SOUTH PACIFIC

Musicals by the dynamic duo –Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein ll always prove to be a popular choice and South Pacific is no exception. First produced on Broadway in 1949 playing to rave reviews, the issue of racism is paramount. The open stage worked very well with back cloth well lit, and stage crew suitably dressed as Seabees carrying out their tasks efficiently.

The large cast, too many to mention everyone unfortunately, was led by Emile de Becque, a French Planter, played by John Bowen. I can honestly say this was the finest portrayal of this character, who ran away to the South Pacific because ‘he killed a man’, that I have ever seen. I cannot praise John Bowen highly enough, his French accent was impeccable throughout, never faultering in any situation that he faced. His solos ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ and ‘This Nearly Was Mine’ were highlights. Amber Deacon took the role of Ensign Nellie Forbush in her stride, her first main role with Newtown MTC. Perfectly cast, Amber was very comfortable in her characterisation of this young woman who has fallen in love with the middle aged widower who has two Eurasian children.  Amber brought both amusement and pathos to the role, coping well with all vocal tasks and choreographed numbers, a most creditable performance. Charming performances from Ngana and Jerome, de Becque’s two Eurasian children played by Emily Simpson and Steffan Evans, together with Becky Gunson as Henry – Servant. Julie Breakwell brought a new freshness to the role of Tonkinese, Bloody Mary, her deliverence of her signature number Bali Ha’I was excellent. Andrew Bond as the ducking and diving ‘Luther Billis’, never fails to come up trumps and this character was no exception, an admirable contribution.  

Oliver Jones and Sinead Hegarty took the roles of lovers Lt Joseph Cable and Liat in their stride. These two teenagers were never phased by any situation, and Oliver’s ‘Younger Than Springtime’ and particularly the difficult ‘You’ve Got to be Carefully Taught’ were memorable, promising great futures so watch this space! A seasoned performance from Mike Clarke as Capt Brackett with good support from Tony Orme – Cmdr. William Harbison, Lex Urry – Lt Buzz Adams and Elliot Hopkins – Bob McCaffrey, Radio Operator. Bev Dunkley Freya Rowlands and Jodie Breakwell gave support as Ensigns Dinah Murphy, Janet McGregor and Marshall. The chorus of Seabees, Marines and Sailors, Nurses, Nuns, and Islanders completed the cast.

I must mention how fortunate the Company is to have so many enthusiastic youngsters on stage, the envy of many Societies. Although I have seen this piece many times before, Newtown MTC brought a new freshness to the production. I always get a lump in my throat during the final scene, and it was definitely there again on this occasion. 

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