BENNINGTON, VT – “South Pacific” is one of the greatest musicals of all time, but you might not know just how singular it really is.
For instance, it’s one of only 10 musicals to win a Pulitzer Prize. “South Pacific” was honored with the prize in 1950 because of its groundbreaking exploration of racial and social issues, set against the backdrop of World War II.
The Monument Arts & Cultural Center will produce the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic March 28 through April 6. Metropolitan Opera star Oren Gradus headlines a stellar cast of professional actors and veteran performers of the MAC Center’s stage.
Tickets are available at https://www.monumentcentervt.org/southpacific.
Audiences may be more familiar with the songs from “South Pacific” than its history. Popular standards include “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” “Younger Than Springtime,” and “I’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy.”
“South Pacific” premiered on Broadway in 1949. It tells the story of wide-eyed nurse Nellie Forbush, stationed on the mythical island of Bali Ha’i, who falls for Emile de Becque, a mysterious French ex-patriot with two interracial children. A secondary narrative follows the blossoming romance between Lt. Joseph Cable and a Tonkinese woman named Liat.
True love does not run smoothly for either couple but in the end, it conquers all.
Based on a story by James Michener, the original musical swept the Tony Awards, winning 10 awards, including all four acting categories – a feat so rare that it stands today. The show went on to run 1,925 performances, racking up the most Tonys for any Broadway show to this day.
It also won a Grammy for an album recorded by the original cast, which starred Metropolitan Opera star Ezio Pinza and Broadway legend Mary Martin in the lead roles. Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II tailored their music to the vocal strength of both performers.
The enduring 1958 film version of “South Pacific” won a single Oscar, for best sound. (It was up against the juggernaut of “Gigi,” which won Best Picture and Director, among nine awards.) The movie features Rossano Brazzi and Mitzi Gaynor in the lead roles. Gaynor sang her own songs, while Brazzi was dubbed.
In 2008, a Broadway revival of the musical claimed seven Tonys, in addition to other awards. The MAC Center promises an outstanding show in the same tradition of excellence.
