Exclusive: Laura Michelle Kelly, Ben Davis, Loretta Ables Sayre & Josh Young to Lead SOUTH PACIFIC at the MUNY; Runs 7/8-14

The Muny announced principal casting for the fourth show of its fantastic 95th Season, South Pacific, directed by Rob Ruggiero and choreographed by Ralph Perkins. South Pacific is sponsored by Emerson.

Laura Michelle Kelly will star as Ensign Nellie Forbush, with Ben Davis co-starring as Emile de Becque. Joining them will be Loretta Ables Sayre as Bloody Mary, Josh Young as Lt. Joseph Cable, Sumie Maeda as Liat, Tally Sessions as Luther Billis, James Anthony as Capt. George Brackett, Michael James Reed as Cdr. William Harbison, Caitlin Chau as Ngana, and Spencer Jones as Jerome.

"We're thrilled to have the creative team for last year's glorious The King & I return for another Rodgers & Hammerstein classic," said Muny Executive Producer Mike Isaacson. "Last year, the Muny audience fell in love with Laura Michelle, and we're thrilled she's returning. I'm confident they'll feel the same for Ben, Loretta, Josh and Sumie. This is an extraordinary cast for this landmark musical."

South Pacific remains one of Richard Rodgers (composer) and Oscar Hammerstein's (lyricist) most eloquent dramas and deeply felt musical romances. It features a book by Hammerstein and Joshua Logan. The masterful and lyrical love story between Army nurse Nellie Forbush and the mysterious French planter, Emile de Becque, won the Pulitzer Prize for drama and its most recent revival swept the 2008 Tony Awards.

The Muny production features scenic design by Michael Schweikardt, sound design by Jason Krueger, lighting design by John Lasiter, video design by Nathan Scheuer, and costume design by Tracy Christensen. Brad Haak serves as the musical director, and the production stage manager is Bonnie Panson.

Single tickets will be available beginning 9 am Saturday, June 1 at The Muny Box Office in Forest Park, online or by phone. For more information, call (314) 361-1900 or visit www.muny.org.

For information on becoming a Muny Partner, visit www.muny.org or call (314) 361-1900.