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South Pacific - 1961 New York History , Info & More

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.


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Review: Updated FLOWER DRUM SONG Returns to Los Angeles by East West Players
by Shari Barrett - Apr 29, 2026


Astounding triple-threat talent is on display in big production numbers with attention-grabbing scenic elements by brilliant designers add to the artistic wonder of the entire production helmed by EWP Artistic Director Lily Tung Crystal, choreographed by Janelle Dote Portman, with music direction by Marc Macalintal.

See Works from Inside SHOWSTOPPERS: THE ART OF STAGE AND SCREEN Exhibition at Helicline Fine Art
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 2, 2026


Helicline Fine Art is now presenting Showstoppers: The Art of Stage and Screen, a dynamic new exhibition celebrating nearly a century of performance as seen through the eyes of some of the most influential artists and designers of the 20th century. On view through May 10, 2026, the exhibition brings together more than three dozen works that capture the spectacle, emotion, and cultural impact of live theatre, film, dance, opera, and popular entertainment.

Kathleen Clawson to Step Down as Dayton Opera Artistic Director
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 6, 2026


The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance has announced that Kathleen Clawson will step down as Artistic Director of Dayton Opera at the conclusion of the 2025–2026 season.

Which Pre-Broadway Tryout Theater Boasts the Most Best Musical Tony Award Winners?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Nov 30, 2025


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by R. Scott Reedy - Jul 23, 2025


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EGOT Explained: Who Has Joined the Elite Group and Who Is Close to Making History?
by Sidney Paterra - May 26, 2025


Few honors in entertainment are as coveted—or as rare—as achieving EGOT status. This elite distinction marks a career filled with versatility, longevity, and extraordinary talent across multiple mediums. What does it all mean? We're taking a closer look at the artists who have managed to join one of the industry’s most exclusive clubs.

Pulitzer Prize for Drama: Iconic Plays That Shaped American Theater
by Sidney Paterra - Apr 3, 2026


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A History of GYPSY's Mama Rose and the Women Who Have Played Her
by Stephi Wild - Dec 29, 2024


Gypsy is back on Broadway, starring Audra McDonald in the iconic role of Mama Rose. BroadwayWorld is looking back on some of the performers who have taken on the musical's lead role, from Ethel Merman to Patti LuPone, Bernadette Peters, and more.

Review: Max Von Essen and the NY Pops Hit All the Right Notes at Carnegie Hall
by Sharon Ellman - Nov 18, 2024


This reviewer thoroughly enjoyed the evening of American Songbook scores from Max Von Essen. The NY Pops' 2024-25 season continues with Merry and Bright, their holiday celebration with Jessica Vosk on December 20 and 21, 2024.

Ensemble For These Times Reveals 2024/25 Home Season “Women In Transit”
by Stephi Wild - Aug 26, 2024


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Gretna Theatre Presents BURT & ME In June
by A.A. Cristi - May 30, 2024


Catch the jukebox musical BURT & ME this June, featuring the iconic songs of Burt Bacharach and Hal David.

PURLIE VICTORIOUS Stage Film to Premiere on PBS This May; Great Performances Sets New 'Broadway's Best' Lineup
by Michael Major - Feb 12, 2024


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by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 7, 2023


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by Michael Major - Dec 6, 2023


Dazzling and rare high fashion pieces owned and worn by legendary style icons, Princess Diana, Princess Grace of Monaco, Audrey Hepburn, Sarah Jessica Parker, Elizabeth Taylor, Cher, Kim Kardashian, Nicole Kidman, Joan Collins, Donna Summer, Whitney Houston, Lady Gaga, Paris Hilton. Check out the full lineup!

Video: Who Will Win the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Drama? Watch Live at 3pm!
by Nicole Rosky - May 8, 2023


The Pulitzer Prize Board will present the 2023 award winners for Prizes in Journalism, Books, Drama and Music. Who will win this year? Tune in right here at 3pm to watch the announcement live!

Sanaz Toossi's ENGLISH Wins 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Drama
by Nicole Rosky - May 8, 2023


The Pulitzer Prize Board has just announced that English, by Sanaz Toossi has won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Other finalists included: On Sugarland by Aleshea Harris and The Far Country by Lloyd Suh.

Merle Dandridge, Michael Hayden, Jodi Long & More to Star in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at Pasadena Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 2, 2023


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Sierra Madre Playhouse to Present CALL ME ELIZABETH in February
by Blair Ingenthron - Dec 18, 2022


Call Me Elizabeth, written and performed by Kayla Boye, and directed by Erin Kraft will be presented by Sierra Madre Playhouse (87 W. Sierra Madre Boulevard, Sierra Madre, CA 91024) from February 10- February 19, 2023. Performances are Friday & Saturday at 8 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm.

CAMELOT to Kick Off Way Off Broadway's 2023 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 16, 2022


The Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre’s 2023 Season – theatre’s 29th of bringing live Broadway-style entertainment to the Mid-Maryland region – will kick off in January with the classic musical that brings the Arthurian legend to life on the stage, Lerner and Loewe’s Camelot.  

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by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 15, 2022


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by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 7, 2022


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by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 20, 2022


Theatre Communications Grouphas announced the recipients of RECOGNIZE grants as part of the THRIVE! Uplifting Theatres of Color program. With $1,635,000 in support from Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, TCG is working in partnership with an Advisory Circle of BIPOC* to provide unrestricted funds for BITOC based in the U.S.

See Linda Eder, Hugh Panaro, a Celebration of WAITRESS' Jennas & More at 54 Below This Month
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 3, 2022


This month, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. See Linda Eder, Hugh Panaro, a celebration of the Jennas of Waitress and more. See the full month's programming here!

Baryshnikov Arts Center Presents UNAVAILABLE MEMORY: IN CONVERSATION WITH CUNNINGHAM & CAGE, October 27-29
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 29, 2022


Unavailable Memory: In Conversation with Cunningham & Cage is an evening of dance and music presenting Merce Cunningham's Totem Ancestor (1942) and Loops (1971) and six piano compositions by John Cage.

Review: After 60 Years of its Opening WEST SIDE STORY Continues to Thrill Audiences in Historic Production
by Claudio Erlichman - Jul 19, 2022


West Side Story opens on July 8th at Theatro Sao Pedro. A masterpiece by Bernstein & Sondheim, direction by Charles Moeller and Brazilian version by Claudio Botelho, the musical direction is by Claudio Cruz, who leads the Orquestra do Theatro Sao Pedro. The production also has a cast headed by Giulia Nadruz (Maria) and Beto Sargentelli (Tony)

South Pacific History

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 - 1961 New York Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners are highlighted with a background.
South Pacific — awards and nominations
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1950 The Pulitzer Prize The Pulitzer Prize for Drama Joshua Logan

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