With laughter throughout the night and a standing ovation at the end, Pottle Music Building Auditorium was filled with the sounds of applause during the Southeastern Opera/Music Theatre Workshop’s run of “South Pacific,” which ran from Oct. 18-22.
“South Pacific” is a production that is set in the time of World War II on a beautiful island paradise. It’s a love story of two couples torn away by prejudices and war.
Ensign Nellie Forbush, who is a nurse from Little Rock, Arkansas, falls deeply in love with an older Frenchman named Emile de Becque while stationed in the islands. Due to the fact that his children were conceived with a native Polynesian woman, Nellie feels that she cannot forgo a relationship with him.
Alongside the main storyline is the love story of United States Marine Corps Lt. Joseph Cable and a native girl named Liat. Because of her background, Lt. Cable also turns away from true love.
Bridget Lyons, a senior studying vocal music performance, plays Nellie. Graduate student Colby McCurdy who is studying vocal performance plays Emile. Joshua Williams played Lt. Cable, and Allison Joiner played Liat, both juniors studying vocal performance.
Along with an engaging cast, Steve Schepker’s set design helped bring the world of “South Pacific” to life.
With background scenes of a tropical paradise, beach setups, and a complete office including desks and ringing telephones, the audience was able to become visually involved in the play.
The music and songs were a favorite amongst the audience members as they danced along to “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair” while Lyons used a working shower to wash her hair after a day at the beach. Another audience favorite was the duet “Some Enchanted Evening” sang by Lyons and McCurdy.
The production’s choreography, created by Lyons and guest director Alton Geno, included kick spins and old-fashioned jive steps. Rick Walsh’s costume design consisted of fun costumes such as the sailor uniforms and the coconut bra worn by Damian Faul during “Honey Bun.”
While it was a fun play for the audience, it was fun for the cast as well.
“It’s my favorite role in a musical as of now,” said McCurdy. “I love it more than anything.”
“It’s been great,” said Lyons. “It was a scary at first, getting on stage, but everyone’s worked really hard and dedicated their time and energy to the play. Everything came together so well, and it’s been so much fun.”