[theatre]

An Enchanted Evening:
‘South Pacific’ is a sweet success

By: MJ Pendleton

Opening night at Thalian Hall is always exciting. The parking lot is full by 7:30, and, despite our beach-town image, the audience is elegantly attired. Opera House Theatre Company knows this audience and offers just what they’ve always wanted: extravagant musical productions. “South Pacific” tops the wish list because of its enduring romantic theme and magically memorable songs. Certain sensory stimuli trigger sentimental feelings, and “South Pacific” is emotionally synonymous with innocence and romance.

Even before the curtain went up, the audience was humming and murmuring the lyrics of the familiar tunes. When orchestra conductor Lorene Walsh introduced the show with a medley, it was obvious that the urge to burst into song was just barely contained. The obvious delight continued throughout the performance, tempered only by a modicum of decorous restraint. Lines were anticipated, and the laughter seemed to precede the jokes. The applause after each song was enthusiastic and prolonged. It is extremely difficult to please an audience so familiar with the musical, but Opera House Theatre Company succeeded and received a standing ovation.

Director/choreographer Ron Chisholm ideally cast each role. Every single actor/singer/dancer was marvelous. Shannon Playl (as Nellie Forbush), dominated the stage with her charmingly charismatic performance as the sweetheart of the Seabees. Her beautiful voice filled the Hall, drowning the hushed chorus of a not-so talented audience. Onstage for most the performance, her energy never wavered and her smile genuinely lit the stage. This multitalented performer can sing, dance and act with impressively balanced ability.

In a supporting role as Luther Billis, John Perkinson was also outstanding, and it’s no surprise that this is his 12th Opera House Theatre Company performance. The audience adored his incredible voice and gleeful antics. When he sang “Honey Bun” and rippled his bare belly, the ladies in the audience were practically swooning.

Melinda Miles is a fabulous singer and an appealing comic actor. As Bloody Mary, she captured the island dialect exactly, and played the Seabees and the audience with flirtatious ease and perfect timing.
The children (Anna, Caleb and Philip Song) were simply scrumptious.

All three performed with complete self-confidence and sang “Dites Moi” like angels. Each time 4-year-old Caleb jumped in someone’s arms, the audience clucked with delight. Terry Collins’ deceptively simple stage design magically transported the audience to the South Pacific. Scene transitions were smooth because the embellishments were minimal and free from stereotypical island frou-frou. The outdoor shower was great fun! Dallas LaFon’s lighting design enhanced the atmosphere and mood of each scene. He distinguished the exotic island of Bali Ha’i by bathing the stage in a brilliant pink, red and gold sunset.

Music director, conductor and pianist Lorene Walsh has been with Opera House Theatre Company for six seasons, and if there were any flaws from the orchestra opening night, the audience was blissfully unaware.

Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote musicals that have retained their appeal for generations. This production did not disappoint. It is a faithful recreation of the 1958 film, and there are no surprises or disturbingly modern deviations.

So take someone wonderful on a sentimental journey to an enchanted island where it’s possible to believe in love at first sight and happily ever after.

“South Pacific” continues at Thalian Hall June 13th-15th and 20th-22nd. Showtimes are at 8pm, and Sunday matineés are at 3pm. Call 910-343-3664 for tickets.