The first 15 minutes of a production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, South Pacific, are the most critical for the show’s success. From the get-go, you have to embrace the two central characters – nurse Nellie Forbush and French planter Emile de Becque – and feel and believe their immediate attraction for each other. The performers are required to show their vocal range. The character of Nellie with "A Cockeyed Optimist" while the actor playing de Becque needs to convincingly belt out the musical’s signature song, "Some Enchanted Evening."
Goodspeed Musical’s offering of the Pulitzer-Prize winning show checks all the aforementioned boxes…and more. It is an enchanting production, with captivating performances and a sumptuous score filled with one magnificent song after another. In addition to the numbers cited above, there is "Bloody Mary, “There Is Nothing Like a Dame," "Bali Ha'i," "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair," and "I'm in Love with a Wonderful Guy." And these songs are just in Act I. The musical numbers, under the outstanding command of Music Director Adam Souza, and with an exquisite Sound Design by Jay Hilton, are sung with gusto and emotional verve by the talented cast.
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| Joan Almedilla and the cast of Goodspeed's South Pacific. Photo by Diane Sobolewski |
An interesting note about the musical numbers - in the original production of South Pacific, which has continued with subsequent stagings, the opera star Ezio Pinza, who played de Becque, had a clause in his contract limiting his singing to only 15 minutes. His only two solos in the over 2 ½ hour show is “Some Enchanted Evening” and “This Nearly Was Mine” near the end of Act II. He does sing on a couple of reprises and in “Twin Soliloquies” at the top of the musical. However, Mary Martin, who originated the role of Nellie Forbush was concerned about singing opposite Pinza, with his powerful operatic voice. She asked the composing team of Rodgers and Hammerstein not to include any duets with Pinza. If you look at the song list, there is only “Twin Soliloquies,” but the two characters never sing together in the number.
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| Keven Quillon and the cast of Goodspeed's South Pacific. Photo by Diane Sobolewski |
South Pacific is based on a few of the stories from James Michener’s Pulitzer-Prize winning novel, Tales of the South Pacific. The action takes place on an island in the South Pacific occupied by nurses, Seabees, and other armed forces during WWII. There are two plots woven into the show. First, is the romance between Nellie and Emile. Second, is the doomed love story between recent arrival Lieutenant Cable and an island girl, Liat. Each account moves forward in fits and starts and incorporates issues of racism and prejudice. Adding intrigue, panache, and humor to the drama is the shrewd island operator, Bloody Mary and the wily, self-serving serviceman, Luther Billis. All of the entanglements culminate in a dangerous undertaking that result in heartache, but also romantic resolution.
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| Hannah Jewel Kohn, Kelly Berman, Chloe Fox, Alexa Jane Lowis, Nicolette Shin and Danielle Wade in Goodspeed's South Pacific. Photo by Diane Sobolewski |
South Pacific is the largest in scope of Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s Big 5 (Oklahoma!, South Pacific, Carousel, The King and I and The Sound of Music). Director Chay Yew has successfully shrunken the show, even though some of the lively dance numbers choreographed by Parker Esse seem slightly thin. For a long-running show, Yew keeps the pacing firm and brisk. Act I is almost 90 minutes, but feels decidedly shorter. The show is at its best in scenes featuring the two central characters or when spotlighting Luther Billis or Bloody Mary. The one aspect of the musical that disappoints is the romance between Cable and Liat. There is little chemistry between them and their scenes fall flat.
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| Phil Sloves, Keven Quillon, Graham Keen, John Michael Peterson and Eric Shawn in Goodspeed's South Pacific. Photo by Diane Sobolewski |
The cast is led by Danielle Wade as Nellie Forbush and Omar Lopez-Cepero as Emile de Becque. Ms. Wade, a nominee for Best Actress in a Musical by the Connecticut Critics Circle for last year’s award-winning Goodspeed musical, Summer Stock, delivers an endearing, heartfelt performance as the lovelorn nurse. At times giddy, at other instances introspective, the actress is a joy to watch as she sings one great song after another. Mr. Lopez-Cepero, with much less stage time, still gives an assured portrayal tinged with poise and manliness. His low-key, suave manner as de Becque blends perfectly with the more outgoing Nellie Forbush.
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| Omar Lopez-Cepero and Danielle Wade in Goodspeed's South Pacific. Photo by Diane Sobolewski |
Joan Almedilla portrays the crafty island matron, Bloody Mary with determination and flair. Her rendition of “Bali Ha’I” is haunting and one of the highlights of the show. Keven Quillon is highly effective as the scheming, opportunist Luther Billis. He also provides many of the comedic moments in the production.
The Scenic Design by Alexander Dodge brings forth modest set pieces that clearly define the numerous scenes within the show – de Becque’s plantation home, various island settings, the commander’s office and the Thanksgiving Follies stage show. The scenery is enhanced with Amith Chandrashaker’s expressive Lighting Designer.
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| Joan Almedilla, Cameron Loyal and the cast of Goodspeed's South Pacific. Photo by Diane Sobolewski |
South Pacific, playing at the Goodspeed Opera House through August 11. Click here for dates, times and ticket information.
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