South Pacific Enchants

by Mary Rolerson Hebert

            With a refreshing splash, South Pacific arrives on the North Atlantic. A local cast of talent from the Seaglass Performing Arts Musical Theater brings waves of romance and culture to the Garland Auditorium in Saco, Maine, August 11-15.
            Set in the exotic islands of the South Pacific during WWII, the play unfolds at the plantation of the wealthy Frenchman, Emile de Becque, played by Alex Pratt. It’s love at first sight as Ensign Nellie Forbush (Dianne Chadbourne) and Emile experience “Some Enchanted Evening” on this island paradise.  Emile, 42, soon proposes to Nellie, 22, the small town Southern nurse who’s joined the Navy to see the world. 
            Because of their age and cultural differences, Nellie calls off the relationship with the catchy number “I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair.”  After Emile successfully convinces Nellie that her fears are foolish, she decides “I’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy.” However, when she meets Emile’s Eurasian children, Nelllie cannot overcome the prejudices with which she was raised in Arkansas. She will apply for a transfer and leave Emile.
            Meanwhile, on another part of the island, a parallel “love at first sight” subplot develops. Native souvenir dealer, the spunky Bloody Mary (Diane Ames) has decided that Lt. Joe Cable (Kevin Broad) would be a good catch for her 17 year old daughter, Liat (Catherine Augiar-DiOrio). She lures Lt. Cable to Liat with the entrancing “Bali Ha'i.”  Promising all her money to Lt. Cable, Bloody Mary describes the joyful life he’ll have with Liat in the delightfully choreographed “Happy Talk.” 
            Though he fallen in love with the lovely Liat, Lt. Cable knows he can never marry the native girl.  Heartbroken, Liat and her mother leave without accepting Lt. Cable’s gift of his grandfather’s gold watch.

            As Emile and Nellie discuss her racial prejudice, Lt. Cable overhears.   He understands he, too, has been taught to hate.  With strength and sorrow, Joe sings “You've Got to Be Carefully Taught” and Emile realizes the ugliness he left behind in Europe has arrived on the island.
            Woven throughout the tender romance scenes is the comic competition for souvenir business between Mary and Seabee Luther Billis (Ryan Lane) The nurses and the Seabees add to the fun as they enthusiastically present such popular numbers as  “Bloody Mary’s the Girl I Love” and “There is Nothin' Like a Dame.”  The comical “Honey Bun” is delightfully delivered by Nellie as Luther promenades the stage in a coconut bikini bra and grass skirt.  The chorus of nurses, decked in faux-pas island gear, brings an element of festivity to this scene.
            The last subplot of South Pacific is “coast-watch”; the dangerous mission to penetrate a neighboring Japanese-held island.  Lt. Cable persuades Emile to accompany him on this “hunting trip” since he knows the islands so well.   Having lost his love, Emile agrees to help.
            Although the secret mission is a success, Lt. Cable dies of his wounds.  During the time that Emile is reported missing, Nellie finally “knows what counts now. All that matters is us being together.”   Upon his safe return, Emile finds her at his plantation, interacting with his adorable children as they sing the French ditty “Dites-Moi.” 
            This endearing classic was the only major musical to be set during WWII.  Adapted from James Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific originally premiered at the Majestic Theater in 1949, years before Rosa Parks would make her historic stand for racial equity.  Winning a Pulitzer Prize for Drama and nine Tony Awards, South Pacific ran for 1,924 performances.
            Directed musically and dramatically by Jean Strazdes, the Seaglass Players’ enchanting version of South Pacific can be enjoyed for six performances at Thornton Academy, Rt. 1 in Saco, Maine.  Audiences will be touched by the enduring lyrics, enjoy the lively orchestra, and appreciate the clear delivery of lines.  They will laugh at the antics of the Seabees and Bloody Mary, and marvel at the cast’s vocal ability, especially that of Alex Pratt.  And perhaps, some will still hear the plea for racial tolerance. 
            Show times are Aug. 11-14 at 7:30 pm and Aug. 14 and 15 at 2:30 pm.  Tickets may be reserved at 985-8747 or online seaglassperformingarts.com.  Prices are as follows: $17.50 at the door, $15 advance and seniors $12 students.

Kevin Broad as Lt. Cable, Catherine Augiar-DiOrio as Liat,
Alex Pratt as Emile de Becque, Dianne Chadbourne as Nellie Forbush