South Pacific Revival 1988

Opened: January 20, 1988
Closing: January 14, 1989

South Pacific - 1988 - West End History , Info & More

Prince of Wales Theatre
(Piccadilly Circus) Coventry Street London

Based on "Tales of the South Pacific" by James A. Michener

The plot of South Pacific centers on an American nurse stationed on a South Pacific island during World War II who falls in love with a middle-aged expatriate French plantation owner. This story is intertwined with a secondary romance, between a U.S. lieutenant and a young Tonkinese woman.



The original Broadway production enjoyed immense critical and box-office success and became the second-longest running Broadway musical to that point (behind Rodgers and Hammerstein's earlier Oklahoma!). Because of its exploration of racial and social issues of the day, the show won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1950. Several of its songs, including "Bali Ha'i", "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair", "Some Enchanted Evening", "There Is Nothing Like a Dame", "Happy Talk" and Younger Than Springtime" have become popular standards.



The production won 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Score, and it is the only musical production to win Tony Awards in all four acting categories. Its original cast album was the bestselling record of the 1940s, and other recordings of the show have also been popular. The show has enjoyed many successful revivals and tours, spawning a 1958 film and television adaptations. The 2008 Broadway revival won seven Tonys, including Best Musical Revival.

Get South Pacific Email Alerts

Be the first to get ticket offers, news, photos & more.

South Coast Repertory Presents PRELUDE TO A KISS, THE MUSICAL World Premiere
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 28, 2024


Experience the world premiere of PRELUDE TO A KISS, THE MUSICAL at South Coast Repertory. This modern fable, with lyrics by Sean Hartley and Daniel Messé, explores love's peaks and valleys.

South Coast Repertory Performs PRELUDE TO A KISS in April
by Stephi Wild - Feb 28, 2024


Craig Lucas returns to one of his theatrical homes as South Coast Repertory will present the world premiere of Prelude to a Kiss, The Musical, lyrics by Sean Hartley and Daniel Messé, music by Messé, book by Lucas. Directed by Ivers, it runs April 5-May 4, 2024 on the Segerstrom Stage as the centerpiece to SCR’s 60th season.

Join Wölffer Wine Online Tasting With Roman Roth to Support Bay Street Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 5, 2024


Join us for a virtual wine tasting event with Roman Roth to support Bay Street Theater. Taste and learn about Wölffer wines from the comfort of your own home.

Molissa Fenley And Company To Present A Collection Of New And Recent Dances At Roulette
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 7, 2023


Molissa Fenley and Company presents 'From the Light, Between the Lamps,' a collection of new and recent dances at Roulette from January 31 to February 3, 2024. Featuring world premieres and live performances by Philip Glass and Ryuichi Sakamoto.

Previews: BONES BRIGADE at CVRep
by Kay Kudukis - Nov 26, 2023


COACHELLA VALLEY REPERTORY has announced casting for its World Premiere production of SUMMER SESSION WITH THE BONES BRIGADE, a dramatic original work by playwright KIRBY FIELDS. Adam Karsten, CVRep Executive Artistic Director, is directing SUMMER SESSION WITH THE BONES BRIGADE.

Full Casting Announced fo ABT's THE NUTCRACKER at Segerstrom Hall
by Blair Ingenthron - Nov 18, 2023


ABT Artistic Director Susan Jaffe has released principal casting which will include Devon Teuscher as Clara, the Princess, and Joo Won Ahn as The Nutcracker Prince on Opening Night, Friday, December 8.

Interview: Playwright/Director Chay Yew Leads the Charge for Filipino Inclusion with THE HOUSE OF BALUYOT: A FILIPINO ORESTEIA
by Gil Kaan - Nov 9, 2023


Next up at the Getty Villa Theater Lab, Guelan Varela-Luarca and Chay Yew’s The House of Baluyot: A Filipino Oresteia for two performances only November 18th and 19th. Guelan and Chay also direct this work-in-progress with the cast of Ramon de Ocampo, Tess Lina, Zandi De Jesus, Reggie Lee, Andres Paul Ramacho and Amielynn Abellera. Chay found some time from prepping his many, many directorial obligations to answer a few pf my queries.

Wayne McGregor's WOOLF WORKS Will Make North American Premiere at Segerstrom Center For The Arts
by Stephi Wild - Aug 24, 2023


American Ballet Theatre presents the North American Premiere of Wayne McGregor's Woolf Works at Segerstrom Center for the Arts from April 11 to 14, 2024. Inspired by the writings of 20th century modernist author Virginia Woolf, Woolf Works marks American Ballet Theatre's first full-length production by McGregor, featuring a luminous original score by Max Richter.

Christine Ebersole, Norm Lewis, Andrew Rannells & More to Headline York Theatre Company Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 9, 2023


Get all the details on the star-studded lineup for York Theatre Company's 31st Oscar Hammerstein Award Gala, including Christine Ebersole, Norm Lewis, Andrew Rannells, and more. Find out when and where the event will take place.

Over 160 First Nations Artists on Display in Aotearoa New Zealand
by Stephi Wild - Jul 31, 2023


Works of art by over 160 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists have travelled to Aotearoa, New Zealand as part of the National Gallery of Australia’s touring exhibition – Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia.

York Theatre Company Will Honor Patti LuPone and Jamie DeRoy at Gala Evening This November
by Stephi Wild - Jun 20, 2023


The York Theatre Company will honor musical theater legend Patti LuPone with the 2023 Oscar Hammerstein Award for Outstanding Achievement in Musical Theater and producer Jamie deRoy with The York Theatre Company Founders' Award at the 31st Oscar Hammerstein Award Gala.

Video: Go Inside Rehearsal for DISNEY'S BEAUTY & THE BEAST at The Muny
by Blair Ingenthron - Jun 11, 2023


Check out a sneak peek video of the first day of rehearsal for Disney's Beauty & the Beast at The Muny, starring Ashley Blanchet, Ben Crawford, Claybourne Elder, Ann Harada, and more!

The Muny's DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Announces Full Cast, Design, and Production Teams
by Blair Ingenthron - Jun 11, 2023


The Muny has announced its full cast, design and production teams for the Muny family favorite Disney's Beauty and the Beast, June 22 -30.

South Coast Repertory 60th Season Including QUIXOTE NUEVO, A RAISIN IN THE SUN, And More
by A.A. Cristi - May 24, 2023


South Coast Repertory announced its 60th season, with a lineup that ranges from an American classic to contemporary works, with two world premieres—including one musical—and a special offering featuring pianist and actor Hershey Felder.

Video: Who Will Win the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Drama? Watch Live at 3pm!
by Nicole Rosky - May 8, 2023


The Pulitzer Prize Board will present the 2023 award winners for Prizes in Journalism, Books, Drama and Music. Who will win this year? Tune in right here at 3pm to watch the announcement live!

Sanaz Toossi's ENGLISH Wins 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Drama
by Nicole Rosky - May 8, 2023


The Pulitzer Prize Board has just announced that English, by Sanaz Toossi has won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Other finalists included: On Sugarland by Aleshea Harris and The Far Country by Lloyd Suh.

Roundabout Theatre Company Announces REFOCUS PROJECT, SEASON THREE
by Blair Ingenthron - Apr 27, 2023


Roundabout Theatre Company has announced the third season of The Refocus Project, its multi-year project to elevate and restore marginalized plays to the American canon. This year's series of readings will feature Asian American and Pacific Islander playwrights: Prince Gomolvilas, Velina Hasu Houston, Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl, and Anuvab Pal.

Ashley Blanchet, Ben Crawford, and More Will Lead BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at The Muny
by Stephi Wild - Apr 27, 2023


The Muny has announced that Ashley Blanchet, Ben Crawford, Claybourne Elder, Ann Harada, Kelvin Moon Loh, Eric Jordan Young, Holly Ann Butler, Tommy Bracco, Harrison White, Debby Lennon and Michael Hobin will star in the magical production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, June 22 - 30, 2023.

PACIFIC OVERTURES, CLOSE UP - THE TWIGGY MUSICAL, and More Set For Menier Chocolate Factory 2023 Season
by Stephi Wild - Apr 21, 2023


With Marjorie Prime currently running at the company's home base in South London and Funny Girl on Broadway, the Menier Chocolate Factory announced forthcoming programming for 2023. Learn more about the lineup here!

James Monroe Iglehart-Directed SPELLING BEE And More Announced For TheatreWorks Silicon Valley 53rd Season
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 10, 2023


TheatreWorks Silicon Valley has announced its 53rd season to be presented October 2023 through June 2024.

BroadwayWorld's Olivier Awards 2023 Predictions
by Aliya Al-Hassan - Mar 27, 2023


The biggest night in theatre, the Olivier Awards, is nearly upon us. BroadwayWorld UK's editor Aliya Al-Hassan and reviewers Kerrie Nicholson and Cheryl Markosky discuss the main nominations: who should win, who will win and who missed out!

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins Wins Inaugural Pinnacle Commission From South Coast Repertory and Playwrights Horizons
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 2, 2023


South Coast Repertory and Playwrights Horizons have announced that playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins has been awarded the first Pinnacle Commission.

South Coast Repertory Announces Programming and Schedule Changes to Current Season
by Stephi Wild - Jan 31, 2023


South Coast Repertory has announced that it will make programming and schedule changes to the current 2022-23 season. Prelude to a Kiss, The Musical, which was to have its world premiere this spring has been postponed until spring 2024. 

Emma Hatton, Sally Ann Triplett & More to Star in BERLUSCONI World Premiere Musical at Southwark Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 24, 2023


The cast has been announced for the world premiere of BERLUSCONI at Southwark Playhouse. Rehearsals begin on 13 February with first preview on 25 March and press night on 29 March.

Dakin Matthews, Taylor Trensch, Fergie Philippe, and More Join the Cast of CAMELOT
by Stephi Wild - Jan 23, 2023


Further casting has been announced for Camelot at Lincoln Center Theater! Learn more about the cast here, as well as how to purchase tickets for the upcoming production!

South Pacific FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of South Pacific have there been?
South Pacific has had 15 productions including Broadway which opened in 1949, Broadway which opened in 1949, US Tour which opened in 1950, West End which opened in 1951, Broadway which opened in 1955, Broadway which opened in 1955, Off-Broadway which opened in 1967, West End which opened in 1988, Milburn, NJ (Regional) which opened in 1994, West End which opened in 2001, Off-Broadway which opened in 2005, Broadway which opened in 2008, West End which opened in 2011, US Tour which opened in 2022 and West End which opened in 2022.

Videos