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South Pacific

South Pacific - 1949 Broadway History , Info & More

Broadway Theatre (Broadway)
1681 Broadway New York, NY

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.


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Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC Will Be Performed at Lighthouse Repertory Theatre
by Stephi Wild - May 4, 2026


Lighthouse Repertory Theatre Company will stage Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC at two Long Island venues, featuring a rotating cast led by Soloman Buchman, Jon Hordos, Jacklyn Lisi, and Christina Russo.

Did You Know These Broadway Revivals Started As Flops?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Jan 11, 2026


It wasn’t until later on in theatre history that revivals began including shows that weren’t initially well received or financially successful in their initial engagements. As musical theatre continued to evolve, and more shows entered the canon, a consensus began to grow about shows being worthy of additional exploration even if they hadn’t been hits the first time around. What about musicals that had been ahead of their time, musicals that had fallen prey to circumstances, early works by writers who became successful later on, and of course, shows that found an audience after closing via their cast recordings?

Which Pre-Broadway Tryout Theater Boasts the Most Best Musical Tony Award Winners?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Nov 30, 2025


While different tryout theaters have different relationships to the development of new shows, it’s worth looking at both which commercial rental theaters and which non-profit theaters have had the most Best Musical Tony Award winners come from their stages.

The MTM Players to Bring SOUTH PACIFIC to The Kelsey Theatre Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 11, 2025


Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific for the first time ever on the Kelsey Theatre stage. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets to the performance here!

The History of the Mark Hellinger Theatre and the Attempts to Bring It Back
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Aug 17, 2025


The Times Square Church, located on 51st Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue, is an extremely storied New York City spot. While it may not be apparent to those who unknowingly pass by the church, the venue across from the Gershwin’s stage door was once a glorious Broadway theater… and could potentially be one again someday.

Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC to Open At LPAC in April
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 3, 2025


South Pacific will be the Broadway at LPAC series final production of the 2025 season, and will run at the Lauderhill Lauderhill Performing Arts Center. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

Pulitzer Prize for Drama: Iconic Plays That Shaped American Theater
by Sidney Paterra - Apr 3, 2026


The Pulitzer Prize for Drama is one of the most prestigious honors in American theater, celebrating outstanding works that have made a significant impact on the stage. Here's a closer look at what the Pulitzer Prize for Drama is, how it works, and why it matters.

How Often Do Broadway Musicals Tackle the Topic of War?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Mar 30, 2025


This time, the reader question was: How Often Do Broadway Musicals Tackle the Topic of War? There are actually many musicals about war in the canon. The rare feat of Operation Mincemeat lies in its tone. The show is a fast-paced, zany, comedic take on a mission that used a dead body to mislead the Axis forces, leading to the successful Allied invasion of Sicily.

Charter Oak Cultural Center and Congregation Beth Israel Present A JEWISH JOURNEY THROUGH BROADWAY: Part 1
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 5, 2025


Charter Oak Cultural Center and Congregation Beth Israel has announced a one-night-only performance of A Jewish Journey Through Broadway: Part 1 (1920-1980). This cabaret-style concert will feature songs by Jewish giants of the musical theatre including songs by Sondheim, Bernstein, Gershwin, Kern, and more performed by an accomplished cast.

SOUTH PACIFIC And More Announced for Gateway Playhouse 2025 Mainstage Season
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 25, 2024


Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point recently announced its 2025 Mainstage Season, which will include: George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart's classic comedy “The Man Who Came to Dinner;” Rodgers and Hammerstein's beloved musical “South Pacific;” and more.

Bergen County Players Presents THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 19, 2024


Bergen County Players has announced the opening of THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL on December 7.

SOUTH PACIFIC Reunion Concert at Lincoln Center to Offer Performance Only Tickets & Digital Lottery
by Blair Ingenthron - Nov 11, 2024


Lincoln Center Theater has announced performance-only tickets and a digital lottery for the SOUTH PACIFIC reunion concert, featuring members of the 2008 revival cast. Learn more about the performance here!

Video: Third Reprise Releases Re-Imagined 'Some Enchanted Evening'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 25, 2024


Third Reprise, in partnership with Rodgers & Hammerstein, released a reimagined, soul-filled take on “Some Enchanted Evening” to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific. Watch the video here!

Cast Set for SOUTH PACIFIC Reunion Starring Kelli O'Hara, Paulo Szot & More; Tickets on Sale
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 26, 2024


Bartlett Sher will direct a one-night-only reunion concert of LCT’s Tony Award-winning 2008 production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC, starring original cast members Kelli O’Hara, Paulo Szot, and more. See the full cast and purchase tickets now on sale!

Video: Inside the Reveal of the Newly Restored Majestic Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 11, 2024


Check out footage of the reopening of the newly-restored Majestic Theatre!

Photos: First Look Inside the Newly-Restored Majestic Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Sep 11, 2024


 The Shubert Organization hosted a reveal of the newly restored Majestic Theatre  on Monday, September 9 after a 16-month restoration process. Check out photos of the newly restored theatre here!

Ensemble For These Times Reveals Winners of its 2024 Call For Scores For Solo Piano To Be Performed By E4TT Emerita Pianist Dale Tsang
by Stephi Wild - Sep 3, 2024


Award-winning SF contemporary chamber group Ensemble for These Times has announced the winners of its 2024 Call for Scores for Solo Piano. The works chosen will be performed by E4TT emerita pianist extraordinaire, Dale Tsang on a solo recital in the group's 17th Home Season, the second such solo piano Call for Scores.

Theatre By The Sea Monday Evening Concerts Series Begins June 17
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 12, 2024


Theatre By The Sea's 2024 Monday Evening Concerts Series starts June 17, featuring performances by Broadway stars Lisa Howard, Brennyn Lark, and Julius Thomas III in A BROADWAY CELEBRATION.

Video: New Trailer for SOUTH PACIFIC at Maine State Music Theatre
by Joshua Wright - Jun 11, 2024


Check out an all-new trailer for South Pacific at Maine State Music Theatre! Check out the cast in action in this all-new video.

Review: SOUTH PACIFIC at 75: Prescient, Powerful, and Entirely Enchanting
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jun 7, 2024


Respectful of the show’s legacy and sensitive to contemporary context, Maine State Music Theatre has mounted a stunning revival of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, SOUTH PACIFIC.  Marshalling the company’s considerable artistic resources, this 75th anniversary production is musically glorious, visually lush, and packed with emotion and talent.

Video: Get A First Look At SOUTH PACIFIC at Maine State Music Theatre
by Joshua Wright - Jun 6, 2024


Get a first look at South Pacific at Maine State Music Theatre! Check out the cast in action in this all-new video.

Interview: MSMT in 2024: Raring to Go & Bursting at the Seams
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - May 8, 2024


“The world is coming back online, and people are getting back to who they were before the pandemic,” declares MSMT Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark. “Ticket sales are as close as they have come to pre-pandemic levels, and there is an extraordinary buzz surrounding the upcoming 2024 season.” 

BWW Q&A: Marc Robin on Rodger's & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC at Maine State Music Theatre
by Joshua Wright - May 15, 2024


We spoke to Director/Choreographer Marc Robin about Maine Maine State Music Theatre (MSMT)'s upcoming production of the timeless classic, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific, the inaugural production for the 2024 Season. Since its premiere in 1949, South Pacific has captivated audiences worldwide, earning widespread acclaim and numerous accolades, including numerous Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Video: Get A First Look At SOUTH PACIFIC at Fulton Theatre
by Joshua Wright - Apr 25, 2024


Get a first look at Fulton Theater's production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific! Check out the cast in action in this all-new video.

Video: Go Inside the Sitzprobe for SOUTH PACIFIC at Fulton Theatre
by Joshua Wright - Apr 12, 2024


Watch as the cast and orchestra of Fulton Theater's production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific rehearse together for the first time in this all-new video.

South Pacific History

Other Productions of South Pacific

1949   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
1950   US Tour National Tour
US Tour
1951   West End London Production
West End
1955   Broadway Unknown
Broadway
1967   Off-Broadway Lincoln Center Revival
Off-Broadway
1988   West End London Revival
West End
1994   Milburn, NJ (Regional) Paper Mill Production
Milburn, NJ (Regional)
2001   West End Royal National Theatre Production
West End
2005   Off-Broadway Off-Broadway Concert
Off-Broadway
2008   Broadway Lincoln Center Revival
Broadway
2011   West End Lincoln Center Revival [West End]
West End
2022   US Tour Non Equity Tour
US Tour
2022   West End
West End

South Pacific - 1949 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1950 The Pulitzer Prize The Pulitzer Prize for Drama Oscar Hammerstein II
1950 The Pulitzer Prize The Pulitzer Prize for Drama Richard Rodgers
1950 Tony Awards Best Direction Joshua Logan
1950 Tony Awards Best Musical Leland Hayward
1950 Tony Awards Best Musical Joshua Logan
1950 Tony Awards Best Musical Oscar Hammerstein II
1950 Tony Awards Best Musical Richard Rodgers
1950 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Oscar Hammerstein II
1950 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Joshua Logan
1950 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Ezio Pinza
1950 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Myron McCormick
1950 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Ezio Pinza
1950 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical Juanita Hall
1950 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Mary Martin
1950 Tony Awards Producer (Musical) Leland Hayward
1950 Tony Awards Producer (Musical) Oscar Hammerstein II
1950 Tony Awards Producer (Musical) Joshua Logan
1950 Tony Awards Producer (Musical) Richard Rodgers
1949 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Best Musical Richard Rodgers
1949 Tony Awards Best Scenic Design Jo Mielziner

Videos