South Pacific

This was the first time that E.D.G.A.S experimented and staged an American musical and this proved to be a hugely successful venture. Being a lover of the works of Rodgers & Hammerstein and particularly South Pacific I very much looked forward to seeing this production and was certainly not disappointed.

The score is full of wonderful melodies.The orchestra immediately settled the audience with the fabulously played overture and got us in the mood for this romantic show.

Central to the plot is nurse Nellie Forbush brilliantly played by Fiona Main who gave a most spirited performance particularly in ‘I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out Of My Hair’ where she looked fantastic as did the female chorus with their slick dance routines and strong singing. There is certainly more for the male chorus in South Pacific and the 16 strong ensemble made a full bodied sound as the rowdy Seabees singing and dancing their way through such raucous numbers as ‘There Is Nothin’ Like  A Dame ‘ and ‘Honey Bun’ led by Nellie and Luther (Simon Boothroyd) whose facial expressions and antics extracted the comedy from his role at every opportunity/

South Pacific of course is not all fun and frivolity. There are some serious and very sentimental moments which came a across strongly. David Mutch’s Emile De Becque was emotive from start to finish. ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ and ‘This Nearly Was Mine’ really did pull at the heart strings. The chemistry and conflict in the love tangle between himself and Nellie was very evident. The young lovers Joe Cable (Chris Cotter) and Liat (Emma McFarlane) were also most convincing in their roles ‘Younger Than Springtime’ being for me one of the highlights of the evening..

 Bloody Mary (Caroline Kerr), Captain Bracket (Ross Main), Commander Harrison( David McBain) were all confident and  believable characters.

This was a production which was visually attractive with striking sets and colourful costumes. Well rehearsed choreography and a fine orchestra all added to the success of the production,

In my opinion this diverse and vocally strong company embarked on an adventure which resulted in an excellent well staged production which was a real winner. Hopefully they will embark on further adventures as well as their ever popular and successful Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. Loved it .

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