Linda Dunn to Direct Mountain Play Association's SOUTH PACIFIC, May-June 2014

The Mountain Play - 'A Great Outdoor Adventure' and the San Francisco Bay Area's most magical outdoor theater experience, presents the Tony Award winning musical South Pacific directed by Linda Dunn for its 101st season in 2014. South Pacific performance dates are May 18, 25, June 1, 7, 8, and 15, 2014.

"We are delighted to have Linda Dunn direct our 101st Mountain Play season," said Executive Director & Producer Sara Pearson. "She is only the second female director in Mountain Play history and I am looking forward to experiencing her artistic vision and leadership for this year's show."

The first female to direct a Mountain Play show was Michelle Swanson in 1978. The play was "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum."

Adapted from the Pulitzer Prize winning novel "Tales of the South Pacific" by James A. Michener, Rodgers and Hammerstein'sSouth Pacific is set in an island paradise during World War II. The play tells of two parallel love stories between the spunky Ensign Nellie Forbush and local French plantation owner Emile de Becque and Lieutenant Joseph Cable and a young native woman Liat. With a backdrop of 1940's sailors and nurses trapped in the middle ground between war and peace, the story candidly and sensitively explores the issue of racial prejudice.

"I am thrilled to lead the creative charge and rally the troops" said Linda Dunn, 2014 Mountain Play Director. "After years of experience on the mountain it is an honor to be directing South Pacific with an organization that I love and respect."

This Tony award-winning, critically acclaimed Broadway classic first came to the Broadway stage starring Mary Martin and Ezio Pinza in 1949. Based on two stories from the Pulitzer Prize winning "Tales of the South Pacific" by James A. Michener, the musical also claimed its own Pulitzer Prize for drama in 1950. Considered one of the greatest musicals of all time, it has seen numerous productions and award winning revivals. The musical was adapted into a film in 1958 which starred Mitzi Gaynor and Rosanno Bratzi. South Pacific is musically rich with songs that have become popular standards such as "Bali Ha'i," "Younger Than Springtime" and the beautiful "Some Enchanted Evening."

South Pacific at the Mountain Play is family entertainment at its best.

About Linda Dunn: Linda celebrates her 26th year with the Mountain Play Association. She has been the stage manager for the Mountain Play since 1985. Linda has received a Dean Goodman Choice Award for her direction of Once Upon a Mattress as well as a Bay Area Theater Critics Circle Nomination for her direction of Mrs. Warren's Profession, all with the Ross Valley Players, where she also serves on the board of directors. Linda is an administrator, educator, professional director, stage manager and playwright. With over fifty shows to her directing credit, some favorites include the critically acclaimed Dixie Swim Club, Greater Tuna, Quilters,Shadowlands, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, The King and I, On Golden Pond, Our Town, Amadeus, The Miracle Worker, and Once Upon A Mattress. Linda has previously taught at the College of Marin, Marin Primary & Middle School, Mill Valley Middle School and Marin Catholic.

The Mountain Play Association's mission is to produce an annual, spectacular, outdoor theatrical experience that nurtures an appreciation of Mt Tamalpais, involves and strengthens the community, and builds on decades of tradition. The Mountain Play is a non-profit (501c3) organization that has been serving the Bay Area community since 1913. www.mountainplay.org

Pictured: Linda Dunn - photo courtesy of Mountain Play.