South Pacific theatre review

The opening scene of South Pacific includes three of its best songs: Cockeyed Optimist, Twin Soliloquies and Some Enchanted Evening.  It sets a high standard.  As the first scene drew to a close I wondered how the remainder of this production would match such perfection.  Yet, throughout Act I, my wonder only increased.  Song upon song is brought to life with style and conviction, and I was reminded how expertly crafted the show is.  And, while it is now very much a period piece, the majority of the script rings true today and feels current.  Could it really be 64 years old?  It is a long way from retirement.

Act II provides a few obstacles - it is rather unevenly paced and many key turning points take place offstage.  Story development stalls for a good 20 minutes or so to make room for a fun, but frivolous, Thanksgiving pageant.  I give thanks to the production team and credit some very clever staging with keeping the audience engaged.  So I cannot fault the direction, lighting, sound, set design or costumes.  What of the performances?

This cast is nigh on perfect.  Mitchell Butel shines as Luther Billis, which is something of a dream role for a character actor.  He appears equally at home with his more tender moments as with those that are purely comic.  Christine Anu, as Bloody Mary, also stands out.  Anu delivers a measured performance, displaying a wide repertoire of vocal tricks and often opting for the understated choice.  This tightly restrained interpretation of a potentially wild character imbues Mary with a high status that makes sense of her presence and her influence.  

But the show belongs to Nellie and Emile.  In these roles Lisa McCune and Teddy Tahu Rhodes are nothing short of exquisite, not to mention perfectly matched.  Rhodes' voice alone could rob a handmaiden of her virtue, while McCune is a true triple threat.  The audience warmed to each of them immediately and their ongoing chemistry proved to be quite the tease, which is essential in selling the final chapter of the play.

See this show to hear two of the purest voices in show business, and to witness an exquisite rendition of one of the most significant theatrical works of the twentieth century.