EVERETT – Call me a “cockeyed optimist,” but if Bali Ha’i calls you and your “honey bun,” answer that call. This is “one enchanted evening” you will not want to miss.
Ooh, that was fun. However, not nearly as much fun as all the songs, colorful dancing, non-stop entertainment, touching moments and laughter you’ll enjoy at the Village Theatre’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific.”
Based on James Michener’s “Tales of the South Pacific,” the show takes place in, of course, the South Pacific where a fleet of Seabees, Marines, Navy nurses, local Islanders and French plantation owners watch World War II pass them by. One enchanted evening nurse Ensign Nellie Forbush (Taryn Darr) sees a stranger across a crowded room and romance blossoms with French plantation owner Emile de Becque (Eric Polani Jensen).
Days later, young, handsome Marine Lt. Joseph Cable arrives at the base for a special mission. However, before he heads out on his dangerous assignment, he too finds romance with Bloody Mary’s (Leilani Wollam) daughter, Liat (Emjoy Gavino) on the island of Bali Ha’i and “happy talk” abounds … at least for a while.
Though the story for the most part is light, fun and amusing, it offers an insightful look at the prejudices of the time. Nellie struggles with her love for Emile, a man who has two mixed-race children from his deceased wife, while Lt. Cable, a man unafraid of any enemy, panics at the thought of proclaiming his love for Liat to his world. Director Steve Tomkins does an outstanding job of painting an honest look at painful prejudices without making it a central issue.
“South Pacific” requires a dynamic, charismatic Nellie and Darr more than fits the bill. With an incredible voice, vibrant, buoyant personality, and vivacious spirit, the blonde ball of energy charms not only the older Emile but the whole audience. Though their personalities are different, their affection for one another is obvious. Emile’s eyes shine with love and amusement as he is falls for Nellie, the country girl from Arkansas whose unassuming ways capture his French semi-aristocratic heart.
Also good is Bob Borwick as the enterprising, always looking to make a buck Seabee Luther Billis. Whether sparring with his commander, Capt. George Brackett (Hugh Hastings in another wonderful performance), over how he got sucked out of a plane he snuck on, or shaking, shimmying, lifting his grass skirt, and peek-a-booing his coconut covered chest as “Honey Bun,” he is hilarious.
Between Nellie and the nurses singing and dancing to “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair,” the guys sailors, Marines and Seabees singing and dancing to “There is Nothin’ Like a Dame” and the talented orchestra directed by R.J. Tancioco, the 21/2-hour show flew by, leaving the sold-out audience completely enthralled on opening night.
“South Pacific”: Village Theatre’s production through Nov. 14, Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave., Everett; 425-257-8600, www.villagetheatre.org.
Review
“South Pacific”: Village Theatre’s production through Nov. 14, Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave., Everett; 425-257-8600, www.villagetheatre.org.
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