Long ago and far away on the islands of the South Pacific, the turbulence of World War II leaves the South Pacific in peril.  The challenges that face this particular group of people may be the only thing that turns the tide.

Directed and choreographed by Rachel Bertone and adapted from James A. Michener’s Pulitzer prize-winning novel, Tales of the South Pacific, Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston kicked off its 55^th season with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Golden Age musical classic, South Pacific live and in person at the Robinson Theatre in Waltham, Massachusetts through Sunday, June 23.  This family-friendly production is approximately two hours and 30 min with a 15 minute intermission.   Click here for more information and for tickets.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific focuses on love, sacrifice, and survival during a turning point in World War II, but also features many lighthearted and humorous moments under Rachel Bertone’s direction and mix of delicate and energetic choreography from the endearing Dites-Moi featuring graceful Penelope Rhoads as Nguana and Lola Rhoads as Jerome to the high-spirited There is Nothing Like a Dame to the carefree comedy of Honey Bun featuring charismatic, wisecracking but well-meaning Luther depicted impressively by Brendan McGrady with a smirk and thick New York accent. With strong and engaging vocals navigated by Music Director David Coleman, South Pacific boasts a long list of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s revered American Standard classic tunes.

 Janie E. Howland’s breezy, tropical, and wicker-infused set includes painted tropical flowers, towering palm trees, and signs of significant locations as well as a surprising special effect with a helicopter.  Blended with Frank Meissner Jr’s radiant lighting, South Pacific illuminates compelling landscapes from dawn to daybreak as well as a gleaming aqua coastline.  Emerald City Theatrical’s terrifically retro costumes range from vintage cheerfully colored casual wear to authentic looking uniforms. 

Jennifer Ellis blends effervescence and effortless charm as Nellie Forbush, a GI nurse from Arkansas who quickly falls for Christopher Chew as Emile de Becque, an older, worldly and mysterious Frenchman who resides on an island plantation.  Both are incredibly curious about the other and consider each other way out of their league.  Chew and Ellis share romantic tension-fueled chemistry, making it sweet to witness their awkward conversions.  There is warmth between these two and Chew’s marvelous vocals deliver a beautiful rendition of Some Enchanted Evening after Ellis shares her lighthearted nature in an enchanting rendition of Cockeyed Optimist.

Emile and Nellie seem to have a mature love that is often tested as the production progresses.  This show is less about love triangles, but more about love at first sight and the challenges that each one of them face as war hangs in the balance. 

Another captivating yet fiery presence is Lisa Yuen as determined, practical and shrewd businesswoman Bloody Mary.  Yuen’s candid, direct and persistent demeanor as a Tonkinese woman attempting to find success is excellent, especially as she outsmarts some GIs she encounters for a deal.  She has a wonderful rapport and chumminess with the GIs, especially during the number Bloody Mary through Bertone’s lively choreography.  Yuen shares a funny first encounter with Blake DuBois as cool, collected and enigmatic Lieutenant Joseph Cable who delivers a memorable rendition of Younger than Springtime.  Yuen’s Bloody Mary just might be the most earnest and levelheaded individual in the production, her haunting vocals on full display in Bali Ha’i and heartfelt alongside Calico Valasco as Liat in Happy Talk. 

Some aspects of South Pacific still seem dated and a little cloying and with much respect to Rodgers and Hammerstein, South Pacific is not as emotionally charged as their other works and often found myself questioning the motivation of some of these characters.  For example, Ellis as Nellie seems impulsive and indecisive just as quickly as she seems so certain.   Perhaps it was just a different time.  Otherwise, Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston’s South Pacific is a memorable, family-friendly day at the theatre with a strong and timeless inherent message.

Directed and choreographed by Rachel Bertone and adapted from James A. Michener’s Pulitzer prize-winning novel, Tales of the South Pacific, Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston kicked off its 55^th season with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Golden Age musical classic, South Pacific live and in person at the Robinson Theatre in Waltham, Massachusetts through Sunday, June 23.  This family-friendly production is approximately two hours and 30 min with a 15 minute intermission.   Click here for more information and for tickets.