SRT Presents a Timeless Classic with “South Pacific”
Timothy Shelton and Kiyoko Williams are young lovers Lt. Joe Cable and Liat in Sierra Repertory’s production of “South Pacific.”
By Wayne Kirkbride
My only experience with “South Pacific” was seeing the movie version in the late 1950s, which carried on this classic from its Broadway debut in 1949. Words and lyrics by the famous duo of Rodgers and Hammerstein, inspired by James Michener’s “Tales of the South Pacific”, present a story of people thrown together on a South Pacific island during World War II. At a U.S. naval base, sailors and nurses support the war effort to defeat the Japanese while fighting boredom, a lack of female companionship and wistful thinking about being back home.
SRT set the stage (pardon the pun) of the play through artistic and authentic replications of a plantation home with a thatched roof and native materials complete with palm trees, to sets depicting the captain’s office and communications office. Scenic designer Randall Enlow’s creative efforts presented the audience with authentic sets that reflected the times and places of a tropical utopia interrupted by war.
Visible in many scenes was the distant island of Bali Ha’i seen under different lighting effects. Lighting played a major role in producing the mood and ethereal magic of the island – especially on Bali Ha’i when lighting depicted native silhouettes against the skyline moving hypnotically to the theme of “Bali Ha’i”. Lighting captured and held the island’s sunset as two lovers, Lt. Joe and Liat are captivated by the island’s magic. Christopher Van Tuyl, a veteran of SRT again demonstrates his talent in using lighting to set the various moods throughout the production.
Under the direction and choreography of Scott Viets, the audience was presented with lively musical numbers involving the cast as they moved easily between favorites like “There is Nothin’ like a Dame, “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair”, and the riotous “Thanksgiving Follies”.
The two principle couples are the French plantation owner Emile and optimistic nurse Nellie Forbush who fall in love with one another and the young Marine, Lt. Joe Cable who falls for a young Polynesian girl, Liat. The story of these two couples involve the prejudices they have brought to the relationships that threaten to doom any chance of happiness as explained by Lt. Joe as he sings “You’ve Got to be Carefully Taught” as he reflects on how racial differences have been ingrained in one’s mind as a reason to deny love for another who is “different”.
Emile de Bacque, the French plantation owner, is played by Jeffrey Rockwell with enough of an accent and command of French to fit the role. His rich baritone voice easily handled his many numbers to the recorded music that blended seamlessly with such favorites as “Some Enchanted Evening”. Nellie Forbush, the young nurse who falls for him – and then has her doubts, was played energetically by the singing and dancing Sarah Wintermeyer. Her performance would make Mary Martin, who played that role on Broadway, proud. Especially difficult and moving was Ms. Wintermeyer’s heartfelt feelings when she learns that Emile’s life is in jeopardy when he helps the Navy behind enemy lines, knowing she may never see him alive again. Real tears with her lyrics showcased how talented this young lady is.
A talented ensemble of guys and gals, who with strong voice and dancing brought vitality to the musical numbers and balance between the dramas being played out between the lovers. A standout-supporting role came from Greg Parker, playing sailor Luther Billis, a street savvy wheeler-dealer who sounds like he was raised in the Bronx. His scenes on stage provided comic relief, especially in the hilarious Thanksgiving play put on by the sailors and nurses and his rendition of a dancing grass-skirted native girl.
Linette Roungchun, who unfortunately was bothered with a hoarse throat on the afternoon of this performance, played the role of Bloody Mary. Nevertheless, she gamely played her role as the native entrepreneur who deals merchandise with the sailors while hoping to find the right suitor for her daughter, Liat. Her rendition of “Bali Ha’i” took her best efforts to complete. The director wisely left out “Happy Talk” by Bloody Mary from the musical numbers to help save her voice.
If for no other reason than to listen to the great compositions of Rodgers and Hammerstein, performed entertainingly and professionally by the cast, this would be a show to not put off seeing. Add to that, the vibrant dancing and sets and one will find their time well spent experiencing one of America’s best gifts to musical theatre in “South Pacific”.
South Pacific runs through September 7, 2008 at the Fallon House Theatre in Columbia State Park.
Rating: 3.5 (out of 5)
