RIALTO CHATTER: Matthew Morrison Headed Back to SOUTH PACIFIC?

Matthew Morrison, who originated the role of Lieutenant Joseph Cable in the current Broadway production of SOUTH PACIFIC, may be returning to the production in order to appear in the 'Live from Lincoln Center' performance on August 18, the Los Angeles Times reports.  According to a Lincoln Center spokesman, Morrison's return will depend on his filming schedule for GLEE, the hit television show of which he is a star. 

The 'Live from Lincoln Center' performance, which will be broadcast on PBS, will feature the production's original stars, Kelli O'Hara (Nellie Forbush) and Tony Award winner Paulo Szot (Emile de Becque).  The production has received great critical and popular acclaim and was nominated for eleven 2008 Tony Awards, winning seven including Best Revival of a Musical.  The production also received five Drama Desk Awards and five Outer Critics Circle Awards.

In addition to SOUTH PACIFIC, Morrison's Broadway credits include the original casts of HAIRSPRAY and THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA, for which he was nominated for a Tony Award.  He is currently starring in 'Glee,' for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe, and will appear in the show's recently commissioned second season.

Photo Credit: RD/ Rob Kim / Retna Digital