This taped stage production of South Pacific was moving and delightful, while at the same time depicting and delivering a timeless and universal struggle and message from several cultural points of view. The main actors were excellent in their roles – musically and theatrically. Good chemistry and interpretations of the two couples brought the true meaning of the story full front. The characters of Billis and Bloody Mary were well done too, with the humor well-balanced against the more serious elements of the story and characters.
I found that the additions and deletions, and some re-organization of story elements of the movie adaptations (1958 and 2001) changed some of the meaning, message and subtlety that the original play actually contains. Though I respect these versions, as many found that the story of South Pacific clicked for them in these versions, for me, I fell in love with the musical with this staged version.
Ms. O'Hara's interpretation of Nellie is complete and compliments completely Mr. Szot's. All the music numbers are, to my perception, intact, excellent in design and execution, and deserving of the awards that it received. I was impressed by the quick and smooth transitions between scenes and set changes. There also seemed to have a thread of consistency between the music and the acting. All the magic of the theater! I very much enjoyed the deserved applause when it came! It would be nice to have the DVD come out, though the CD of the music numbers is available.
I found that the additions and deletions, and some re-organization of story elements of the movie adaptations (1958 and 2001) changed some of the meaning, message and subtlety that the original play actually contains. Though I respect these versions, as many found that the story of South Pacific clicked for them in these versions, for me, I fell in love with the musical with this staged version.
Ms. O'Hara's interpretation of Nellie is complete and compliments completely Mr. Szot's. All the music numbers are, to my perception, intact, excellent in design and execution, and deserving of the awards that it received. I was impressed by the quick and smooth transitions between scenes and set changes. There also seemed to have a thread of consistency between the music and the acting. All the magic of the theater! I very much enjoyed the deserved applause when it came! It would be nice to have the DVD come out, though the CD of the music numbers is available.