South Pacific

Helensburgh on a wet Saturday in November is the entire opposite of the scenario expected with South Pacific — although there are palm trees, it was quite cold and wet.  The atmosphere inside the Victoria Halls changed that, though, at this matinée performance, well attended by a mixed age group, and my welcome confirmed it.  The well-known and loved music from Pamela’s small orchestra sent a shiver of anticipation as the two youngsters duetted their French song, which continued with the adults’ performances.  Elise McLean (Nellie Forbush) gave a strong performance as the will-she / won’t-she American confronted with racial differences from her home town.  Her real-time husband Kenny McLean (Emile de Becque) showed his serious side (in comparison to last year’s Moonface Martin) in this more dramatic rôle.  Paul Lyden (Luther), never one to hold back, played the fly-boy with gusto, aided and abetted by Ewan Robertson and Jorden Lee Sharkey (Stewpot and Professor) always being outwitted by May Connelly’s Bloody Mary.  Steve Sweeney (Lt.Cable) and Laura Brown (Liat), both newcomers to the Club, provided the alternative love interest, also causing heartache with the racialism.  The supporting cast of Seabees, nurses, etc. all added to the flow of this enjoyable production, up to the Savoy’s usual good standard.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.