South Pacific

Even with familiar characters and music, this production made its own mark. The overture was accompanied by a party in progress where we see the two main characters meeting for the first time. Here, chorus ladies are Polynesian women used as servants; later Bloody Mary is ordered to move down the beach out of the way; Cable’s rejection of marriage and Nellie’s recoil on learning of Emile’s Polynesian children - all allude to prejudice. It is interesting how different productions bring out differing aspects of the script.  The leading lady Lorna Gallacher as Nellie Forbush grasped the role with relish, and invested in it a grace and dignity both in song and dance - she was not any ordinary nurse, but nurse she was as she expertly took Cable’s temperature. In a role he has performed before, James Cassidy was an accomplished Emile de Becque, bringing out his need for honest love and honest dealings, and singing movingly This Nearly Was Mine. Angela Dickinson, well disguised as Bloody Mary, sang confidently and showed both the necessary likeability and ruthlessness as a saleswoman but with less acumen in her family deals.  Grant Webb, as Cable, made the journey from healthy Lieutenant to malaria sickness seem real. He and Liat, Gemma Ferguson, gave the clear impression of being swept off their feet. Giving light relief was Ronnie Honey as Billis, always on the make, but also sympathetic to Nellie. He entertained wonderfully as the rosy - cheeked, blond - wigged broad in Honey Bun and out-talked his superiors. These two, Bracket and Harbison namely John Taylor and Callum McNeil-Ritchie, made a good job of good guy/hard guy. Minor roles of Stewpot, Professor and Buzz Adams well were defined and the children Katie Mongan and Stephen Rawson charmed with their French accents and sweet singing. This was a nicely detailed production with delightful moments like the radio operator’s irritation of Bracket’s interruptions. Movement was assured. The MD brought the singing together with a sympathetic and controlled orchestra. And this was the first night!

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.