Review: Spectacular Production of SOUTH PACIFIC at the Fox Theatre

If you've only ever seen the movie version, or a community theatre production, you owe it to yourself to check out the touring company of the 2008 Broadway revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific that's currently playing the Fox Theatre. This is a lavish and impressive production filled with gorgeous melodies, many of which have become standards that you'll find yourself humming on the way home. The social issues that this Pulitzer prize winning drama tackles were groundbreaking for their time, and they still manage to make an impact today, despite how far we've come. But, most importantly, this production affords you the opportunity to see a top notch, and well-seasoned cast tackling this wonderful material.

Hammerstein and original director Josh Logan have crafted a solid book for the show that weaves together elements from James Michener's Tales of the South Pacific, while still following some of the usual musical theatre conventions. In particular, there are the parallel love stories that thread throughout this World War II based tale, both building in their passion until they're undone by deep-seated racial prejudices that have to be overcome before either can move forward.

Ensign Nellie Forbush is falling hard for French plantation owner Emile de Becque, but then she discovers his mixed race children, the product of his former marriage to a Tonkinese woman who passed away. Meanwhile, Lt. Joseph Cable of the U.S.M.C. has become smitten with a native girl named Liat, the daughter of local entrepreneur Blood Mary, but his upbringing prevents him from marrying her, despite his feelings. All this is set against the backdrop of "Operation Alligator", which entails putting two men with a radio on a remote, occupied island, in order transmit information regarding Japanese troops movements occurring by sea and air. Naturally, when both their relationships are put on hold, Emile and Lt. Cable undertake this difficult challenge.

Carmen Cusack is simply marvelous as Nellie Forbush, a small town "hick" who wears her heart on her sleeve. She shines from her opening number, "A Cockeyed Optimist", and never misses a beat throughout, delivering a sparkling rendition of "I'm Gonna' Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair" before she quickly changes her mind and sings Emile's praises during "A Wonderful Guy". Cusack is matched by David Pittsinger's powerful, rich-voiced performance as Emile. Pittsinger breathes new life into a timeless classic like "Some Enchanted Evening", giving the song a depth of emotion previously unheard, and does absolutely lovely work with the touching number, "This Nearly Was Mine".

Anderson Davis provides some eye candy for the ladies as Lt. Cable, doffing his shirt to display his sculpted physique as he romances Sumie Maeda's Liat on the island Bali Ha'i. His explains how his prejudice was ingrained during the well done number, "You've Got To Be Carefully Taught". Jodi Kimura does terrific work as Bloody Mary, and brings considerable feeling to the mystic wonders of "Bali Ha'i". Timothy Gulan also provides amusement, as well as a timely distraction during "Operation Alligator", as the ever-scheming Luther Billis.

Director Bartlett Sher neatly draws out the drama in this compelling story, and pulls excellent work from a very talented cast. Michael Yeargan's sets evoke the era and the locale, utilizing colorful backdrops to set the scene, as well as key props, like the folded-winged Corsair that pops up on stage during the rousing number, "There Is Nothing Like A Dame". Donald Holder's lighting is properly dramatic, and Scott Lehrer's sound makes the war come alive on stage. Catherine Zuber's costumes lend period authenticity. Lawrence Goldberg's work as musical conductor of the orchestra may be the real star here, providing a full sound that enriches the experience, but never overwhelms the vocalists.

South Pacific is a true musical classic, and this spectacular production continues at the Fox Theatre through November 21, 2010.

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