This new adaptation of the 1936 Czechoslovakian play that inspired a trio of iconic films (Shop Around the Corner, In the Good Old Summertime, and You’ve Got Mail), and the popular Broadway musical She Loves Me is a warm, gentle comedy that follows the tangled tale of Parfumerie employee George Horvath.
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. A delightful, warm and decidedly NOT farcical Christmas romance
just didn’t have another 1940s radio show spoof joke in me. For three years, B&B has been filling The Venetian Theatre with hilarious, over the top, fast-paced and farcical holiday shows and…well, I just couldn’t bring myself to do another one! Not that we felt like the 1940s Radio Shows were bad; quite the contrary! Those productions (It’s A Somewhat Wonderful Life, A Miracle On 43rd Street, and A KBNB Kristmas Karol) have been among the most popular and critically acclaimed shows in the company’s history. I have to admit that I miss Lana, and Winston, and little Pete Paulson, and Gilroy, and Felicity. Those characters were a holiday tradition for me, and for the company, for so long that it feels like a holiday without our family!
Which is why Parfumerie is such a great choice for us this season. It introduces us, and our audiences, to an entirely new family of characters and does so with subtle charm, romance, and warmth. A perfect counter- point to the manic and maniacal festive comedies of the past 3 seasons. Parfumerie is a remarkable play, not only as a stand-alone script, but also because of its amazing pedigree. Written in 1937 by Hungarian playwright Miklos Laszlo, Parfumerie remains one of Europe’s most popular holiday plays, and was responsible for inspiring some of the most iconic films and musicals in American history.The Shop Around The Corner (starring Jimmy Stewart) in 1940, In The Good Old Summertime (starring Judy Garland) in 1949, the Broadway smash She Loves Me in 1963, and You’ve Got Mail (starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan) in 1998.
Think about how powerful and timeless a story has to be in order to inspire 
so many other successful treatments, and over such a long period of time! There has to be something there, right? Something timeless and inspiring that brings such a range of artists back, time and again, to the lovely story of a little Hungarian perfume shop just before Christmas. There is so much heart in this play; romantic entanglements, confusion and conundrums, mistaken identities, betrayal and justice, and the always heartwarming feeling of new love and new hope. All of the later treatments and adaptations of Parfumerie retained some (if not all) of these qualities, but none of them retained what I feel is a more powerful context embedded in Laszlo’s original story; a story set in Eastern Europe just a few years before the rise of fascism and the start of the Second World War. Miklos Laszlo was actually born Nicholaus Leitner, to a family of German/Jewish decent, in 1903, just a few years before Emperor Franz Joseph decreed that all citizens of Hungary who were not of Hungarian decent must “culturally unify” by dropping their family names and heritage and taking on a more traditional Hungarian family name. Leitner became Laszlo, and Nicholaus became Miklos, and Eastern European families of Jewish decent began to sense the coming storm clouds of hatred and paranoia. Particularly troubling was the rise of Anti-Semitic sentiment targeted at shop keepers and business people. In fact, Miklos’ own father was ultimately left destitute before his death, and Miklos emigrated to the United States just before the war as a way of escaping the rising tide of extremism, fascism, and hatred.
Although Laszlo’s Parfumerie is ultimately a story of love and redemption, there are storm clouds behind the charm. Hammerschmidt, the shop owner, mentions the fact that shops are closing all around him; all of the employees are worried about money and about their future; and there is the lingering presence of the police, a feeling of paranoia, and of detectives and surveillance. In our approach to this work, Cassie and I have tried to find ways of bringing some of those storm clouds forward to help create a context for our audiences. This isn’t a Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan romantic comedy completely…in fact, Miklos Laszlo’s story is a specific one, set in a very particular time and place, and with a darker, more threatening atmosphere swirling underneath the scent of perfume and the witty banter. I have always believed that the holidays were a time to celebrate; to honor our loved ones and friends, to be thankful for all of our bounty, to remember those we have lost, and glory in the love we are given. But it is also a time to reflect on the serious issues we face as a people, as a country, as a city, and as a community. For all that we love each other, and grow to care for each other more and more, let us not ignore the storm clouds that may be gathering on the horizon. In fact, it is because we are a community that the storm clouds matter. It is because we are a community that we will overcome.
“The hero is the one who kindles a great light in the world, who sets up blazing torches in the dark streets of life for men to see by. The saint is the man who walks through the dark paths of the world, himself a light.” –Felix Adler
I want to give a very special thank you to Cassie Greer, who stepped in to co-direct Parfumerie with me when the pressures of the EVOLUTION capital campaign started to fray me at the seams. This has been an extremely challenging year for B&B, and our whole staff, and having Cassie there to add her wisdom, thoughts, and insights has…essentially…saved my life. Thanks, kid. Yer alright.
May you and yours have a most wonderful holiday season filled with light.
Scott Palmer
ANDREW BECK (KADAR)
Andrew holds a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Oregon. This is Andrew’s third year as a member of Bag&Baggage’s Resident Acting Company. You may have seen Mr. Beck with Bag&Baggage in Emma (as Frank Churchill and Mr. Elton); A KBNB Kristmas Carol (as Donald Donaldson); Our Country’s Good (as Ralph Clark); Dial “M” for Murder (as Tony Wendice) and in Love’s Labour’s Lost (as The King of Navarre). Other companies Andrew has worked for include the Oregon Contemporary Theatre, The Majestic Theatre, Willamette Stage Company, Nebraska Repertory Theatre and The Ludlow Festival (England). Other Favorite roles include: The Great Gatsby (as Jay Gatsby); The Seagull (as Trigorn); In The Next Room (as Dr. Givings) and Frankenstein’s Bride (as The Monster). Andrew is a current member of The Long Con Improv group and works as a Financial Advisor in his family’s practice when he is not making loud noises in front of paying audiences. Andrew is lucky to have such great family, friends, and wife, Katie.
JOEY COPSEY (HORVATH)
Joey received his primary theatrical training at Hiram College in Ohio. Having grown up on the south Oregon Coast, Joey returned to Oregon after college and has worked on stage intermittently in the years since around the Portland area. This is his second season working as an actor with Bag&Baggage. Previously Joey performed in B&B’s Richard III, The Best of Everything, Moby Dick Rehearsed and Emma. Some notable productions at other institutions over the years include All My Sons (Chris Keller); Judevine as David; Antony and Cleopatra as Marc Antony; How the Other Half Loves as Frank Foster; and Caucasian Chalk Circle as Azdak. Joey lives in Portland and when not acting spends as much time as he can with his incredible friends and family. He also runs a small residential contracting business, and just generally tries to be useful.
ZOE FLACH (CUSTOMER)
Zoe is a senior at Sherwood High School and plans to study theatre in college. This is Zoe’s second show with Bag&Baggage, and she’s thrilled to be back. She was last seen with Bag&Baggage this summer in Coriolanus: Or The Roman Matron (as Messengers/ Soldiers). Zoe caught the theatre bug in 2nd grade in a play about the first girl to immigrate through Ellis Island. Other favorite productions in school have been A Midsummer Night’s Dream (as Titania); Thoroughly Modern Millie (as Mrs. Meers); and Once On This Island (as Asaka). When not on stage Zoe enjoys making 3-D art, petting dogs, and reading. She’d like to thank her Mom and Dad for their endless love and support.
LESLIE GALE (MOLNAR)
Leslie is thrilled to make her Bag&Baggage debut. Leslie is currently a theatre student at Portland State University and lead vocalist in the 204th ARMY Band. Audiences may remember Leslie from Lakewood Theatre Company performances as Elizabeth in Young Frankenstein, and as Agnes Gooch in Mame, the Musical. Leslie has also portrayed Escalus in Romeo and Juliet (PSU), Donna Taffeta in The Taffetas (Longview Stageworks), Paulina in A Winter’s Tale (PCC,) and Lucille in Meet Me in St. Louis (H.A.R.T.) Leslie is a graduate of American Musical and Dramatic Academy, and a member of Portland Area Theatre Alliance.
LALANYA GUNN (CUSTOMER)
Lalanya holds a BFA in Theatre from Niagara University. She was last seen in Bag&Baggage’s production of Crimes of The Heart as Chick Boyle. She has worked on stages in Buffalo, Austin and Los Angeles. Portland Credits include Jesus Christ SuperStar (Post 5); The Heidi Chronicles (Twilight Theatre); Rent (Theatre in the Grove); Best Xmas Pageant Ever and Show Boat (Lakewood Theatre); Bat Boy (FunHouse Lounge); Sound of Music, Jungle Book, and Snow White (Broadway Rose); Book of Miriam, Transient, and Lady Gregory’s Ingredients (Readers Rep. Theatre); Dicken’s Christmas Carol (Mask & Mirror); Is he Dead? (Beaverton Civic Theatre); and Fiddler on the Roof (Portland Center Stage). As always much love to Greg for all his support.
DAVID HEATH (HAMMERSCHMIDT)
David is pleased to be appearing in his seventh show at Bag&Baggage, where he last appeared as Mr. Robinson in The Graduate. Previous B&B shows include Moby Dick, The Crucible, Of Mice and Men, and Death of a Salesman. He has been performing in various Northwest venues for more than 40 years. He was a long-time member of the New Rose Theatre ensemble, where he appeared as Ed Devery in Born Yesterday; Norman in The Norman Conquests; James Joyce in Travesties; Richard Rowan in Joyce’s Exiles; and the Sheriff of Nottingham in The Adventures of Robin Hood, to name but a few of his favorites. He has also appeared at Artists Repertory Theatre (including Putnam in The Crucible; Uncle Harvey in Season’s Greetings; and Jim in Passion), Storefront (Ten November), Lakewood, Portland Repertory, Portland Civic, Northwest Classical Theatre, and Profile Theatre Project. He has also appeared in an episode each of the locally filmed Portlandia and Leverage. In his spare time he is an avid birder and world traveler.
TREVOR JACKSON (POLICEMAN/FRITZ)
Trevor holds a BFA in Theatre from Western Oregon University. This is his second season with Bag&Baggage; you may have seen him last year in Rope (as Brandon) or in Richard III. Past performances have included The Underpants (as Cohen); Deathtrap (as Clifford); The Liar (as Dorante); Death By Design (as Walter Pearce); and Thoroughly Modern Millie (as Trevor Graydon). Trevor also occasionally dabbles in directing and in screen acting. He also enjoys reading, writing, video games, beer, and Tex-Mex, in that order. He would like to thank his Dad, his girlfriend (Hi Amanda!), and all of his friends.
ARIANNE JACQUES (BALASH)
Arianne holds a Bachelor’s in Theater Arts from Oregon State University. This is her tenth season with Bag&Baggage Productions. From then past nine seasons, favorite roles include: The Importance of Being Ernest (as Gwendolyn); Twelfth Night (as Viola); Crimes of the Heart (as Babe); Julius Caesar (as Cassius); The Great Gatsby (as Jordan); Private Lives (as Sibyl); Our Country’s Good (as Mary Brenham); The Best of Everything (as Gregg Adams); Moby Dick, Rehearsed (as Stage Manager/Elijah); and most recently The Graduate (as Elaine Robinson). Arianne has been box officer for the company since 2011, and is now the Patron Services Manager for B&B. When she is away from the theater, Arianne spends her time reading, watching nature documentaries, & helping out at Basilisk (her partner’s amazing restaurant). Arianne would like to thank Jason and her mom & pop for their endless love and support.
SAM JONES (DETECTIVE)
Sam graduated last year from Portland State University with a Bachelors of Science in Arts in Letters. He most recently appeared in Bag&Baggage’s summer production of Richard III as Rivers and Richmond. Past favorite roles include Eurydice (as Nasty Interesting Man); The Importance of Being Earnest (as Reverend Chasuble); Romeo and Juliet (as Friar Laurence); Our Town (as Stage Manager); and Die, Mommie, Die! (as Angela Arden). He is a member of the sketch comedy group Almost Boston, and would like to thank his friends and family for their unwavering support. Sam is neither human nor dancer.
STEPHANIE LEPPERT (RITTER)
Stephanie holds a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in theatre from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (Los Angeles campus). She’s appeared on the Bag&Baggage stage several times in the last couple of years, including Lear (as Cordelia), Julius Caesar (as Portia), and The Best of Everything (as Brenda). She’s also worked with Lakewood Theatre in Lake Oswego in South Pacific (as Nellie) and two winters in a row in White Christmas (as Rhoda). You also may have seen Stephanie last Christmas in A Taffeta Christmas (as Kaye) at Broadway Rose in Tigard. Various other credits include Into the Woods (as Cinderella); Our Town (as Emily); Crimes of the Heart (as Meg); The Sound of Music (as Maria); The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (as Olive); Twelfth Night (as Olivia); and Les Miserables (as Cosette). In addition to performing, Stephanie has a passion for health and fitness. She is a licensed massage therapist and certified chiropractor’s assistant at Lula Health Center in southeast Portland, as well as a certified Pure Barre instructor in the Portland Pearl District. Stephanie would like to thank her wonderful friends, family, and hunky boyfriend for being a foundation of constant love and support.
DAWSON OLIVER (CUSTOMER)
Dawson is a senior at Gaston High School, where he has participated in theatrical productions since freshman year. Over the last four years, he has participated in several productions, including Arsenic and Old Lace (as Teddy); A Christmas Carol (as Jacob Marley); and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (as Mr. Tumnus). Parfumerie is Dawson’s second production with Bag&Baggage, following his most recent role in last year’s production of Moby Dick, Rehearsed (as Daggoo). Dawson spends his spare time reading anything he can get his hands on and hanging out with friends. He would like to thank Bag&Baggage for the chance to act with them once again, and is very excited to be a part of this performance.
PATRICK SPIKE (SIPOS)
A former Bag&Baggage board member, Spike, as his friends call him, holds a BA in theatre with emphasis in directing from Western Washington University, and MFA in directing from Humboldt State University. He has directed productions of Educating Rita, Love Letters, The Mystery of Irma Vep, Dangerous Liaisons, and performed in The Importance of Being Earnest (as Lady Bracknel) and in The Farndale Avenue…Christmas Carol (as Phoebe Reece) for Bag&Baggage. Spike also recently directed Batboy the Musical and Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks in California. As Product Manager for Arts People ticketing and patron management software company based in Portland, he works closely with various performing arts groups around the country. Spike recently relocated to Scappoose OR with his partner Fernando and their three dogs.
ERIC ST. CYR (ARPAD)
Born and raised a short drive outside the city of Boston, MA, Eric holds a BA in Theatre Arts from Plymouth State University. Eric is thrilled to be part of the 2016–2017 season as an associate artist with Bag&Baggage productions. Past B&B appearances include Lord Hastings/Second Murderer in Richard III as well as Queequeg/ Cynical Actor in Moby Dick Rehearsed and Benjamin Braddock in The Graduate. New England theatre credits include work with such companies as; New Hampshire Theatre Project (Portsmouth, NH) Artists Collaborative Theatre of New England (Portsmouth, NH) Lost Nation Theatre (Montpelier, VT) and The Players Ring (Portsmouth, NH). Eric would like to thank his mom and dad for their continued love and support, and his number 1 girl, his daughter Romy Mae St. Cyr for her everyday inspiration. Daddy loves you, girl! Peace, love, and Merry Christmas!
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