South Pacific in Concert

Set during World War II, South Pacific provides a sweeping romantic story of two couples threatened by the realities of war.  Although the concert version is a potted variation of the original musical, it did not lose its magic and this production provided a great opportunity for the company to showcase the talent from within the Society.  James Cassidy was perfectly at ease as the expatriate French planter Emile de Beque and provided an excellent rendition of ‘This Nearly Was Mine’.  He was joined by Hazel Brooks, Lauren Nimmo and Susan McFarlane who portrayed the part of Nellie Forbush as the story progressed, each interpreting their own section well.  The part of Bloody Mary was shared by Elizabeth Donald (Act 1) and Lorna Wallace (Act 2) who both captured the spirit of the Tonkinese island wheeler-dealer.  Ronnie Honey provided a first class performance as the entrepreneurial and entertaining Seabee Luther Billis.  Darren Tasker was suitably cast Lieutenant Joseph Cable who sang beautifully ‘Younger than Springtime’ to Liat played by Amy Sutherland.  Jim Porter and Marion Dixon played well as Captain Bracket and Commander Harbison.  Act 2 opened with a cheeky tap routine of ‘I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair.’  The Seabees and Nurses all blended with the principals in providing choral support throughout the show and the company closed with a beautiful arrangement of ‘Some Enchanted Evening’.  The small band of musicians worked well together but I felt another keyboard would have enhanced the overall balance however my congratulations go to Carol Sutherland in this the first production as Director.

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