Review: South Pacific

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By Elli Davis, March 8, 2011

The Lincoln Center Theatre Production of Rogers and Hammerstein’s

SOUTH PACIFIC

Toronto Centre for the Arts

5000 Yonge Street

Presented by Dancap Productions

Now through April 10

The current production of SOUTH PACIFIC makes its return engagement to Toronto! It was originally seen in this city at the Four Seasons Centre for the Arts in August 2010, and currently comes to us from New York’s Lincoln Centre. This show won 7 Tony Awards in 2008 and is a glorious tribute to both the Golden Age of Broadway Musicals and to a magnificent musical score performed by a flawless cast.

From the moment Nellie Forbush, stunningly portrayed by Carmen Cusack, proclaims that she is a “Cockeyed Optimist” it is apparent that both our entertainment and Rogers and Hammerstein’s flawless score are in good hands. David Pittsinger’s Emille de Becque has a voice that makes this truly “Some Enchanted Evening” and one that you will not soon forget.

South Pacific

Director Bartlett Sher’s vision is in total synch with the story and its layers. Yes, the music is king, but South Pacific takes place in a time when America is coming to grips with its own power; its strengths and its weaknesses. It is World War 2 and it is the South Pacific and the Japs [sic] are winning. Lieutenant Joseph Cable, played by Aaron Ramey who is as sexy as he is vocally powerful, has been sent to spy on the enemy and provide information. He eventually convinces Emile de Becque to help him on his mission. The results change the course of the war and perhaps history.

Another layer of the 2.5 hour epic deals with racial tensions, which are not yet politically unacceptable. “You’ve Got to be Carefully Taught” summarizes the tone of America when it comes to race and hatred, though the score, the music and the magnificent voices are the jewels in this crown. Jodi Kimura’s “Bloody Mary” has just enough grit to show how strong she is and the perfect dose of compassion when she poetically describes Bali Hai, the special island.

Special it is and so is this production. Kudos to Michael Yeargan who has developed sets that flow so perfectly from one position to another that one hardly realizes the transition has taken place. Lighting, costume and choreography all balance out and support a truly wonderful evening.

If you have seen another production of South Pacific, I assure you that this one will be as good as, if not better than, any other since the 1949 debut. If you have not seen South Pacific, now is the time to do so! It is one of those nights that practically guarantees you will enjoy yourself!