BWW Reviews: SOUTH PACIFIC Sparkles at The Muny

Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific is a lavish and impressive show filled with gorgeous melodies, many of which have become standards that you'll find yourself humming on the way home from The Muny. From an intellectual standpoint, the social issues that this Pulitzer prize winning drama tackles were groundbreaking for their time, and they still manage to make an impact today, despite how far along we may have come in our thinking. Hammerstein and original director Josh Logan crafted a solid book that pulls elements from James Michener's Tales of the South Pacific, while still following the usual musical theatre conventions of the time. In particular, there are the parallel love stories that thread throughout this World War II based tale, both building in their passion until they're undone by deep-seated racial prejudices that have to be overcome before either can move forward.

Ensign Nellie Forbush is falling hard for French plantation owner Emile de Becque, but then she discovers his mixed race children, the product of his former marriage to a Tonkinese woman who passed away. Meanwhile, Lt. Joseph Cable of the U.S.M.C. has become smitten with a native girl named Liat, the daughter of local entrepreneur Blood Mary, but his upbringing prevents him from marrying her, despite his feelings. All this is set against the backdrop of "Operation Alligator", which entails putting two men with a radio on a remote, occupied island, in order to transmit information regarding Japanese troops movements occurring by sea and air. Naturally, when both their relationships are put on hold, Emile and Lt. Cable undertake this difficult challenge.

Laura Michelle Kelly is simply marvelous as Nellie Forbush, a small town girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. Kelly shines from her opening number, "A Cockeyed Optimist", and never misses a beat throughout, delivering a sparkling rendition of "I'm Gonna' Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair", before she quickly changes her mind and sings Emile's praises during "A Wonderful Guy". Kelly is matched by the rich-voiced performance of Ben Davis as Emile, and he breathes splendid life into the timeless classic "Some Enchanted Evening". Josh Young does a fine job as Lt. Cable, romancing Sumie Maeda as lovely Liat on the island of Bali Ha'i. He explains how his prejudice was ingrained during the clever number, "You've Got To Be Carefully Taught". Loretta Able Sayres impresses as Bloody Mary, and brings considerable feeling to the mystic wonders of "Bali Ha'i". Tally Sessions also provides amusement, as well as a timely distraction during "Operation Alligator", as the ever-scheming Luther Billis.

Director Rob Ruggiero neatly exploits the drama in this compelling story, and extracts excellent work from a very talented cast and crew. Choreographer Ralph Perkins takes full advantage of the Muny's vast expanse to stage some lovely dance numbers. Michael Schweikardt's sets evoke the era and the island utilizing amazing backgrounds. John Lasiter's lighting is properly dramatic, and Jason Kreuger's sound makes the war come alive on stage. Brad Haak's work as musical director of the orchestra provides a full sound that enriches the experience and doesn't overwhelm the cast.

South Pacific is a true musical classic, and this wonderfully staged production continues at the The Muny in Forest Park through July 14, 2013.