Rodgers and Hammerstein’s masterpiece, “South Pacific,” can be seen in all its glory in this week’s magnificent production at The Muny.
Two stellar artists head the cast: Taylor Louderman as Ensign Nellie Forbush and Paulo Szot as Emile de Becque. She is a Navy nurse stationed on an island in the South Pacific during World War II. He is French-born planter who succeeded on the island after fleeing from his homeland. They are already in love in the first scene, but they still need to overcome doubts and prejudices.
Szot and Louderman have extraordinary voices and a complete command of their characters. Szot encompasses Emile’s vulnerability as well has his magnetism. Louderman gives irresistible charm to the woman who describes herself as knucklehead Nellie. Their dramatic scenes are brilliant, as is their singing in such great numbers as “A Cockeyed Optimist,” “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy,” and “This Nearly Was Mine.”
In a subplot, Joe Cable, a Marine lieutenant preparing for dangerous mission, falls in love with a local Tonkinese girl named Liat. Michael Canu shines in “Younger Than Springtime” and captures Cable’s passion for both Liat and his mission as well as his shame about the prejudice that was carefully taught to him. Michaela Marfori is an enchanting dancer as Liat.
Joan Almedilla as Bloody Mary and Bobby Conte as Luther Billis are delightful as the show’s wheeler-dealers. Michael James Reed as Captain Brackett and Jeff Cummings as Commander Harbison bring out their characters’ humor without undermining their credibility as officers. Grace Moore and Josiah Paik are charmers as Emile’s children.
William Carlos Angulo’s masterly direction could not be more attuned to the nuances of the drama. Karla Puno Garcia’s choreography brings wonderfully evocative dancing to the overture and many scenes that follow.
Arnel Sancianco’s scenic design splendidly integrates attractive, sturdy set pieces with the Muny’s turntable, beautifully decorated booms, and three video screens. The gracefully swaying palm trees are a nice touch in Yee Eun Nam’s video design.
The show delights the eyes and ears with John Lasiter’s lighting, Ashley Rae Callahan’s wigs, Raquel Adorno’s costumes (which are based on original designs by Catherine Zuber), Joshua Hummel’s sound, and the playing Muny orchestra under music director Roberto Sinha.,
I have seen “South Pacific” enough time to know exactly how it ends. The Muny production still had me in tears.
—Gerry Kowarsky
Photo © Phillip Hamer Photography
From the left and Paulo Szot as Emile de Becque and Taylor Louderman as Ensign Nellie Forbush in “South Pacific.”
