South Pacific

One of Rogers and Hammerstein’s most popular musicals, the plot centres on an American nurse stationed on a South Pacific island during World War 2 who falls in love with a middle-aged expatriate French planter, but struggles to accept his mixed race children. A secondary romance between a U.S. lieutenant and a young Tonkinese woman extends the issue of racial prejudice, against a background of supporting military and often comical characters. To R&H followers, the music is special and even a three piece band captured much of this magic in the production.

The nurse ‘Nellie Forbush’ played by Sarah Richards captured her naïve yet spunky and romantic character and sang ‘A Cockeyed Optimist’, ‘I’m gonna wash that man right outa my hair’ and I’m in love with a wonderful guy’ with relish.  Nigel Preece, as ‘Emile de Beque’ had great stature and a rich voice handling ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ and ‘This Nearly Was Mine’ with feeling.  Emile’s children ’Jerome’ played by Joseph Knight and ‘Ngana’ played by Grace Murdoch were suitably endearing.

Alex Thompson (‘Joe Cable’) and Ruth Campbell (‘Liat’) played the hut scene with great sensitivity. Zoe Darks as ‘Bloody Mary’ brought great power to the role especially in ‘Happy Talk’ although I was surprised when her non English speaking daughter ‘Liat’, who moved well, joined in the singing.

Amongst the military personnel, Chris Paine as ‘Luther Billis’ led from the front, holding the action together with good pace and vitality. Good support from James Skidmore as ‘Quayle’ and Tom Farley as ‘McCaffrey’ and particularly so by Scott Denton as ‘Stewpot’ and a confident  ‘Buzz Adams’ in the radio shack scene. Other supporting contributions were provided by Stephen Day as ‘Capt. Brackett’ and Brian Potter as ‘Commander Harbison’.

The sets for the beach scene and Emile’s home were simple and effective and the set s for Bloody Mary’s hut and the radio shack provided atmosphere. I appreciated the after show tour backstage and fully understood the restrictions that the space created for both band and scenery.

Thank you very much for the invitation and the usual warm welcome from the President, Margaret Rogers and members.

Bruce Wyatt

  

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