Americana Theatre Company Presents Parfumerie

Americana Theatre Company (ATC), Plymouth’s professional theatre company, presents Parfumerie, the endearing play adapted by E. P. Dowdall from the Hungarian play Illatszertar by Miklos Laszlo from December 11 through 15, 7 pm at Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North Street, Plymouth. The production is sponsored in part by The Foundation for Creative Achievement. Pre-show receptions welcome all guests to enjoy the holiday spirit beginning at 6:30 pm.

A romantic comedy noted as “festive entertainment” by the Los Angeles Times, and the inspiration for several major motion pictures and a musical, Parfumerie follows the tangled tale of shop employee George Horvath, set in 20th century Budapest. Just days before Christmas, George's boss fires him after mistakenly suspecting him to be the lover of his unfaithful wife. Meanwhile, George's own love life goes awry when he discovers that the stranger he has fallen in love with through a secret correspondence is none other than Amalia Balash, a co-worker with whom he constantly feuds. For the employees of the Parfumerie, only the truth can lead to a happy resolution in this old-fashioned, romantic Christmas tale, poised to make love your favorite purchase this season.

Parfumerie’s vivid history begins when it was in Hungarian in 1937 as Miklós László’s play, Illatszertar (Perfume Shop) was a huge hit in Budapest when it caught the eye of Ernst Lubitsch, famed movie director. Lubitsch adapted the play into the movie The Shop Around the Corner in 1940, starring James Stewart, Margaret Sullivan and Frank Morgan (the wizard of The Wizard of Oz). It later became a vehicle for Judy Garland and Van Johnson in In the Good Old Summertime. In 1963, the play was transformed into the musical She Loves Me, recently in a hit revival on Broadway. In 1998 Nora Ephron utilized Illatszertar as the inspiration for the widely acclaimed film You’ve Got Mail, starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, delivering the concept into the digital age and the New York book business.

Parfumerie’s passionate cast includes Gary S. Martinez as shop owner “Mr. Hammerschmidt”, Jesse Sullivan as “George Horvath”, Jennifer Martin as “Amalia Balash”, David Friday as “Mr. Sipos”, Erin Friday as “Illona Pierce”, Gavin Killea as “Steven Kadar” and Miranda Sullivan as “Miss Molnar”.

Tickets for Parfumerie are $25 general admission. The production is recommended for ages 8 and up, group rates are available.

For tickets or more information visit www.americanatheatre.org or call 508-591-0282. Advance ticket purchases are recommended, seating is limited due to capacity. The Plymouth Center for the Arts is handicap accessible, public and paid parking is available street side, and in public lots in close proximity.

About Americana Theatre Company

Americana Theatre Company (ATC) is a non-profit 501(c)3, professional theatre company serving the Greater Plymouth region, now in its fourth season. Managing Director, David Friday, Artistic Director, Jesse Sullivan, and Director of Education, Erin Friday are the leadership team charged with continuing founder, Derek Martin’s, vision of opening a professional theatre in America’s Hometown. A dream that was fulfilled in 2011. ATC’s audiences find that story is paramount. Stories entertain, teach, and thrill us…they can inspire us toward the betterment of mankind, and help reveal the hidden mysteries of life. That is why ATC is committed to hiring directors, actors, and designers of the highest caliber. Americana Theatre Company’s aim is to enliven the cultural atmosphere of the Plymouth community by offering excellent, entertaining theatre, and theatre education to residents and visitors alike. For more information, visit www.americanatheatre.org, or call 508-591-0282.