Art in the Round: South Pacific

The original Broadway musical “South Pacific” was adapted from a Pulitzer Prize winning collection of linked short stories called “Tales of the South Pacific," inspired by author James Michener’s experiences serving with the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Islands during World War II.

According to New York Times critic Brooks Atkinson, the theatrical production captured Michener’s “sensitive perceptions toward the Pacific Islands and human beings in the midst of the callous misery, boredom and slaughter of war.” The score, set and acting brought to life a melancholy, socially conscious romance, and audiences and critics alike recognized a timeless classic. Atkinson credits the hard work and natural gifts of the Roger and Hammerstein team, as well as the poignant subject matter.

Atkinson also predicted that “if the country still has the taste to appreciate a masterly love song, ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ ought to become reasonably immortal.” His prediction proved quite accurate, and even those who have never of South Pacific are probably familiar with the song. A video of role originators Ezio Pinza and Mary Martin performing the duet is available on YouTube, our modern-day vessel of immortal material.

The film adaptation of the musical was released in 1958. Joshua Logan returned as director for the film, as did a few other members of the original cast. However, Broadway darling Mary Martin was not among them; her role was filled by actress Mitzi Gaynor. The New York Times review was predominantly positive; a modern audience might scrutinize the film more harshly, but it was a tremendous success at the box office and has become a staple of the American movie canon.

The musical and movie were also popular overseas, as evidenced by the National Theatre revival in 2001. The production, directed by Trevor Nunn and staged to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Richard Rodgers's birth, was met with stellar reviews. Critics specifically credit Nunn’s ability to navigate culturally and psychologically difficult themes of war and racism.

An American actress played the role of Nellie in the London production, but not one who embodied American music in quite the way that Reba McIntire does. The country music star sang opposite Broadway sensation Brian Stokes Mitchell in a PBS South Pacific concert at Carnegie Hall. The concert did not include any dialogue or costumes from the show, but the leads’ stunning voices, plus some humor from actor Alec Baldwin made for an impressive evening. PBS provides pictures of the concert as well as educational material relating to the show, its composers and their quest for a hit show. The South Pacific scrapbook is a tribute to Rogers and Hammerstein’s successful endeavor.

The PBS concert came two years before the first Broadway revival of the musical, which opened on March 1, 2008 at Lincoln Center. The world in 2008 is certainly different than it was on the show’s opening night 60 years ago, and the Lincoln Center Review has devoted its spring issue to South Pacific. It includes articles and features pertaining to the history of the musical, the legacy of the book and the traditions of the Islands. Modern audiences will find that the timeless production offers a great deal of contemporary cultural relevancy.

Sociological introspection aside, South Pacific is an eye-catching, big-scale production designed to entertain. Some early production photos give a hint of the lyrical energy inhabiting this latest version of the show.