Review: RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S SOUTH PACIFIC at Paramount Theatre Aurora, IL

Some enchanted evening….

Immortal lyrics and music written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein in 1949. The current production at the Paramount Theatre is the iconic South Pacific.  The book was written by Joshua Logan and Hammerstein and was based upon the book Tales of the South Pacific by James A. Michener. This was written 4 years after the end of World War II. It combines the themes of war, peace, racism, hate, acceptance and ultimately, love. The original Broadway cast recording was #1 for 63 weeks. It won 10 Tony Awards. It still remains the only musical where the four acting awards in a musical won the Tony.  Under the combined direction of Devon Hayakawa and award-winning Trent Stork, they have crafted a production that will stay with you. Jeffrey D. Kmiec, award-winning scenic designer, brings the audience to the islands of the south Pacific. The backdrop of islands with moving water and a falling waterfall leaves the audience breathless with its beauty. Izumi Inaba’s colorful costumes are true to the style of the islands. The orchestra under the direction of Kory Danielson brought these beloved songs and gorgeous music to spine tingling life. There is nothing quite like a Rodgers and Hammerstein overture live. Then there are the leads. In his Paramount debut is baritone Devin Archer as the French exile but wealthy plantation owner Emile De Becque. Goosebumps. He could be mentioned in the same breath as Howard Keel but even more powerful. Emile’s love interest, Nellie Forbush from Little Rock or as Emile says, Small Rock, is portrayed by Allsun O’Malley in her Paramount debut. A beautiful and powerful voice. Yes she washes her hair on stage. Several other featured performers are making their Paramount debut as well. Cindy Chang’s Bloody Mary, Anthony Maggio as Lt. Joseph Cable, Louisa Darr as Liat and Matthew Michael Janisse’s crowd pleasing Luther Billis – sea shells and all. This is a big ensemble. Emile’s children are played alternately by Evelyn Dorough, Elle Laroco, Bennet Angsurat and Vin Laroco. They bring the innocence of children to this story. When Nellie is informed by Emile that he has two children with a Polynesian wife, Nellie realizes she has her prejudice and over time conquers it because of her love for Emile. Lt. Cable, after meeting and spending time with Blood Mary’s daughter, Liat, falls in love with her and wants to marry her. He knows that his family’s prejudice would not allow it. He breaks up with her and then volunteers to go on a mission. He ultimately dies from wounds received. Nellie, still carrying her love for Emile, goes to his home and begins to take care of his children. As the three of them are sitting at the table for dinner, Emile returns. They know they are to be together as a family. The final scene shows them holding hands under the table as they sit with the children.

This story is relevant today, 76 years after it first appeared on Broadway. Southerners were very critical of the show but R & H stood firm. South Pacific is a ground breaker. Not only is there something about a dame but there is something about South Pacific. Paramount has done it again. This is an American classic musical from the golden age. Treat yourself and people you love to this timeless classic. Let the story fill your heart.

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