“South Pacific” at Goodspeed Musicals by Zander Opper

“South Pacific”

Goodspeed Musicals

Goodspeed Musicals is currently presenting a vibrant and moving production of the Richard Rodgers/Oscar Hammerstein II/Joshua Logan musical, “South Pacific.”  As skillfully directed by Chay Yew, this show presents a nice mixture of delightful moments and more serious ones throughout the production.  I must immediately state, however, that there was a significant difference in the particular performance I saw of this “South Pacific”: at the performance I attended, both of the two leads were out, so I saw the understudies for these parts.  Thus, I can only report on the actors I saw.  The leading roles of Nellie Forbush and Emile de Becque are central to the show, so this production might play differently with the original actors cast in these parts.

What can be commented about, however, is the accomplished supporting cast and their performances.  This production has the asset of having two excellent performers in the roles of Bloody Mary and Luther Billis, played by, respectively, Joan Almedilla and Keven Quillon.  In the other major supporting role, of the character of Lt. Joseph Cable, Cameron Loyal initially seems a little ill at ease in the part, but his performance improves greatly during the show.  The rest of the company is quite fine and this “South Pacific” looks terrific and is extremely lush and colorful.  “South Pacific” at Goodspeed Musicals is a satisfying show to attend even if the show may play somewhat differently with the original leading actors.

As mentioned, I can only report on the performers whom I saw.  From the moment Hannah Jewel Kohn came on as Nellie Forbush, she was terrific and she was able to capture all of the various qualities of this character.  Singing the song “A Cockeyed Optimist,” she was charming and she only got better as the show went along, especially in the numbers “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair” and “A Wonderful Guy.”  Kohn was so perfect in the role that, if I hadn’t seen the notice in the program, I would have assumed that she was the actress who regularly played Nellie.

As Emile de Becque, the strong Eric Briarley also brought out the best in his part.  The only problem with his performance was that he seemed too young in the role, so there wasn’t the usual age difference between Emile and Nellie.  Still, Briarley had an astounding voice, especially in his character’s big numbers, “Some Enchanted Evening” and “This Nearly Was Mine,” which soared over the footlights.  It also helped that it appeared that a little bit of gray was added to his hair for the second act of the show.  And, like Kohn, his portrayal only deepened during the show and I cried the usual tears at the emotional conclusion of the musical.

In other parts, Joan Almedilla is all one could ask for in the character of Bloody Mary and she stands out in both of her solos, “Bali Ha’i” and “Happy Talk.”  As the rambunctious Luther Billis, Keven Quillon is absolutely ideal and his presence in the number “Honey Bun” helps to turn the song into a show stopper.  More problematic are the initial scenes of Cameron Loyal as Lt. Joseph Cable.  Loyal is a tall and formidable performer and he doesn’t seem to immediately connect with the gentler qualities in the role.  Indeed, when he sings “Younger Than Springtime,” opposite the lovely Alex Humphreys, as the character of Liat, he sounds great, but the scene is so dimly lit and rushed that the budding enchantment between these two characters doesn’t quite register.

However, by the second half, Loyal becomes more vulnerable and his singing of “You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught” is searing. Plus, thanks to some graceful and effective choreography by Parker Esse, during the song “Happy Talk,” the relationship between Joseph and Liat takes full flower and becomes emotionally involving.

The director also does wonderful work with his design team.  The gorgeous scenic design by Alexander Dodge draws one right into the world of “South Pacific,” and the costumes by Junghyun Georgia Lee are beautifully designed.  Amith Chandrashaker’s lighting design is sumptuous and the expert music director Adam Souza conducts the grand orchestra, bringing out the best in Dan DeLange’s musical arrangements.  Jay Hilton’s crystal clear sound design is also a significant asset.

Once this “South Pacific” takes hold, it is likely that just about anyone will be drawn into the plot of the musical and will be affected by the fate of the major characters.  That being said, you will probably be seeing different performers than I did in the two leading roles, so I can’t exactly say that the results will be quite as fine as the performance that I saw.  Still, “South Pacific”at Goodspeed Musicals is so confidently staged and so glorious to look at that you are most likely to have a good time at this show, no matter which actors are playing the central characters.

“South Pacific” runs through August 11, 2024 at Goodspeed Musicals in East Haddam, CT. For tickets and information, please visit http://www.goodspeed.org. 

Photo: (L-R): Joan Almedilla and Cameron Loyal (forefront) and cast.

Photo by Diane Sobolewski