South Pacific has arrived at the Alexandra Theatre Birmingham and let me tell you that you do not want to miss it. It's one of the classics for a reason, and director Daniel Evans has skilfully crafted this production, whilst still maintaining the script's attitudes to race and exploitation, against a wonderful music score.
The production is inspired by James A Michener’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Tales of the South Pacific. American forces are vying with the Japanese for control of the Pacific. Arkansas-born inside Ensign Nellie Forbush, played by Gina Beck, falls for the older, French plantation owner Emile de Becque, played by Julian Ovenden. Meanwhile, the local matriarch, Bloody Mary played by Joanna Ampil seeks an advantageous match for her younger daughter Liat, played by Sera Maehara in the young Lieutenant Joseph Cable, played by Rob Houchen.
This musical tackles some very dark and difficult subjects, it is because of this that often directors do not stage this production for fear that there will be backlash. However, director Daniel Evans has not created a radical rendition but made more subtle points while showing how these prejudices be they race, gender, class or age are still with us. There is a sense of white superiority that is implicit within the story and overtly displayed in Nellie’s shock at Emile’s half-Polynesian children. But within all that darkness there are two beautiful love stories that we can see unfold before our very eyes. There is also comedy thrown in between Ampil and Dougie McMeekin, who plays Luther Billis.
Choreographer Ann Yee has done an exquisite job of creating a beautiful physical language for the character of Liat with an engaging opening and closing dance routine including the ballet interludes that were an original feature of the musical until Rodgers and Hammerstein decided not to include it in the work.
This musical features some of the most memorable musical songs such as ‘Some Enchanted Evening’, and ‘Bali Ha’i’. I must also mention the foot-stomping, masculine rendition of ‘There's Nothing Like A Dame’ in which the supporting ensemble was brilliant. The female ensemble then got to bring their sassy rendition of ‘I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair’.
Ovenden leads this cast exceptionally well, bringing such wisdom and depth to his songs. His vocal range is outstanding, he can captivate the audience and brings them on his emotional journey. In contrast, Beck plays a joyous, bubbly Nellie, with a beautifully delicate yet rich voice. Ampil commands the stage as Bloody Mary.
A mention must go to Peter McKintosh for the superb set and costume designs. The sets are big, yet there is a cleanness and simplicity to them. As the musical comes to an end, we are given a stripped-down, corrugated iron backdrop that displays incredible sunsets, and romantic moonlit nights, later opening to reveal the profile of a warplane.
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