Hershey Area Playhouse to Stage SOUTH PACIFIC

Set against the backdrop of an idyllic island paradise during World War II, Hershey Area Playhouse is proud to present its summer musical, Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific.

Based on the novel by James Michener, South Pacific follows two intercultural love stories, one between a spunky young nurse from Arkansas and a French plantation owner who has two children from his late Polynesian wife, and the other between a Marine lieutenant and a beautiful island native.

"South Pacific continues to be a classic through the decades, intertwining the themes of romance, duty and prejudice," said South Pacific directors Tracey and Matt Ford. "Not only does South Pacific have familiar music, but its message of love and acceptance overcoming prejudice and hate remains relevant even today."

Bringing this beloved musical and wonderfully-familiar score to life, South Pacific cast members include: Tim Wallace as Emile De Becque; Natalie DeSantis as Nellie Forbush; Melissa Rosenfeld as Bloody Mary; John Mallonee as Luther Billis; Travis Zimmerman as Lt. Joseph Cable; Rob Allison as Captain Brackett; John Messmer as Commander William Harbison; Mark Douglas Cuddy as The Professor; and Richard Foster as Stew Pot.

Additional cast members include: Anton Aluquin; Lindsay Aluquin; Peter Ariano; Jessica Barraclough; Rachel Bitner; Zoey Bright; Renee Ciardullo; Lydia DeKok; David Ebright; Katelin Foster; Gabi Hemsch; Colleen Mullikin; Jack Panyard; Olivia Ramsey; Valerie Schrader; Logan Shutt; Joselyn Terry; and Brian Valley.

In addition to the Fords, the production staff members for South Pacific include: Jennifer Wagner as vocal director; Lindy Mack as music director; Kelly Strange as choreographer; Patt Roth as stage manager and producer Lisa Greene, with costuming by Linda Pagliarulo and JoAnn Wallace.

Experience the timeless classic of South Pacific, running July 21-24 and July 28-31, 2016. Thursday through Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday performances begin at 2 p.m.

Following the first Sunday performance of South Pacific, a local expert on World War II, Bill Jackson, will provide a talk back to give Audience members a realistic feel of what the South Pacific theatre was really like during World War II and answer audience questions. Additionally, throughout the run of the show, World War II memorabilia, on loan from the Hershey Archives, will be on display in The Playhouse lobby area.

Tickets for South Pacific are $23 for teens/adults and $20 for kids ages 12 and under. Tickets are available by visiting www.HersheyAreaPlayhouse.com or by calling The Playhouse's box office at 717-533-8525.

Photo Credit: Michael Feldser