand The Keeton’s SHE LOVES ME marks your directorial debut. The show is famously delicate — grounded, funny, and deeply human. What was your North Star when shaping the tone of this production?
MORGAN ROBERTSON: As you say – this show is deeply human. We’ve been interacting with various iterations of this narrative for years, (enemies to lovers is one of the most successful themes in pop culture!) With that being said, my two objectives as a first time director were 1) cast it well and 2) empower the team. This show (as a musical and a play before that) has been around for nearly 100 years. That means the bones are good! All I needed to do was find the people that could respect and highlight the central themes of the show and make sure they feel fully supported to embody the human experience. I consider this show to be a loving call for self reflection. I wanted our rehearsal process to feel the same way and I think this cast has been fully engaged with that idea.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Having music directed a 2023 production of SHE LOVES ME elsewhere about town, is there an aspect of the show’s score, as music directed by The Keeton’s Roger Hutson that you absolutely love?
MORGAN ROBERTSON: Yes! I fell in love with this show as music director for Trevecca University back in 2023, under the direction of Jeff Frame. Roger has always made me feel that my experience as MD is as valuable as my process as Director. I love the way he gets excited about the music! He’s a true music lover and he’s working with a huge range of musical styles in this show. Not only that, but he knows this cast (having worked with most of them on multiple productions) and so his attention to the needs of each song and each actor have really allowed me to take an outside view of just how unique this score is and how it serves each of the scenes with such specificity.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: When SHE LOVES ME enjoyed its latest Broadway revival in 2016, the exterior of the Parfumerie moved to reveal the charming little shop and in doing so, the show’s scenic design won the Tony, beating out, among others, a little show called Hamilton. For The Keeton’s production, What’s your personal favorite aspect of the set?
MORGAN ROBERTSON: Well I don’t want to spoil anything … but I will say – my favorite aspect of the set is the set designer – Kevin Driver. Kevin has been extremely collaborative and often thinks my thoughts before I need to voice them. We discussed what wealth looks like in a glamorized society as well as what it looks like for a place like Maraczek’s parfumerie which exists in 1930’s Hungary. We’re dealing with old world ideas like buildings should be built well, with good material, meant to last. So we explored heightened natural elements. What does it look to make something marvelous and timeless? And I think we have found a really grounded balance.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: What do you hope audiences take with them long after seeing The Keeton’s SHE LOVES ME?
MORGAN ROBERTSON: Remember that it was worth it to get out and see live theater! Especially as the Keeton does it! The Keeton is uniquely situated in that they’ve been offering heightened, intimate theatrical experiences for years now. The talent is incredible, every bit what you would see at any pro venue in town. They’re brining in people who are ready to try new things with theatre in Nashville and that means all of their productions are filled with heart. We’ve been brave with this show – we’ve opened the doors on every level for new ideas. I’m a new director, though not new to the Nashville theater community. I’ve developed my artistic voice in these communities and it feels incredible to be trusted with this experience. I hope they remember how amazing it felt to watch people who love what they do and are incredibly good at it. Remember that we love what we do and we love sharing it with you.
_____
Ready to unwrap the enchantment of SHE LOVES ME for yourself? Performances run at The Keeton (108 Donelson Pike, Nashville, TN 37214) December 4–21, 2025, with show-only Thursday evenings and full dinner-and-a-show experiences on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, a. Tickets range from $35–$47. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets before the entire run sells out. More information can be found at thekeeton.org. “Dear Friend,” you’re in for a treat, so #GoSeeTheShow!