By Amber Stevens
South Pacific presented by Brigham’s Playhouse, located in Washington City, is a delight. South Pacific, based on the book by James Michener, opened in 1949 and was an immediate Broadway smash. It tells the story of an American nurse Nellie Forbush (Jasmine Anderson/Heidi Lee) who finds herself stationed in the South Pacific during WWII. The story is ultimately a love story but does confront the intense racial prejudice prevalent at the time. This underlying theme created much controversy and even some discontent for theater goes and venues. South Pacific does have some other adult themes and gets playful at times and my son would have to chime in and say that this is a “kissing play…yuk”. That said, I do not share his point of view and feel that Brigham’s handled all adult themes in the show including the kissing scenes tastefully and will respect to all concerned.
Housed in a quaint theater located in the heart of Cottontown Village, Brigham’s is pioneer flavor and hometown tradition at its best. Offering personalized attention with nightly introductions presented by members of the management team (we had the pleasure of listening to the producer Jamie Young). Young handed out complimentary coupons for lucky patrons to redeem at intermission. The options range from gourmet popcorn to signature sodas, fresh baked cookies, and chocolates. In addition, they always feature a yummy dessert that is based around the show, in this case Frozen Island Paradise Pie. The setting is perfect, and complete with rotating platforms and painted backdrops so that the audience is drawn into the island world immediately upon entering the theater (kudus to set designer Tonya Christensen).
On to the play itself.South Pacific at Brigham’s Playhouse is wonderful. Despite a few wardrobe malfunctions, the cast of character is impressive and great to watch. I have actually seen this play, I know that will be a shock to those of you who have read my other reviews, but I did see this play about 22 years ago and I remembered loving it but couldn’t remember why. Now I know why. Because I am familiar with Brigham’s myself, I know the tight space that the company works with during rehearsals and I was really impressed with the relationships and connections created by Director Kelly Olsen. All of the actors have such amazing voices and Music Director Kris Barber must have had fun working with the diverse cast.
The play opens with two adorable young girls Ngana (Elena Ruesch) and Oliana (Sofi Lafaele) singing “Dites-Moi” a French song that even I learned as a kid (that sure brought back memories). And from there, the play launches into a ruckus of fun and fancy with the C.B.’s (Seabees, or Construction Battalions) doing acrobatic stunts (Stewpot played by Carter Chadburn almost landed in my lap during a fantastic summersault which made a first act exciting for sure). The female ensigns added life and color to the sea of guys in blue and I loved all of their dance numbers and appreciated their talent and passion. Anderson’s portrayal of Nellie is endearing and her voice is incredible. I really felt for her and Lt. Cable (Caleb Christensen) as they struggled to come to terms with interracial relationships. Christensen got the raw end of the deal in the second half and he really had me believing that he was going through the last stages of malaria as he courted Liat (Gloria Morin), who is glorious and has such an infectious smile that she lights up the room. Adam Cheney’s Emile de Becque has a commanding presence that captivates the audience and his voice makes every female swoon with desire and wish that she had her own French Planter to sweep her off her feet when he sings “One Enchanted Evening”.
My favorite character though was by far Luther Billis, played by Aaron Flores, is fun to watch. His scheming gets him into all kinds of trouble, but his many talents just as quickly get him back out again. I particularly loved the talent show in the Act Two. I won’t spoil it for you, but Flores is wonderful and fun to watch. “Bali Ha’I,” sung by Bloody Mary (Susi Lafaele) is hauntingly beautiful and I appreciated her antics in trying to get her daughter married off as well as her varied plans for becoming richI cracked up watching the Captain (Nathan Merrill) and Commander (Steve Campbell) who are the perfect complement to the crazy C.B.’s and demure ensigns—Campbell is quite the charmer.
The costumes blend seamlessly into the overall presentation and I really appreciated the thoughtful costume design of Emily Holt and Mindee Erickson. I even had a few old friends who I recognized, Roger Erickson (the Professor) and Dustin Davis (Cpl. Hamilton Steeves) who made the evening even more fun with their creative portrayals.
I am very impressed by Brigham’s Playhouse’s South Pacific and really appreciate all of the time that went into creating such a wonderful production. South Pacific isn’t often produced anymore, so it’s great to be able to have it so ably performed for southern Utah residents.
Brigham’s Playhouse presents South Pacific, Book by Oscar Hammerstein II and Joshua Logan, Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein, Music by Richard Rodgers.
Brigham’s Playhouse 25 N 300 W #C1 Washington, UT 84790
Aug 23-25, 30-31, Sept 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 27-29, 2018 7:00 PM, Thurs-Sat, Sat matinee 2:00 PM
Tickets: $17-23 or family for $76
Contact: 435-251-8000, boxoffice@brighamsplayhouse.com
Brigham’s Playhouse Facebook Page
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific FB event
The show is fantastic and the review superb, but it wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Heidi Lee, who is double cast with Jasmine as Nellie. Heidi is also phenomenal as are the other two who play Emile’s daughters Olivia and Zeze Lafaele. I can’t choose one cast over the other because they are both so amazing!