Michael Halling and Leah Berry to Lead SOUTH PACIFIC at STAGES St. Louis

 

One of the most powerful musicals of all time, South Pacific triumphantly returns to STAGES for the first time in 25 years. Running September 8th through October 8th at the Robert G. Reim Theatre in Kirkwood, South Pacific will close STAGES' 31st Season with a timeless tale of love and loss.

Based on the Pulitzer Prize winning book "Tales of the South Pacific" by James Michener, this critically acclaimed musical adaptation proved to be an immediate Broadway success for Rodgers and Hammerstein in 1949. A true classic for the ages, South Pacific overflows with some of the finest music ever written for the American stage, spinning a dangerously romantic tale while also candidly exploring themes of racism, tolerance, and inclusion. Following the struggles faced by young American soldiers and nurses stationed on a tropical naval base during the Second World War, STAGES' patrons will be moved by a breathtaking tale blooming with passion and romance and a spectacularly unrivaled score.

Broadway actor Michael Halling stars in the production as Emile de Becque. Returning to STAGES, Halling previously appeared in its 2010 production of Promises, Promises and its 2007 production of The Full Monty. On Broadway, Halling has appeared in The Boy From Oz, The Pajama Game, A Tale of Two Cities, In My Life, and The Scarlet Pimpernel. Off-Broadway and other New York credits include Giant, The Fantasticks, and Bells Are Ringing. TV credits include "The Americans" and "Believe".

St. Louis actress Leah Berry returns to STAGES staring as Ensign Nellie Forbush. Berry was most recently seen in STAGES' 2017 productions of Seussical and 9 to 5, The Musical as well as its 2016 production of Sister Act and its 2015 production of The Full Monty. A local actress, Berry also has several credits at The Muny, which include The Wizard of Oz, My Fair Lady, Hello, Dolly!, and South Pacific. Other regional credits include The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins, and Disney's Beauty and the Beast.

Broadway actor Matthew Hydzik makes his STAGES debut staring as Lt. Joseph Cable. Hydzik was most recently seen in the National Tour of If/Then. Broadway credits include Side Show, It Shoulda Been You, West Side Story, and Grease. Off-Broadway/Tour credits include Tomorrow Morning, and the National Tours of Rent, Fame, Grease, and Flashdance.

New York actor Mark DiConzo also stars in the production as Luther Billis. Making his STAGES debut, DiConzo recently choreographed and starred in the Off-Broadway revival of The Bonus Army. Other New York credits include the recent Lerner and Loewe Concert at Carnegie Hall, Benjamin Button: The Musical, and Far From The Madding Crowd: The Musical. DiConzo is a co-star in the current season of "Power" on Starz, the upcoming series "INSTINCT" on CBS, and was recently a co-star on "Person of Interest" and "Elementary".

New York actress Joanne Javien stars as Bloody Mary. Making her STAGES debut, Javien appeared in the First National Tour of Thoroughly Modern Millie. In New York, Javien was seen in Two Gentlemen of Verona. Regional credits include South Pacific, Avenue Q, Miss Saigon, and Les Miserables.

The creative team for the production includes: Michael Hamilton (Direction), Ellen Isom (Choreography), Lisa Campbell Albert (Musical Direction), James Wolk (Scenic Design), Garth Dunbar (Costume Design), Sean M. Savoie (Lighting Design), Stuart M. Elmore (Orchestral Design).

Complete biographical information is listed on STAGES' website at www.StagesStLouis.org. New York Casting is done by Scott Wojcik and Gayle Seay of Wojcik/Seay Casting.

Single tickets are on sale now and prices range from $25 - $60. STAGES' Mainstage productions perform in the intimate, 377-seat Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Civic Center, 111 South Geyer Road in St. Louis, MO 63122. South Pacific will run for a total of five weeks with matinee and evening performances Tuesdays through Sundays. Due to popular demand, two additional matinees have been added to the Week 2 and Week 3 Thursday performance schedule. For more information or to purchase tickets call 314-821-2407 or visit www.StagesStLouis.org.

STAGES St. Louis is the region's foremost not-for-profit company committed to preserving and advancing the art form of Musical Theatre through excellence in performance and education. In 2017, STAGES celebrates its 31st year of producing Broadway-quality theatre, presenting 140 performances from June through October to nearly 50,000 patrons.

 

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