BWW Reviews: SOUTH PACIFIC Warms Audiences at Dearborn Players Guild

I was 21 when I saw my first Broadway musical - the paradisiacal love story, South Pacific. It was methodically planned - my beau at the time wanted to make sure the first show I saw would remain a memory forever, and it worked. I bought the sheet music and learned all the songs, I saved the plastic leis from the evening and playbills; truly this became my special show, and I love it dearly. Then I moved to Michigan in 1985, and that's when I started hearing about community theatre. Dearborn resident Marge Sorensen put a notice in the Nordic News that she was putting together a group to attend South Pacific at The Players Guild of Dearborn, so that is how I attended my first community theatre show. That was over 25 years ago, and again, the experience is indelibly etched into my mind.

Now, the Players Guild is performing an updated version of South Pacific, and it remains as great as the first time I saw it. The revised version has subtle changes - for example, Cmdr. William Harbison (starring Phil Booth) is a softer, gentler character, and "Happy Talk" comes toward the end of the show as Lt. Joseph Cable (starring Kevin Talanges) bade farewell to his beautiful Liat (starring Alyssa Alontë).

Kathleen Duffy stars as Ensign Nellie Forbush; her character is an homage to 1958's Mitzi Gaynor, with blonde hair and perky personality. You will want to watch her closely when she serves soup from the tureen - she performs a particularly clever move.

The big draw to this show is laureate actor Mike Moseley who performs as Emile de Becque. Mosely is an impressive artist sans pareil - tall, handsome, robust and talented. He has a rich, cultivated voice that is distinguished and prominent, making him the impeccable choice for such a leading man. Kathleen Duffy joked, "I think I might fall in love with this wonderful guy and his wonderful pipes."

Patrons are loving this show! Christine Kapusky Moore raved, "Great chemistry between all actors, terrific comedic timing, the orchestra sounded fabulous, and the sets (and scene changes) were impressive."

Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical "South Pacific" runs through December 7. The 2:30 p.m. Dec. 7 Pearl Harbor Day performance will offer $10 ticket pricing for veteran and active military personnel and one guest. For tickets or more information, call 313-561-TKTS or kindly visit www.playersguildofdearborn.org.

CREW:

Producers: Valerie Haas and Richard Moore

Director: Brian Townsend

Assistant Director: Kori Bielaniec

Music Director: Julie Malloy

Choreographer: Laura Tyler

Properties: MaryAnn Denyer and Diane Cliff

CAST:

Ensign Nellie Forbush: Kathleen Duffy

Emile de Becque: Mike Moseley

Bloody Mary: Colleen Meade Ripper

Luther Billis: Tom Davis

Lt. Joseph Cable: Kevin Talanges

Liat: Alyssa Alonte

Capt. George Brackett: Tom Sparrow

Cmdr. William Harbison: Phil Booth

Stewpot: Kenyada Davis

Professor: Will Turbett

Henry: Abdel-Raouf El-Alami

Ngana: Jamie Paschke

Jerome: Alia Elhajj

Seabees, Sailors and Marines: Ben Apostle, Tim Carney, William Dunn, Abdel-Raouf El-Alami, Jeff Lokken, Chris Washburn

Lt. Genevieve Marshall: Mary Davis

Ensign Dinah Murphy: Amy Moore

Nurses: Janeen Bodary, Amanda Chatila, Melissa Foster, Katelyn Harrison, Casey Irwin, Meg Kisch, Carissa Madley

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