The John W. Engeman Theater’s stunning production of the classic, “South Pacific” opened last week. Based on James Michener’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “Tales of the South Pacific,” the musical is loosely drawn from the author’s own experiences in the Treasury Islands during World War II. Featuring music and lyrics by the unbeatable team of Rodgers and Hammerstein, the show debuted to great acclaim in 1949, and its 2008 revival won seven Tonys.
Saturday’s night’s performance received a resounding standing ovation and rightfully so. The storyline, a study in contrasts, juxtaposes an idyllic tropical paradise and budding romance against the harsh realities of World War II. Although more than 60 years has passed since its Broadway premiere, the show has lost none of its luster. The highly talented cast directed by Igor Goldin and assembled by Stephen DeAngelis brings this powerful story to glorious fruition every step of the way.
The musical is set on two South Pacific islands. On one, Americans prepare for a dangerous mission to staunch the advance of the Japanese. As the show opens, the audience glimpses the adjacent paradise that is Bali Ha’i. This verdant oasis, shrouded in clouds, evokes thoughts of hedonistic pleasures and blissful freedom from societal constraints, and asserts its beguiling presence throughout the production.
The incongruities set in motion during wartime bring together Ensign Nellie Forbush (Kim Carson), an unsophisticated girl from Little Rock, Arkansas and Emile De Becque (Rob Gallagher), a debonair French plantation owner with a checkered past. It appears to be love at first sight for the pair from distinctly different worlds. The middle-aged, more experienced Emile knows that this is the real thing, but Nellie is confused. She is really thrown for a loop when she finds out that Emile has two children from a union with a Polynesian woman.
One of the show’s standout comical characters is irrepressible Bloody Mary (Amy Jo Phillips), a loud and sometimes foul-mouthed Tonkinese hustler who befriends the American sailors, and peddles Polynesian souvenirs. This unlikely matchmaker knows a good catch when she sees one and introduces Lt. Joseph Cable (Peter Carrier) to her daughter, Liat (Hsin-Yu Liao). Although he is deeply taken with the nubile beauty who is as delicate as a tropical flower, Joseph is conflicted because he knows that his family back home would find her unacceptable. Both he and Nellie face the same dilemma: should they heed their hearts or let deeply engrained racial prejudices stand in the way of true love?
Considered one of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s finest works, the production overflows with showstoppers whose lyrics are pure poetry. My favorites included “Some Enchanted Evening,” “Bali Ha’i,”, and “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair.” “There Is Nothing Like a Dame” is a comical, testosterone-fueled romp which laments the sailors’ hankering for feminine companionship. “You’ve Got To Be Carefully Taught,” rendered heartbreakingly by Lt. Cable, is a thought-provoking testament to the unrelenting cycle of prejudice.
Kim Carson, who last appeared on the Engeman stage in Camelot, is ideal as the small-town girl befuddled by love. She has a true gift for song. Rob Gallagher, who wonderfully reprises the role he played on Broadway, is sympathetic as a character and an earnest suitor. He has a commanding voice and his rendition of “This Nearly Was Mine” melted my heart.
Amy Jo Phillips is a hilarious, wisecracking show-stealer who comes to Engeman from the Delaware Company’s production of South Pacific. Her credits are impeccable.
Kudos to the unseen band led by James Olmstead, and to Josh Zangen whose ‘less is more’ set design provides just enough trappings to conjure up the South Pacific for the audience. The set’s centerpiece is the backdrop which evokes the intoxicating mystique of Bali Ha’i. Lighting by Cory Pattak augments the magic and the mood. The dance numbers are beautifully choreographed by Antoinette DiPietropolo.
One of the Engeman perks is that guests often mingle with cast members after a show, and we met and conversed with Kim Carson. “South Pacific” runs through July 14, but buy tickets early this show could very well sell out! The Engeman Theater is located at 250 Main St., Northport Village. Tickets can be purchased at the theater's box office, by calling (631) 261-2900 or by visiting www.engemantheater.com.
