SOUTH PACIFIC Opens July 29th at SCERA Shell

The SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre will transport its audiences from the backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains to the lush flora of the tropics when "South Pacific" playsJuly 29 to Aug. 13 under the deft touch of veteran director Jerry Elison.

The musical, which earned much of its ongoing classical status because of "ahead of its time" criticisms against racism and prejudice, earned an impressive 10 Tony Awards after its 1949 debut, and became a blockbuster movie nearly a decade later. It also earned the Pulitzer Prize for the composing team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, and when it was revived on Broadway in 2008, "South Pacific" earned another eight Tony Awards.

"South Pacific" will open under the stars at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre (699 South State, in SCERA Park, Orem) July 29 at 8 p.m. and continue Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Aug. 13. General admission tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children (age 3-11) and seniors (age 65+). There are specific sections for chairs and blankets, and patrons may rent a chair for $1.00 (limited quantities). Reserved areas with a free chairs range from $14 to $16 for adults and $12 to $14 for children and seniors. Groups rates at $6 for non-profit or church groups of 20 or more are available if purchased in advance (no refunds or exchanges). Tickets are available at www.scera.org, by calling (801) 225-ARTS, in person at SCERA Center main office, 745 South State, Orem, open 10am-6pm weekdays or Saturdays from 12noon-6pm, or at the Shell gate 90 minutes before each performance.

"The musical score is the real star of this show," says Elison. "There is not a single number that isn't charming, moving or memorable. Just mention a few of the songs- 'Some Enchanted Evening,' 'Younger Than Springtime,' 'Bali Hai,' 'There Ain't Nothing Like a Dame,' 'Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair" and any other number-and people will remember them instantly. I can't overemphasize how gorgeous and memorable this music is." Assisting Elison as music director is Kathryn Laycock Little.

"South Pacific" was inspired from the work of another Pulitzer Prize-winning book, "Tales of the South Pacific" by James Michener. Believing they could write a financially successful musical that also sent a progressive message on racism, Rodgers and Hammerstein combined several elements of Michener's book to create a story centered on Nellie, a spunky American nurse serving on a South Pacific island during World War II. She falls in love with French plantation owner Emile, but struggles when she realizes his children are bi-racial; the plantation owner's late wife was Polynesian. Racism is also addressed in a secondary plot, where U.S. lieutenant Joe Cable and Tonkinese woman fall in love, and he must consider the social consequences of marrying an Asian. Its racism issues are particularly poignant in the lieutenant's song, "You've Got to be Carefully Taught."

Major roles are filled by Shannon Eden as Nellie Forbush, the nurse, and Rex Kocherhans as Emile de Becque, the landowner. Other starring roles include Jennifer Hooper as Bloody Mary, and Keily Boll as Liat, Bloody Mary's daughter and the Asian girl in love with Lt. Joseph Cable, played by Kyle Hansen. Other players include Ron Millett as Stew Pot, Tyson Wright as Seabee Luther Billis, Scott Healey as Captain Brackett, Christian Wawro as Commander Harbison, and Keegan Briggs as the professor.

Elison has directed "South Pacific" on two other occasions, and says this show has especially strong and talented actors and singers. "It is the kind of cast every direct hopes to get."

Also assisting him is Kristen Bradley as choreographer. "She was one of my students at Orem High, and she has kept her hand in theater. She has done some fun choreography to some of the show's more comedic numbers like 'Honey Bun,' 'Wash That Man,' and 'There Is Nothing Like A Dame.'"

Costume designer Kelsey Seaver is using some creative techniques, with one example being paper wigs made from comic books for the lighted-heated "Honey Bun" scene with Billis and the nurses.

Elison is also using the design talents of Terry Griffin, a long-time member of the Elison team. "This set is so beautiful and clever," he says. "Everyone who walks into the scene shop comments on the stunning colors of its beautiful set flowers. I think beautiful - in imagery and message - is an ideal word to describe this timeless show."

Photo Credit: Mark A. Philbrick.