Stages Welcomes WWII Veterans to SOUTH PACIFIC to Salute, Thank, and Entertain

Standing ovations were aplenty during the Wednesday, Sept. 13, opening night performance of South Pacific at the Robert G. Reim Theatre in Kirkwood. As emotions swelled in the intimate venue, STAGES' patrons rose for not only the cast's performance but also the attendance of four World War II veterans familiar with the events behind Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic wartime tale.

Before the performance commenced, STAGES' Executive Producer Jack Lane took the stage and spoke to the audience about this Pulitzer Prize winning musical, following the struggles faced by young American soldiers and nurses stationed on a tropical naval base during the Second World War. As Lane's father and two uncles served in WWII, he conveyed his admiration for veteran's affairs and welcomed STAGES' guests, Specialist First Class, Carroll Carey, United States Navy; Private First Class, Tony Holdmeyer, United States Army; Petty Officer 3rd Class, Fred Girvin, SeaBee Electrician, United States Navy; and Pharmacist Mate 3rd Class, John Ware, United States Navy.

STAGES' was honored to coordinate the attendance of these veterans with help from resident Scenic Designer James Wolk. With his connection to a member of the local veteran's affairs community, STAGES' was able to reach out to veterans in the area and offer tickets to enjoy South Pacific with the company of a guest. "It was an extraordinary experience to open our doors to the people of this community who know this tale best," remarked Jack Lane. "These individuals have the unique ability to connect to the story in a similar way that audiences in 1949 originally had. It was a beautiful opportunity to share this with them while also honoring their contributions and sacrifices to this nation." Following the heartwarming reception on opening night, STAGES' decided to extend the same invitation to other WWII veterans throughout the run of the production.

Single tickets are on sale now and prices range from $25 - $60. South Pacific concludes STAGES' 31st Season and performs in the intimate, 377-seat Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Civic Center, 111 South Geyer Road in St. Louis, MO 63122. South Pacific will run through Oct. 8 with matinee and evening performances Tuesdays through Sundays.

To purchase tickets call 314-821-2407 or visit www.StagesStLouis.org.

STAGES St. Louis is the region's foremost not-for-profit company committed to preserving and advancing the art form of Musical Theatre through excellence in performance and education. In 2017, STAGES celebrates its 31st year of producing Broadway-quality theatre, presenting 140 performances from June through October to over 50,000 patrons.

STAGES St. Louis is grateful for the support of the Regional Arts Commission, and has been funded in part by the Arts & Education Council. In addition, financial assistance has been provided by the Missouri Arts Council.