The show: “South Pacific” at Ivoryton Playhouse
What makes it special?: It stars bass-baritone David Pittsinger, who played the role on Broadway and in the national tour, and his wife, opera singer Patricia Schuman.
First impressions?: The singing. Sublime. If you do nothing but just lean back and listen to the glorious voices, it will be time well spent. But this is one of Ivoryton’s best productions and you won’t want to miss out on the entirety of a production that is well-acted, smartly designed and nicely staged.
But it’s a musical chestnut: The music may be part of the standard Broadway repertoire but the narrative, based on James Michener’s stories set on in the South Pacific during the height of World War II, is still emotionally moving (don’t be surprised if there’s some sniffling in the audience), sumptuously romantic (some sighs, too) and stunningly relevant.
Relevant?: The themes of prejudice — nurse Nellie Forbush (Adrianne Hick) and Lt. Joseph Cable (Peter Carrier) feel conflicted in their love because of matters of race — feel contemporary, sadly. When Carrier sings “Carefully Taught” — one of lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II’s most stirring songs — which challenges the notion that people are “born” with prejudice, it’s a goose-bump moment, just as it must have been when the show had its world premiere at the Shubert Theatre in New Haven in 1949.
But thanks to the skillfully crafted script by Hammerstein and Joshua Logan, the audience also will be swept up in the show’s humor, drama and especially the story’s two romances, which are swoon-inducing, in no small part because of the rapturous singing.
Pittsinger as Emile de Becque wears the role of the suave French plantation owner like an impeccably tailored silk suit. Maturely handsome, elegant and wry, it’s no wonder hick-from-the-sticks Nellie is smitten by his sophisticated smoothness. Any remaining resistance melts away when he sings “Some Enchanted Evening” — not just with low-baritone bravado but with sincere feeling — who can blame her?
And Emile’s attraction to Nellie makes perfect sense, too. Hick is a natural charmer, funny, kind, up-beat and easy-going and she neatly lands her solos including “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair” and “Wonderful Guy.”
And the rest of the cast?: Schuman brings humor, energy, cunning and poignance as Bloody Mary and sings a dreamy “Bali Ha’i” and a delightful “Happy Talk.” Carrier makes for a believably conflicted Main Line straight-arrow; R. Bruce Connelly is solid as the captain and William Selby has fun — sometimes a little too much fun — as Luther Billis. The ensembles do well, especially the male chorus for a rousing “There Is Nothing Like a Dame,” nicely staged by director and choreographer David Edwards. Music director Michael McAssey leads the six-piece orchestra.
Who will like it?: Fans of Rodgers & Hammerstein, lush Broadway scores and escapes to tropical paradises.
Who won’t?: Enemies of tolerance, justice and sentimentality.
For the kids?: Yes. They need to be carefully taught, too.
Twitter review in 140 characters or less: You will leave the production on a Bali Ha’i.
Thoughts on leaving the parking lot: I forgot what a powerhouse first scene the show has and how daring it must have been at the time — and now. The musical plunges us straight into the blossoming relationship between Forbush and de Becque that artfully segues from friendly, to flirtatious to passionate with the trio of emotionally rich and character-specific songs, from “A Cock-Eyed Optimist,” to the “Twin Soliloquies,” to a “Some Enchanted Evening.” Not impressed enough? The next scene will leave you breathless with “Bloody Mary,” “There Is Nothin’ Like a Dame” and “Bali Ha’i.”
The basics: “South Pacific” continues through July 26 at the Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main St. in Essex. Running time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. Tickets are $42. Information at 860- 767-7318 and ivorytonplayhouse.org.
