South Pacific

By Angie Bedford

Rodgers and Hammerstein sure do love their reprises.

This feature of South Pacific remind us of its age – that and a touching curtain call for members of the original Australian cast 60 years ago. Modern musicals seem to have done away with reminding audiences musically of what to feel by belting out yet another reprise of the main love song.

I had hoped this acclaimed new production of South Pacific would give the show a nip and tuck. With Act One running over one and a half hours, there are still too many shifts away from the story for another reprise or musical soliloquy.

And it is a great story.

A nurse from Little Rock, Ensign Nellie Forbush (Lisa McCune) and a runaway Frenchman, Emile De Becque (Teddy Tahu Rhodes), fall in love against the backdrop of the South Pacific during World War II. The relationship is tested by the U.S Navy’s request for Emile’s help on a spy mission, and Nellie’s difficulty accepting Emile’s two half Polynesian children.

South Pacific took out the Pulitzer Prize in 1950, and it’s easy to see why with its exploration of racism – ‘You’ve Got to be Carefully Taught’ is suitably uncomfortable, and it is received as clever satire by a modern audience. The line up of troops upstage in the finale was a striking reminder of the wartime context, easily forgotten in the up tempo numbers which precede it.

Sexism is alive and well in South Pacific, reminding us of its original era. The more sexual elements of the show are wonderfully brought out through Bartlett Sher’s snappy direction, providing more than a few hilarious moments and adding a cheeky zest to the show.

South Pacific

What this show lacks in getting to the point, it makes up for it in a solid cast and superb production values. Attention to detail across the board envelop the audience in the beautiful setting. Costumes by Catherine Zuber are a standout, particularly the Thanksgiving Follies outfits and the gorgeous bathers. Set against Michael Yeargan’s detailed set design, it is one of the finest looking shows I’ve seen in years.

It is easy to get caught up with the leading performers, but in this show the Ensemble really hold their own. Both genders have their moments, with the females shining in the catchy ‘I’m Gonna Wash that Man Right Outa My Hair’ and the males in ‘There is Nothin’ Like a Dame’. The outstanding male harmonies must be heard to be believed.

Teddy Tahu Rhodes makes a fantastic musical theatre debut as Emile. The perfect leading man, towering Emile had the audience in the palm of his hand from his first appearance. It was a treat to hear such a glorious voice.

Although not in her element vocally, Lisa McCune was the right fit for Nellie. Cute and sassy, McCune enjoyed many comedic moments, particularly in Nellie’s rapport with the men of the U.S Navy.

Eddie Perfect brings a gruff energy to Luther Billis, providing great comic relief.

Daniel Koek played Lieutenant Cable, who struggles with the prejudice surrounding his relationship with Asian lover, Liat (Celina Yuen). Charming and magnificent vocally, Koek just about stole the show.  
However that honour goes to Kate Ceberano as Bloody Mary, the Tonkinese entrepreneur. Ceberano completely threw herself into the role, not missing one opportunity for verbal or physical comedy.

Her beautiful tone coupled with a sassy character voice made for wonderful musical moments, particularly in ‘Bali Ha’i’.

Definitely one for Rodgers and Hammerstein purists rather than the casual theatre goer, South Pacific has been given a nice makeover in this new production.