BWW Preview: SOUTH PACIFIC Comes to the Off Center Theater in Kansas City

The Tony Award winning 1949 musical South Pacific comes to the Off Center Theatre in Kansas City, Mo. from August 7 through August 24. This enduring love story is set on a tropical island during World War II. Richard Rodgers wrote the music with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and the book by Oscar Hammerstein II and Joshua Logan. Sarah Crawford directs the Musical Theater Heritage production and provides musical direction with Jeremy Watson.

Ashley Pankow stars as Ensign Nellie Forbush and Christopher Sanders stars as Emile de Becque in the musical that was adapted from "Tales of the South Pacific," by James A. Michener. Pankow has appeared at the Springer Opera House, Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, Great Plains Theatre, New Theatre Restaurant, Quality Hill Playhouse, and Starlight among others. Sanders has appeared with Musical Theater Heritage, Santa Barbara Civic Light Orchestra, and the national tour of H.M.S. Pinafore.

The actors are joined on stage by a cast of 24 with music provided by a seven-piece orchestra. South Pacific features such iconic melodies like "Some Enchanted Evening," "Younger Than Springtime," and "There is Nothing Like a Dame."

South Pacific will appear on the Off Center Theatre stage five days a week with performances on Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $40 and may be purchased by calling 816-545-6000, at the Off Center Theatre Box Office, or online at the Musical Theater Heritage website.