South Pacific 1949 - Articles Page 5

Opened: April 7, 1949

South Pacific - 1949 - Broadway History , Info & More

Broadway Theatre (Broadway)
1681 Broadway New York, NY

Based on "Tales of the South Pacific" by James A. Michener

The plot of South Pacific centers on an American nurse stationed on a South Pacific island during World War II who falls in love with a middle-aged expatriate French plantation owner. This story is intertwined with a secondary romance, between a U.S. lieutenant and a young Tonkinese woman.



The original Broadway production enjoyed immense critical and box-office success and became the second-longest running Broadway musical to that point (behind Rodgers and Hammerstein's earlier Oklahoma!). Because of its exploration of racial and social issues of the day, the show won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1950. Several of its songs, including "Bali Ha'i", "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair", "Some Enchanted Evening", "There Is Nothing Like a Dame", "Happy Talk" and Younger Than Springtime" have become popular standards.



The production won 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Score, and it is the only musical production to win Tony Awards in all four acting categories. Its original cast album was the bestselling record of the 1940s, and other recordings of the show have also been popular. The show has enjoyed many successful revivals and tours, spawning a 1958 film and television adaptations. The 2008 Broadway revival won seven Tonys, including Best Musical Revival.


South Pacific - 1949 - Broadway Cast

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South Pacific - 1949 - Broadway Articles Page 5

VIDEO: Get A First Look At La Mirada's SOUTH PACIFIC
by Alan Henry - Apr 27, 2018


LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS & McCOY RIGBY ENTERTAINMENT present the fourth show of its 2017-2018 season (and the 40th anniversary of the iconic theatre) with SOUTH PACIFIC, book by Oscar Hammerstein II and Joshua Logan (adapted from the Pulitzer Prize winning novel 'Tales of the South Pacific' by James A. Michener), music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, with musical direction by Brent Crayon, choreography by Peggy Hickey and directed by Glenn Casale. SOUTH PACIFIC will preview on Friday, April 20, 2018 (with a press opening on Saturday, April 21 at 8pm) and run through Sunday, May 13, 2018 at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd in La Mirada. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production! Check out the video below!

BWW Review: Appealing New Production of SOUTH PACIFIC Sails Into La Mirada Theater
by Michael Quintos - Apr 27, 2018


Armed with a grand, sweeping songbook from Rodgers and Hammerstein, and a romantic, progressive-for-its-time book by Hammerstein and Joshua Logan, it is difficult not to be continually enchanted by SOUTH PACIFIC, the groundbreaking 1949 stage musical based on James A. Michener's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Even better… sandwiched between memorable songs, romantic interludes, and cheeky, comedic banter is the show's surprisingly candid exploration of race relations---a topic that is, of course, still very much top-of-mind in today's seemingly more divided world. With such important ideological stakes in mind, when a production of this musical presents its material well and in the best possible light, you're almost always guaranteed a show that can still pack an emotional wallop while entertaining you at the same time. Such is the case with McCoy Rigby Entertainment's irresistibly appealing new production of SOUTH PACIFIC, now currently on stage at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts through May 13, 2018.

Photo Coverage: Curtain Call And Press Night Celebration Of McCoy Rigby Entertainment's SOUTH PACIFIC
by Lily Lim - Apr 24, 2018


LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS & McCOY RIGBY ENTERTAINMENT present the fourth show of its 2017-2018 season (and the 40th anniversary of the iconic theatre) with SOUTH PACIFIC, book by Oscar Hammerstein II and Joshua Logan (adapted from the Pulitzer Prize winning novel "Tales of the South Pacific" by James A. Michener), music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, with musical direction by Brent Crayon, choreography by Peggy Hickey and directed by Glenn Casale.  SOUTH PACIFIC will preview on Friday, April 20, 2018 (with a press opening on Saturday, April 21 at 8pm) and run through Sunday, May 13, 2018 at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd in La Mirada.  

Photo Flash: First Look at SOUTH PACIFIC at La Mirada Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 19, 2018


LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS & McCOY RIGBY ENTERTAINMENT present the fourth show of its 2017-2018 season (and the 40th anniversary of the iconic theatre) with

Breaking: Martyna Majok's COST OF LIVING Wins 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Drama!
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 16, 2018


It was just announced by Pulitzer Prize Administrator Dana Canedy that Martyna Majok's COST OF LIVING has officially won the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

BWW Review: Joshua Henry Thrills in Jack O'Brien's Drastically Edited Version of Rodgers & Hammerstein's CAROUSEL
by Michael Dale - Apr 13, 2018


During the first half of the 20th Century, there was no artist as important to the development of American musical theatre from strictly light entertainment to a legitimate dramatic art form that addressed controversial issues and exposed the country's uglier norms than bookwriter and lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II.

5th Avenue's KISS ME, KATE Begins Next Week
by Julie Musbach - Mar 28, 2018


Rehearsals are in full swing for The 5th Avenue Theatre's production of Kiss Me, Kate, which begins performances next Friday, April 6.

BWW Previews: 2018 THEATRE IN THE PARK
by Alan Portner - Mar 22, 2018


Casts for “Theatre In The Park” 2018 five-summer productions to be performed at the Shawnee Mission Park amphitheater have been announced and are beginning their rehearsal periods. “Theatre In The Park” is the nation's largest audience capacity community theater facility.

Photo Flash: First Look at Maltz Jupiter Theatre's SOUTH PACIFIC
by Julie Musbach - Mar 8, 2018


'Some Enchanted Evening' awaits at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre with a universal love story and the unforgettable, sumptuous score that is South Pacific.

La Mirada to Enchant the Evening with SOUTH PACIFIC
by Julie Musbach - Mar 6, 2018


LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS & McCOY RIGBY ENTERTAINMENT present the fourth show of its 2017-2018 season (and the 40th anniversary of the iconic theatre) with SOUTH PACIFIC, book by Oscar Hammerstein II and Joshua Logan (adapted from the Pulitzer Prize winning novel 'Tales of the South Pacific' by James A. Michener), music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, with musical direction by Brent Crayon, choreography by Peggy Hickey and directed by Glenn Casale. SOUTH PACIFIC will preview on Friday, April 20, 2018 (with a press opening on Saturday, April 21 at 8pm) and run through Sunday, May 13, 2018 at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd in La Mirada.

Broadway Hit SOUTH PACIFIC Completes Maltz Jupiter Theatre's Record-Breaking Season
by Julie Musbach - Feb 15, 2018


"Some Enchanted Evening" awaits at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre with a universal love story and the unforgettable, sumptuous score that is South Pacific.

VIDEO: Watch Rare Footage of SOUTH PACIFIC's 'You've Got to Be Taught'
by Caryn Robbins - Jan 15, 2018


In honor of today's Martin Luther King Day, BWW brings you rare footage of Oscar Hammerstein, setting the mood for 'Brotherhood Week,' an annual event created by the National Conference for Christians and Jews in 1934.

Kristine Nielsen to Star in Theresa Rebeck's New Comedy THE WAY OF THE WORLD at D.C.'s Folger Theatre
by BWW News Desk - Jan 9, 2018


Folger Theatre continues its 2017/18 season with The Way of the World, a new comedy freely adapted from the classic play by William Congreve. Written and directed by renowned author Theresa Rebeck (Mauritus and Seminar and Broadway; creator and head writer of TV's Smash), the production will star Tony Award nominee Kristine Nielsen (Present Laughter, You Can't Take It With You, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike on Broadway).

Kristine Nielsen to Star in Theresa Rebeck's New Comedy THE WAY OF THE WORLD at D.C.'s Folger Theatre
by BWW News Desk - Nov 28, 2017


Folger Theatre continues its 2017/18 season with The Way of the World, a new comedy freely adapted from the classic play by William Congreve. Written and directed by renowned author Theresa Rebeck (Mauritus and Seminar and Broadway; creator and head writer of TV's Smash), the production will star Tony Award nominee Kristine Nielsen (Present Laughter, You Can't Take It With You, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike on Broadway).

Arizona Broadway Theatre Pays Tribute to American Veterans with SOUTH PACIFIC and More
by BWW News Desk - Nov 24, 2017


Arizona Broadway Theatre heads into November with a full line-up of Mainstage musical productions, concerts, children's programming and special events beginning November 24 with South Pacific - the 1949 landmark musical masterpiece that today honors and pays tribute to America's Greatest Generation of Heroes.

Annaleigh Ashford, Christopher Jackson, Laura Osnes and Aaron Tveit Headline New York Philharmonic's 2017 Holiday Season
by BWW News Desk - Nov 2, 2017


The New York Philharmonic's 2017 holiday season presents classical and seasonal hallmarks, four Broadway stars singing Laureate Conductor Leonard Bernstein's musical theater highlights, and the beloved annual traditions of Holiday Brass and Handel's Messiah.

Arizona Broadway Theatre Pays Tribute to American Veterans with SOUTH PACIFIC and More
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 30, 2017


Arizona Broadway Theatre heads into November with a full line-up of Mainstage musical productions, concerts, children's programming and special events beginning November 24 with South Pacific - the 1949 landmark musical masterpiece that today honors and pays tribute to America's Greatest Generation of Heroes.

Rodgers and Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC Next Onstage at Larry Keeton Theatre October 12-28
by BWW News Desk - Oct 28, 2017


Rodgers and Hammerstein's iconic 1949 musical about life, romance and hardships during World War II, which broached serious and controversial social issues still being dealt with in the 21st century South Pacific debuts at The Larry Keeton Theatre in Donelson for an October 12-28 run.

Rodgers and Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC Next Onstage at Larry Keeton Theatre Today-28
by BWW News Desk - Oct 12, 2017


Rodgers and Hammerstein's iconic 1949 musical about life, romance and hardships during World War II, which broached serious and controversial social issues still being dealt with in the 21st century South Pacific debuts at The Larry Keeton Theatre in Donelson for an October 12-28 run.

La Mirada & McCoy Rigby Entertainment Announce 2017-2018 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 4, 2017


LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS & McCOY RIGBY ENTERTAINMENT are thrilled to announce it has added Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC to its 40th Anniversary season of shows 40 YEARS OF PHENOMENAL! Forty never looked so good and our joint is now jumpin' as we kicked off our season with American Idol's Frenchie Davis starring in a brand new look at the Fats Waller musical AIN'T MISBEHAVIN', directed by its original Broadway cast member Ken Page (now through October 8); up next is the acclaimed play with songs about the last year of Judy Garland's life,END OF THE RAINBOW; then leave your troubles outside because in here, life is beautiful as we present our new production of Kander & Ebb's CABARET; then be romanced on some enchanted evening with an all-time classic, Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC; and we will close our 40th in a high-flying way by seizing the day with NEWSIES!

Triad Stage Joins Forces with Community Organizations to Reinvent SOUTH PACIFIC
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 25, 2017


When the Broadway musical South Pacific premiered in 1949, its commentary on race and depiction of relationships between different ethnicities was such a striking departure from the genre that critics and audiences alike deemed it inappropriate. In similar fashion, the southeast regional professional theater Triad Stage seeks not just to repeat plays, but to reimagine them. And it is doing just that with South Pacific, which runs Sept. 17 - Oct. 15 in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Critic's Choice: What's Playing in Tennessee? Nashville Theater Calendar for 9/21/17
by Jeffrey Ellis - Sep 21, 2017


Feeling the urge to let your imagination run wild, your spirit to soar or to just leave the world in which you live and go on an adventure? Sounds like a trip to the theater is in order! Luckily, companies all over the Volunteer State have been hard at work, creating new productions to transform and to transport, shows that will entertain you this summer. That's where THE NASHVILLE THEATER CALENDAR comes in handy: Peruse our listings every week to find out what shows you should see!

Stages Welcomes WWII Veterans to SOUTH PACIFIC to Salute, Thank, and Entertain
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 20, 2017


Standing ovations were aplenty during the Wednesday, Sept. 13, opening night performance of South Pacific at the Robert G. Reim Theatre in Kirkwood. As emotions swelled in the intimate venue, STAGES' patrons rose for not only the cast's performance but also the attendance of four World War II veterans familiar with the events behind Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic wartime tale.

Rodgers and Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC Next Onstage at Larry Keeton Theatre October 12-28
by Jeffrey Ellis - Sep 19, 2017


Rodgers and Hammerstein's iconic 1949 musical about life, romance and hardships during World War II, which broached serious and controversial social issues still being dealt with in the 21st century South Pacific debuts at The Larry Keeton Theatre in Donelson for an October 12-28 run.

BWW Photo Exclusive: Behind the Curtain with SOUTH PACIFIC at STAGES St. Louis
by BWW News Desk - Sep 15, 2017


One of the most powerful musicals of all time, South Pacific triumphantly returns to STAGES for the first time in 25 years. Running September 8th through October 8th at the Robert G. Reim Theatre in Kirkwood, join STAGES for a timeless tale in the South Pacific and take a peak backstage with these exclusive photos to see how the cast enjoys their time behind the scenes of Bali Ha'i!

Other Productions of South Pacific

1949   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
1950   US Tour National Tour
US Tour
1951   West End London Production
West End
1955   Broadway Unknown
Broadway
1967   Off-Broadway Lincoln Center Revival
Off-Broadway
1988   West End London Revival
West End
1994   Milburn, NJ (Regional) Paper Mill Production
Milburn, NJ (Regional)
2001   West End Royal National Theatre Production
West End
2005   Off-Broadway Off-Broadway Concert
Off-Broadway
2008   Broadway Lincoln Center Revival
Broadway
2011   West End Lincoln Center Revival [West End]
West End
2022   US Tour Non Equity Tour
US Tour
2022   West End
West End

South Pacific - 1949 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1950 The Pulitzer Prize The Pulitzer Prize for Drama Oscar Hammerstein II
1950 The Pulitzer Prize The Pulitzer Prize for Drama Richard Rodgers
1950 Tony Awards Best Direction Joshua Logan
1950 Tony Awards Best Musical Leland Hayward
1950 Tony Awards Best Musical Joshua Logan
1950 Tony Awards Best Musical Oscar Hammerstein II
1950 Tony Awards Best Musical Richard Rodgers
1950 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Oscar Hammerstein II
1950 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Joshua Logan
1950 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Ezio Pinza
1950 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Myron McCormick
1950 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Ezio Pinza
1950 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical Juanita Hall
1950 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Mary Martin
1950 Tony Awards Producer (Musical) Leland Hayward
1950 Tony Awards Producer (Musical) Oscar Hammerstein II
1950 Tony Awards Producer (Musical) Joshua Logan
1950 Tony Awards Producer (Musical) Richard Rodgers
1949 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Best Musical Richard Rodgers
1949 Tony Awards Best Scenic Design Jo Mielziner

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