Alessa Neeck and Christopher Carl Star in SOUTH PACIFIC, Beginning Tonight at Musical Theatre West
Based on James A. Michener's Pulitzer Prize-winning 1947 book Tales of the South Pacific, the musical features the mesmerizing music of Richard Rodgers, the romantic lyrics of Oscar Hammerstein II, and a book by Oscar Hammerstein II and Joshua Logan. The iconic music transcends time, from the romantic themes of "Some Enchanted Evening" and "Younger Than Springtime" to the spirited "There Is Nothing Like a Dame."
The original 1949 Broadway production won 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Libretto, and is the only musical production to win Tony Awards in all four acting categories. The original cast recording became the best-selling record of the 1940s. The musical has enjoyed many successful revivals on the stage and the screen, including a recent Broadway revival and tour, the 1958 film, and a television adaptation. Awards and accolades include a combined total of 17 Tony Awards, 5 Drama Desk Awards, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Alessa Neeck stars as Ensign Nellie Forbush. Most recently Neeck appeared on Broadway in Cinderella and White Christmas and has appeared Off-Broadway in Happiness and No, No Nanette. Another Broadway veteran, Christopher Carl portrays the dashing Emile DeBecque. In addition to appearing in the Broadway production and national tours of South Pacific, Carl's Broadway credits include the original productions of Mamma Mia! and Tarzan and the Off-Broadway production of Johnny Guitar. Patrick Cummings portrays the hopeful Lt. Joseph Cable, U.S.M.C. His most recent credits include Show Boat with San Francisco Opera, and in the same production at The Kennedy Center. Cumming's credits include New York productions of New Girl in Town, Donnybrook!, and Transport.
Jodi Kimura recreates her performance as Bloody Mary, a role that earned her a Helen Hayes Award nomination for her performance in the first national tour of the Lincoln Center production. Cailan Rose portrays the captivating Liat. Her credits include Broadway and National Tour productions of Hair and Miss Saigon.
Musical Theatre West's production of South Pacific is under the direction and choreography of Joe Langworth. Langworth served as the Associate Choreographer of Lincoln Center Theater's production, which earned a Tony Award for Best Musical Revival and a nomination for Best Choreography. He recently reunited with South Pacific star and Tony Award winner Paulo Szot, directing his celebration concert at the Spoleto Festival in Italy and New York's 54 Below. The later earned Langworth a BroadwayWorld Award nomination. On Broadway Langworth earned additional Tony nominations for Best Director and Best Play for Next Fall.
MTW's South Pacific is under the musical direction of Dennis Castellano, with lighting design by Paul Black, and costume design by Karen St. Pierre. This production is made possible thanks to the generous contributions of 2014-2015 Honorary Season Producers: The Ackerman Family/Evalyn M. Bauer Foundation, Ken & Dottie Reiner, and Don & Marlene Temple. The Ken Reiner Memorial Fund, in memory of Jackie Garman Riegel serves as the Honorary Producer for South Pacific with George and Gloria Deukmejian serving as Associate Producers. Special student matinee performances are underwritten by Don Black and Judy McNulty Black and the Carpenter Family Foundation. Education and Outreach Season Sponsors include the LA County Arts Commission, Arts Council for Long Beach and Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe's Arts Education Partnership. Paul Garman serves as Executive Director/Producer for MTW. Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific is presented through special arrangement with R&H Theatricals.
Tickets are now on sale for Musical Theatre West's production of South Pacific. For tickets or more information, go to www.musicals.org or call (562) 856-1999, ext. 4.
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