Get Out More.............................................Theatre Review

SOUTH PACIFIC (Alex, until Saturday)

31-10-2007

It's such a versatile musical that it's been packing out theatres for nearly six decades, and even gave Captain Sensible a Number One hit. So does the latest production at the Alex cut the mustard? Terry Wills is the assessor in the stalls.

What new can be said about such a timeless masterpiece as South Pacific?

Written and composed by the legendry duo of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, based on two stories from James A Michener's book 'Tales of the South Pacific”, it's been a massive hit from it's opening night on Broadway way back in 1949, ultimately going on to win virtually every award up for grabs.

It's set in the mid 1940s. America has been 'dragged' into the Second World War following Japan's attack on Pearl Harbour. GIs and Naval personal are ensconced on an island adjacent to the beautiful special island of Bali Ha'i.

Their mission is to obtain vital information that will restrict the Japanese Navy from gaining complete control of an area that could prove crucial in the ultimate winning or losing of the war. Two couples fall in love against the obvious cultural divide, and under these constraints could there possibly be a happy ending for both parties?

Local lad Dave Willetts plays French Plantation owner Emile de Beque. A widower with two children and a mystery past who finds romance blossoming with Nellie Forbush, a naïve Navy nurse hailing from Little Rock Arkansas, posted to the South Pacific - both initially unaware their respective background and upbringing means any true lasting relationship is unlikely to blossom. But will true love conquer all?

Nellie played by 'newcomer' Helena Blackman came to prominence after appearing in Andrew Lloyd's Webber television reality show 'How do you solve a problem like Maria? And despite losing out to Connie Fisher (who went on to star in the 'Sound of Music' at the Palladium) Helana's performance has obviously opened the door leading to what has to be a blossoming career.

Their growing relationship is mirrored by Naval Lieutenant John Cable (Ian Mclarnon) and Liat (Kanako Nakano) the daughter of 'Bloody Mary' (Sheila Francisco) a brash, loud, sassy souvenir seller delighted at the prospect of seeing Liat eventually married to the 'beautiful' Lieutenant. But again, will a hidden secret scupper the romance?

From then on the music tells the story. A succession of romantic melodies ranging from 'Bali Ha'i', 'Some Enchanted Evening', 'Younger than Springtime', mixed with the more upbeat 'A Cockeyed Optimist', 'I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out'a My Hair' 'There is Nothing like a Dame' and, for me, the show stealing Thanksgiving Follies number 'Honey Bun'.

Dave Willetts, on yet another return to the Alex, reinforces his reputation as a leading man. The only artist in the world to play the coveted role of Jean Valjean in 'Le Miserables' and the title role in ' Phantom of the Opera', he plays De Beque with a less intense performance than I'd previously seen in similar productions.

Bloody Mary, the role guaranteed to bring the 'house down', is a sheer delight. Played by Sheila Francisco, her interpretation of 'Happy Talk' is quite simply charming, while Christopher Howell playing the 'scheming,' funny Luther Billis comes to the fore in the Thanksgiving Follies scene.

All in all South Pacific is well worth a visit. A splendid talented cast and songs that are among the very best penned by the legendary Rogers and Hammerstein.