A-LISTS theatre ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR reviewed by tony reverditto The latest production at the Ahmanson Theatre is a resurgence of the Richard Rod-
gers and Oscar Hammerstein’s musical, South Pacific, which garnered seven 2008 Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical. James Michener’s novel was adapted to the stage and premiered on Broadway in 1949. Nearly a decade later it was tailored for the silver screen and was an instant smash hit. Set on a fictitious tropical island in the South Pacific during World War II, the story
explores the sweeping romantic attractions between residents and members of the United States Navy. Let’s just say several extenuating circumstances have ensured that everything isn’t paradise in paradise. The wannabe couples are faced with challenges of stick-to-itiveness to sustain intimate relationships in challenging times. Since those days, man has come so far in regards to relationships and views on war . . .or has he? Although the script feels dated and some of the dialogue is corny, there’s an undeni-
Anderson Davis and Sumie Maeda in South Pacific
able charm in the naiveté and vulnerability of the characters. Navy nurse, Nellie Forbush is the central character and is played interestingly understated by Carmen Cusack (no relation to John and Joan). She sings beautifully and acts out her characters plight with ease and style. While on active duty, she falls for a widowed French plantation owner, Ernie de Becque (portrayed by Grammy-nominated opera baritone, Rod Gilfry) who now lives on the island. He brought down the house with his singing, but, for me his acting performance seemed to lack spontaneity and was a bit robotic at times. Anyway, what Nellie doesn’t know is that Ernie is harboring two little secrets; his children Jerome and Ngana, (sweetly played by CJ Palma and Christina Carrera) who were conceived in an interracial relationship which was pretty much frowned upon in those days. Nellie struggles with whether or not she can accept his past and children. Anderson Davis does a respectable job as the role of a Navy Airman who falls for an ultra-petite, young and innocent local native girl, Liat (Sumie Maeda is fully equipped with ultra-strong vocal chops). Needless to say, the road to relationship bliss is threatened by prejudices, fear and the realities of wartime politics. An honorable shout-out goes to the oddly intriguing Keala Settle; she truly captures the rough around the edges, yet hauntingly soulful, Bloody Mary. Her soothing rendition of “Bali Ha’i” is a stand out and was my personal favorite. The musical score’s skillfully directed by Ted Sperling and conducted by Lawrence
Goldberg, is considered one of the finest ever written. The orchestra and cast are phenomenal, especially when performing the classics, “Some Enchanted Evening,” “A Wonderful Guy”, “There’s Nothing Like A Dame” and ”I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair.” Also, the supporting cast is truly excellent; each member is energetic, versatile and a triple threat with their singing, dancing and acting! On the technical side of things, this production is right on the money. Without a great
Carmen Cusack and Rod Gilfry in South Pacific
director it is a walk in the dark, so hats off to Barlett Sher, who has already won the Tony for his vision of the reinvented musical. He has put a modern spin on this American classic for a whole new generation of theatre-goers. The main set is the South Pacific coastline on a sandy beach which is projected on a huge LED screen. The comforting ocean in motion backdrop is very realistic; you could almost smell and feel the tropical breeze. The set smoothly transitions to the interior of an ocean front mansion within seconds thanks to the brilliant Tony Award-winning design of Michael Yeargan. In regards to the costumes, they are sexy, colorful, classic, yet contemporary having awarded yet another Tony to designer, Catherine Zuber. If the idea of seeing some cute, young shirtless navy chorus boys on stage appeals to
you, then enjoying this worthy production is just a bonus. Get yourself to downtown to the Music Center in L.A. and check it out. Runs through July 17 at Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Avenue, LA. Tickets: 213.972.4444 or
Centertheatregroup.com.
18 RAGE monthly | JULY 2010
Ensemble performing “There Is Nothing Like a Dame” in South Pacific
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