South Pacific Revival 2008 - Articles Page 1.8

Run Time:
3 three hours, with one intermission
Opened: April 3, 2008
Closing: August 22, 2010

South Pacific - 2008 - Broadway History , Info & More

Vivian Beaumont Theatre (Broadway)
150 West 65th St. at Broadway New York, NY 10023

Although well known for its extraordinary score -- the songs include Some Enchanted Evening, Younger Than Springtime, Bali Ha'i, There Is Nothin' Like A Dame, and A Wonderful Guy -- South Pacific is also a deeply felt drama. Its portrayal of Americans stationed in an alien culture in wartime is as relevant today as when it first thrilled audiences in 1949.



Now in its first Broadway revival, South Pacific won seven 2008 Tonys and has been playing to sold-out houses since the first preview in March 2008. Three time Tony nominee Kelli O'Hara and acclaimed bass-baritone David Pittsinger lead the marvelous cast of 40 directed by Tony winner Bartlett Sher.

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR South Pacific

South Pacific
9 / 10

Lincoln Center Theater's revival of South Pacific is the high point of the spring season—exactly the passionate and bittersweet musical romance that I hoped it would be. Its story of American nurses, marines, and seabees becoming irrevocably changed by their time on an island in the South Pacific during World War II is deeply involving; the people we meet on this island—creations of James Michener by way of librettists Joshua Logan and Oscar Hammerstein II—are intensely human and we come to care about them very much. The craft of its story-telling—Logan and Hammerstein's book, Hammerstein's lyrics, and Richard Rodgers's score—is extraordinary. With director Bartlett Sher at the helm, South Pacific has been lovingly and beautifully realized on the stage of the Vivian Beaumont Theatre, with Ted Sperling's 30-piece orchestra invaluably performing Robert Russell Bennett's original lush orchestrations.

'South Pacific' revival glorious
10 / 10

What makes this Lincoln Center Theater revival of the Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II classic enormously satisfying is the extraordinary care given to the score of what is the most hit-filled show in the R&H canon. And that's going some since the competition also includes 'Carousel,' 'The King and I' and 'Oklahoma!' The fidelity starts even before the production begins as the Beaumont floor rolls back to reveal an orchestra of 30 musicians (a staggering number in these days of pit penny-pinching) and the first notes of 'Bali Ha'i' jump-start the overture. Robert Russell Bennett's original orchestrations have never sounded so good. Immediately, the audience is in the right frame of mind to embrace the story - twin romances set against the backdrop of the Second World War. Not only romance, but racism and a sense of duty in the face of fighting - and dying - for your country permeate the tale, based on a James A. Michener novel. They are big themes, most of which are still with us today, that theatregoers in 1949 saw as current events.

SOUTH PACIFIC, O'Hara, Lithgow, et. al Perform at World Science Opening Gala, 6/2
by Caroline Cole - May 20, 2010


Current cast members of SOUTH PACIFIC, Tony nominee Kelli O'Hara, cellist, Yo-Yo Ma, and John Lithgow are among the performers scheduled for the lineup at The World Science Festival's opening night-gala, June 2 at Alice Tully Hall. The opening-night celebration will feature the cast of Broadway's SOUTH PACIFIC singing 'Derivative Song' and 'Galaxy Song'. Kelli O'Hara, who originated the role of Nelli Forbush in the SOUTH PACIFIC revival, will perform 'Stardust'. Finally, in the second half of the gala, David Henry Hwang will present his world premiere play, based on a children's book written by Brian Green. Tony Award winner John Lithgow will narrate.

William Michals To Cover Szot in SOUTH PACIFIC, 6/1-7/4
by Mary Hanrahan - May 19, 2010


It has been announced that baritone William Michals assumes the role of Emile de Becque in Lincoln Center Theater's Tony Award winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC, at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, for a five week period beginning Tuesday, June 1st through Sunday, July 4th. The production's current Emile de Becque, Tony Award winner Paulo Szot, leaves the musical on May 30 for an opera engagement in Europe. He returns to South Pacific on July 6, 2010 and will play the role through the end of the show's run on Broadway on August 22..

Szot Returns to SOUTH PACIFIC, 3/31
by Jessica Lewis - March 30, 2010


Opera baritone Paulo Szot returns to the role of Emile de Becque in Lincoln Center Theater's Tony Award winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC, at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, this Wednesday (March 31) fresh from his triumphant Metropolitan Opera debut in their new production of Shostakovich's The Nose.

David Pittsinger Ends Return Engagement in SOUTH PACIFIC as Emile de Becque, 3/21
by BWW News Desk - March 21, 2010


Bass-Baritone David Pittsinger will end his stint as Emile de Becque on March 21st in Lincoln Center Theater's Tony Award winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC, at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, after a seven week run. The production's original Emile de Becque, baritone Paulo Szot, returns to South Pacific on March 30, 2010.

SOUTH PACIFIC'S David Pittsinger Dishes on Broadway and Opera Double Duty
by Samantha Jacobsen - March 17, 2010


Broadway Bass-Baritone David Pittsinger recently talked to the New York Times about his uniquely demanding schedule. Pittsinger is currently performing eight times per week in the Tony Award-winning revivial of South Pacific at the Vivian Beaumont Theater as Emile de Becque as well as portraying the ghost' of Hamelt's father in 'Hamlet' at the Metropolitan Opera.

SOUTH PACIFIC Lands in San Antonio
by Erin Privratsky - March 3, 2010


Rodgers & Hammerstein's classic musical South Pacific opened a 5-night stand in San Antonio's Majestic Theatre Tuesday evening. Winner of seven Tony Awards, the 1949 musical is currently enjoying a lively revival on Broadway and is touring the US as a part of Broadway Across America.

SOUTH PACIFIC to Close on Broadway August 22
by Robert Diamond - February 18, 2010


Lincoln Center Theater's Tony Award winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC, directed by Bartlett Sher, will end its record-breaking run at the Vivian Beaumont Theater on Sunday, August 22. By the time it ends its long run in August SOUTH PACIFIC will have played 1000 performances and 37 previews, making it the longest-running Broadway revival of any of the Rodgers & Hammerstein musicals.

Pittsinger Returns to SOUTH PACIFIC as Emile de Becque 2/2 - 3/21
by BWW News Desk - February 2, 2010


Bass-Baritone David Pittsinger returns to the role of Emile de Becque in Lincoln Center Theater's Tony Award winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC, at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, for a seven week period beginning Tuesday, February 2nd through Sunday, March 21, 2010. The production's current Emile de Becque, baritone Paulo Szot, leaves the musical on Jan. 24 to prepare for his Metropolitan Opera debut in their new production of Shostakovich's The Nose. He returns to South Pacific on March 30, 2010.

David Pittsinger Returns to SOUTH PACIFIC as Emile de Becque for Limited Engagement, 2/2 - 3/21
by Jessica Lewis - January 12, 2010


Bass-Baritone David Pittsinger returns to the role of Emile de Becque in Lincoln Center Theater's Tony Award winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC, at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, for a seven week period beginning Tuesday, February 2nd through Sunday, March 21, 2010. The production's current Emile de Becque, baritone Paulo Szot, leaves the musical on Jan. 24 to prepare for his Metropolitan Opera debut in their new production of Shostakovich's The Nose. He returns to South Pacific on March 30, 2010.

Laura Osnes Re-Joins SOUTH PACIFIC; Kelli O'Hara Takes Final Bow Jan. 3
by Jessica Lewis - December 17, 2009


Laura Osnes will return to the role of Ensign Nellie Forbush in Lincoln Center Theater's Tony Award winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC, directed by Bartlett Sher, beginning Tuesday, January 5 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. Kelli O'Hara, who originated the role in the production, will play her last performance on Sunday, January 3.

Review - South Pacific: Why Do The Wrong People Travel?
by Michael Dale - April 20, 2008


With all due respect to Kelli O'Hara, Paulo Szot, director Bartlett Sher and even Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II and Joshua Logan, the real star of the Lincoln Center revival of South Pacific is orchestrator Robert Russell Bennett, whose sublime work from the original 1949 production is now enchanting contemporary audiences.

RIALTO CHATTER: Lincoln Center Terminates Contract of Accused 'PACIFIC' Stage Manager
by Eddie Varley - October 19, 2009


CBS News reports that Lincoln Center has terminated the contract of Michael Brunner, the stage manager for the Tony Winning SOUTH PACIFIC, that has been accused of recording a video of an actress disrobing in a dressing room.

RIALTO CHATTER: 'PACIFIC' Stage Manager Arrested In Voyeurism Charge
by Eddie Varley - October 17, 2009


The New York Post is reporting that a Lincoln Center stage manager for the Tony Winning SOUTH PACIFIC has been accused recording a video of an actress disrobing in a dressing room.

Kelli O'Hara Returns To SOUTH PACIFIC, 10/13
by BWW News Desk - October 13, 2009


On Tuesday, October 13 Kelli O'Hara returns to the role of Ensign Nellie Forbush in Lincoln Center Theater's Tony Award winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC, directed by Bartlett Sher, at the Vivian Beaumont Theater.

Kelli O'Hara Returns To SOUTH PACIFIC, 10/13
by Jessica Lewis - September 30, 2009


On Tuesday, October 13 Kelli O'Hara returns to the role of Ensign Nellie Forbush in Lincoln Center Theater's Tony Award winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC, directed by Bartlett Sher, at the Vivian Beaumont Theater.

Kelli O'Hara and Greg Naughton Announce Son's Birth!
by Robert Diamond - June 29, 2009


It's a boy for Kelli O'Hara, three-time Tony nominee who is currently on maternity leave from Lincoln Center Theater's production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific. On Saturday (June 27) Kelli and her husband, Greg Naughton, welcomed Owen James weighing in at 7 lbs 3 ounces. He is the couple's first child.

LCT's Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC Plays 500th Show 6/13
by Gabrielle Sierra - June 11, 2009


Lincoln Center Theater's Tony Award winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC, directed by Bartlett Sher, will play its 500th performance this Saturday night, June 13, at the Vivian Beaumont Theater.

Tony Winner Paulo Szot 'Sails Back' to SOUTH PACIFIC 4/14
by Eddie Varley - April 14, 2009


SOUTH PACIFIC star Paulo Szot, who won the Tony for his performance as Emile de Becque and was on leave starring in a production of Carmen for Opera Toulouse returns tonight, Tuesday, April 14.

Photo Flash: Osnes And Pittsinger In SOUTH PACIFIC
by Charlie Piane - April 7, 2009


Laura Osnes and David Pittsinger joined the cast of Lincoln Center's SOUTH PACIFIC on March 10. The pair took over for Kelli O'Hara and Paulo Szot in the Tony Award-winning Rodgers & Hammerstein musical.

Photo Coverage: Mitzi Gaynor Celebrates SOUTH PACIFIC at Barnes & Noble
by Peter James Zielinski - April 4, 2009


Original and current South Pacific stars joined together to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the original, Tony Award winning Broadway production; the 50th anniversary of the Academy Award winning movie adaptation; and the 1st year anniversary of Lincoln Center Theater's Tony Award winning Broadway revival.

SOUTH PACIFIC Star Osnes Chats Bdwy Roles with St. Paul Tribune
by Eddie Varley - March 11, 2009


Laura Osnes has assumed the role of Ensign Nellie Forbush replacing Kelli O'Hara in the Tony winning Revival of Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific.

Osnes & Pittsinger Sail To SOUTH PACIFIC March 10
by Eddie Varley - March 10, 2009


Tonight (March 10) Laura Osnes will assume the role of Ensign Nellie Forbush replacing Kelli O'Hara and David Pittsinger will again take over the role of Emile de Becque.

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