NEW YORK—It's hard to resist the emotional pull of the mysterious island Bali Ha'i as it beckons to the denizens—a company of U.S. sailors—of a nearby island in the South Pacific during World War II. This marvelous revival has everything a lover of musicals, or indeed any theater lover could wish for.
Director Bartlett Sher has coordinated all the theatrical elements: Acting, singing, sets, costumes, and lighting, to bring about an inspired rendition of this beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by James Michener, in its first revival since its original Broadway production in 1949. A lot depends on the charisma exerted by the two central characters' performances. Here it's potent: Nurse Ensign Nellie Forbush (Kelli O'Hara) encounters the very attractive French planter, Emile de Becque (Paulo Szot), who has fled France under a cloud of suspicion and put down roots and established a plantation on this island. The smitten de Becque soon sings out his feelings with "Some Enchanted Evening." Like most couples they have their ups and downs, and Nellie later wants to "Wash That Man Right Out of…" her hair, via an onstage shampoo.
Besides, Emile's two mixed-race children via a prior relationship with a Polynesian woman present an obstacle. Nellie's rigid Middle America upbringing—she's from Little Rock, Arkansas—and the prejudice that accompanies it, forbid her to countenance a permanent relationship with the children's father, but that attitude is subject to change.
In a parallel romance, handsome young Marine Lieutenant Joseph Cable (Matthew Morrison) adores the beautiful Polynesian girl Liat (Li Jun Li), whose mother, Bloody Mary (the vivid Loretta Ables Sayre), a lusty extrovert, and the island's peddler of all things useful and otherwise, encourages a match.
In addition to gorgeous music and a plot rife with romance and hilarious hijinks perpetrated by the sailors, the undercurrent of seriousness—race relations and prejudice—gives "South Pacific" a dimension rarely found in most theater, let alone musical theater.
In today's more liberal (I would like to think) climate, the outcome of the Joe Cable/Liat relationship may appear as somewhat of a cop-out, in that a tragic incident precludes its permanent consummation. But, on the other hand, what could a 1949 audience have handled regarding this societal dilemma? That Richard Rodgers (music) and Oscar Hammerstein II (lyrics) and Hammerstein and Josh Logan (book) dared to infuse a heretofore innocuous theater form with a serious social question is reason enough for praise.
Kelli O'Hara is right on the button, with her carefully built character adding to her innate charm and vivacity (and her cartwheels!). Brazilian-born Paulo Szot is already a recognized opera star and will win hearts with his melting, full-bodied baritone, particularly in his rendition of "Some Enchanted Evening."
Special mention is due to Danny Burstein for his wily Billis, who keeps the action going with his fellow Seabees; Li Jun Li is lovely and lyrical; Sean Cullen as the base commander lends just the right stern but relenting note.
Enveloping all in an ambiance of longing (the distant misty cliffs of Bali Ha'i) and reality (the primitive laundry units on the beach) are the truly amazing sets by Michael Yeargan, aided by Donald Holder's sensitive lighting. Costumes by Catherine Zuber round out the overall effect.
Again, kudos to director Bartlett Sher and to the Lincoln Center Theater for presenting this winning production.
South Pacific
Lincoln Center Theater at the Vivian Beaumont
150 West 65 Street
Tickets: (212) 239-6200 or www.telecharge.com
Open-ended run (selling tickets through January 4, 2009)
Diana Barth writes and publishes New Millennium," an arts newsletter. For information: diabarth@juno.com
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