The phrase 'iconic' is often overused, but when it comes to this show, it's more than justified.
South Pacific is a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical based on James A. Michener's Pulitzer Prize–winning book, Tales of the South Pacific. The work premiered in 1949 on Broadway and was an immediate hit, running for almost 2,000 performances.
The plot centers on an American nurse stationed on a South Pacific island during World War II, who falls in love with a middle-aged expatriate French plantation owner but struggles to accept his mixed-race children. A secondary romance, between a U.S. Marine lieutenant and a young Tonkinese woman, explores his fears of the social consequences should he marry his Asian sweetheart.
The Broadway production won ten Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Libretto, and it is the only musical production to win Tony Awards in all four acting categories. Its original cast album was the bestselling record of the 1940s, and South Pacific has enjoyed many successful revivals and tours, spawning a 1958 film and television adaptations.
What's momentous about this production of the show is its ability to reinvent a classic. Using a simple corrugated metal set with a wooden revolve, this interpretation is beautiful in its simplicity. Rather than over-elaborate elements flying in from above, this revival allows attention to focus on the performers - a move which is welcomed and justified.
Our cast this evening were nothing short of outstanding. Joanna Ampil gave a stunning performance as Bloody Mary - in equal parts touching, heart wrenching and laugh-out-loud funny. Rob Houchen's pedigree goes before him, but none-the-less his rich vocal performance complemented his interpretation of the character of Lieutenant Cable beautifully. His interaction with Sera Maehara's 'Liat' was almost poetic and made it difficult to take your eyes off them.
Alongside Ampil and Houchen, Gina Becka and Julian Ovenden brought the Alexandra's stage to life this evening. Both performers were outstanding in their own right, but it was the chemistry between them that really shone. Both gave performances that had the audience fixated - whether that be Ovenden's version of This Nearly Was Mine or, in stark contrast, Beck's interpretation of I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair', the duo gave us a masterclass in leading a show this evening.
South Pacific is undoubtedly a classic, and one which deals with a tricky subject matter - but does so well. It's a beautiful rollercoaster of emotion, from heartfelt to laugh-out-loud, this is a production which has strong appeal to a wide range of patrons. But it's the differences that, for me, make this a stand-out piece.
The creative team could so easily have hired in the standard set and costumes, but the intention to reinvent and give their audience such a beautiful, well constructed interpretation has paid off in droves.
South Pacific runs at The Alexandra until Saturday 1 October. For more information, or to get your tickets, head to atgtickets.com/birmingham.
