South Pacific

Cambridge Amateur Operatic Society’s annual show at the Cambridge Arts Theatre is always something to look forward to and this year was no exception with Rogers and Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC.

Unfortunately for me circumstances had prevented my attending earlier in the week and by the time I saw the show on the Saturday evening a programme was not available: therefore, I am afraid this review may be short on information.  

Thankfully my misgivings following the loud six-minute overture by the large orchestra were unfounded as, under the baton of Lucas Elkin, they were absolutely excellent.   

There was much to be impressed by in this show. The steeply raked stage used to great effect throughout was backlit beautifully as the sun rose on this 1940s pacific island during the overture.

The male ensemble had great attack from their first appearance matched well by the ladies ensemble who were full of verve and energy.  I loved all the little characterisations and mini-scenes whilst the main action ensued.  All this added strength to the production. There is not much dancing in this show but what there was had been well choreographed by Emma Olley 

Performances were all of a high standard, particularly those of Emma Vieceli as Nellie and David Gower as Emile whose love story the show is based on.  Both performers could grace a professional stage with no problem.  Beautiful voices and great acting.

There were other excellent performances in this show too.  I particularly liked Chas Barclay's Cmdr William Harbison and Richard Sockett’s Captain Brackett.  As the never-miss-a- trick Bloody Mary, Trenetta Jones was in fine voice but I did have trouble understanding much  of her dialogue.  The same could also be said of Timothy Winn in the often coveted role of Luther Billis.  His acting was good and he made the most of his drag act scene but projection was a problem - from my point of view anyway. 

I have long thought the role of Lt Cable here played by Gavin Jarvis a difficult one.  There is not much for an actor to get hold of in the sub-plot of his attachment to Liat (Achylla Jones) but he did well, managing to create empathy with his young lover.

This show was extremely well directed by Chris Cuming.  Excellent and imaginative use was made of the stage and the issues of America’s involvement in the war in the South Pacific and racial prejudice, still prevalent in the American psyche of the time, were realistically but sensitively depicted.

This famous show, full of well-known songs, has long been a favourite of amateur musical groups and it is no wonder, but I doubt you will see a better version of it than CaOS’s 2013 offering.  

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.