South Pacific

Synopsis

THE curtain rises on an island in the Pacific during the Second World War. At the home of the wealthy, middle-aged French planter, Emile de Becque, two Eurasian children are performing an impromptu minuet and chanting a French ditty ("Dites-moi"). Emile, who had settled on this island some years before the outbreak of the war, is host at dinner to the charming American nurse, Ensign Nellie Forbush. She reveals to him some facets of her personality ("Cockeyed Optimist"). The two are strongly attracted to each other, and it does not take them long to realize that they are in love ("Some Enchanted Evening"). Before Nellie leaves, Emile asks her to consider becoming his wife.

In another part of the island a group of American sailors, Seabees and Marines are singing the praises of Bloody Mary, a Tonkinese ("Bloody Mary is the Girl I Love"). Bloody Mary excites the interest of the Americans in the mysterious nearby island of Bali Ha'i, declared off-limits to them; the Americans suspect that the French planters have secreted there all their womenfolk as protection from the Americans. All this talk reminds the Americans that they have everything on this island that they could possibly want except--dames. They lament the lack in no uncertain terms ("There is Nothing Like a Dame"). When the handsome Lieutenant Cable appears, Bloody Mary instantly sees in him a prospect as a husband for her lovely daughter, Liat. Mary now begins to stimulate also Cable's interest in Bali Ha'i ("Bali Ha'i"). While his curiosity in the place is aroused, there are for the moment more important things on Cable's mind: he is to establish a coast watch on a nearby Japanese-held island. Since Emile de Becque knows this terrain well, Cable wants to induce him to join him on this dangerous mission. The commanding officers, consequently, call on Nellie's help by asking her to find out as much as she can about Emile. Meanwhile, Nellie has come to the conclusion that marriage with Emile might very well be a mistake, considering the differences in their age and background ("I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair"). But Emile succeeds, at last, in convincing her that all her fears are groundless. There is no longer any question with Nellie that she loves Emile more than any man she has ever met ("I'm in Love with a Wonderful Guy").

Having found the woman of his dreams, Emile has no intention of endangering his life by helping Cable; and no arguments can persuade him to change his mind. The mission temporarily delayed, Cable can now devote a few days for recreation. He makes for Bali Ha'i, where Mary brings him to Liat, a sensitive Tonkinese girl of seventeen. Though she speaks only French, and Cable only English, they fall helplessly in love. Cable takes Liat in his arms and tells her of his feelings in song ("Younger than Springtime").

Back at Emile's plantation, Nellie discovers for the first time that he is the father of two Eurasian children, having formerly lived with a Polynesian girl. This news so upsets Nellie that she leaves Emile, determined never again to see him.

Bloody Mary brings Liat from Bali Ha'i to convince Cable to marry her. She describes the happy life he would have with the girl, a life full of the most beautiful things ("Happy Talk"). Bloody Mary is even willing to turn over to Cable all the money she has saved. Cable is so deeply moved by all this that he presents Liat with a gift of a man's gold watch which he had inherited from his grandfather. Tenderly, pathetically, Cable tries to explain to Mary that he can never marry Liat. In a fit of temper, Bloody Mary smashes the watch on the ground, drags Liat away and mumbles that she will arrange to have Liat marry somebody else.

Emile now comes to Nellie to plead with her not to allow his Eurasian children to come between them. Nellie insists that it is not the children that is bother her, but their mother; the thought of Emile having loved a Polynesian is too much for her to bear. Cable, a witness to this conversation--and who instantly recognizes that he too rejected love because of racial prejudice--comments softly that hate is not born to man, as Nellie is tempted to believe, that it happens after birth; that a man has to be taught to hate and fear ("Carefully Taught"). He then tells Emile that should he survive this war he, too, would like to make his permanent home on this island. But the island has suddenly lost all its appeal for Emile, now that he has lost the woman he loved, and with her his paradise ("This Nearly Was Mine"). In fact, since he has no use for life any longer, he is ready to accompany Cable on their dangerous war mission.

They penetrate the Japanese island, whence they relay back information which makes it possible for the American forces to destroy twenty Japanese surface crafts and pave the way for a successful invasion of fourteen Japanese-held islands. In the performance of his duties Cable is killed. But Emile survives. When he returns to his plantation he finds Nellie waiting for him--playing with and feeding his children.

Director: Anne Trew

Musical Director: Marian Harries

                                              

                                                                         The David Evans Memorial Shield for

                                                                                    Best Newcomer 2008

                                                                         Presented by Anne Leney (President)

                                                                                                         to Lewis Powell

MILFORD HAVEN AMATEUR OPERATIC SOCIETY                                                      "SOUTH  PACIFIC"                                       TORCH THEATRE, MILFORD HAVEN.                               Review by Mr Brian Slate     Noda Rep District Six The society returned to the newly refurbished Torch Theatre with Roger and Hammerstein’s blockbuster South Pacific. A very strong male and female chorus of marines and nurses gave a good backing throughout the show.  I thought the men’s “Dame” number was very well done.  Charles Owen made an excellent Emile and provided the romance with Nellie played by Janine Riggs.  Their voices blended splendidly in all their musical numbers. The marines were led by Steve Butler playing Luther Billis who gave a very convincing and humorous performance.  Other cameo roles were played by James Owen (Cable), Gary Crane (Brackett) and Jeff McCarthy (Harbison).  Blood Mary who squeezed every last dollar out of the marines was played by Karen Barker.  Jerome and Ngana, De Beque’s children were played delightfully by Matthew Cole and Emily Lloyd.  The production was put together quite expertly by the producer, choreographers and assistants.  The orchestra had a nice sound and moved along quite briskly under the baton of Musical Director Marian Harris.  A very different curtain call.  Bali Hai sung completely in French.  Well done! Thank you Milford for your hospitality.  I look forward to meeting with you all once again very soon.

MILFORD HAVEN AMATEUR OPERATIC SOCIETY     "SOUTH  PACIFIC"       TORCH THEATRE,MILFORD HAVEN.          Opening Night : 19TH MAY,2008 There is an enormous plus in putting on one of musical theatre's best known and best loved shows in that one is virtually guaranteed sell-out performances for the duration of its run. On the other hand is the awareness that your audiences in the main part come with prior knowledge of song and story and therefore with especially high expectations as to the standard of your delivery of both.This past week MHAOS proved they were more than equal to the challenge which this musical about racial issues and male/female relationships presents.   Playing the leading roles of Emile and Nellie respectively, Charles Owen and Janine Riggs really shone, and were totally believable as two people from very different backgrounds feeling their way in a blossoming relationship.Nellie's vulnerability and naivety were beautifully expressed  as were Emile's  contained passion and quiet desperation.It was a real plus to see someone of the right age play Joe Cable and a super debut for James Owen as the tragic young lieutenant who never had the chance to change his mind about Liat - an enchanting Naomi Harrison.Karen Barker was a delightfully gutsy Bloody Mary determined to make her fortune and find the right son-in-law.The singing of all the principals was excellent throughout and the emotions of the lyrics so well conveyed.Each musical number was eagerly anticipated and hugely enjoyed by the audience. The two youngest cast members,Emily Lloyd and Matthew Cole as Emile's children,were lovely and achieved the perfect combination of total naturalness and very real assurance. An absolutely spot-on and highly engaging performance by Steve Butler as Luther Billis ensured that the essential comic balance in this show was in truly safe hands.Very well supported by Ben Meagher(Stewpot) and Chris Prosser(Professor) as his two side-kicks,he never once gave way to the temptation of overplaying this part - and his facial expressions were a joy to behold.Plaudits also for Gary Crane and Jeff McCarthy who played Captain Brackett and Cmdr. Harbison with again just the right balance of humour and gravitas.Val Arnold,Carys Jenkins,Tim Barrett,Shane Morgan and Lewis Powell - and not forgetting Kevin Mahoney as Mr Mussels - were equally effective in supporting roles. An enthusiastic and hardworking male and female chorus made for great  ensemble numbers like "There Is Nothing Like A Dame" and "Honey Bun",  which were obviously much appreciated by the audience. And  very well done the team of choreographers! The orchestra under the baton of  conductor Marian Harris was terrific - and of course such an integral part of the whole. Atmospheric lighting, good costumes and an attractive set added much to the production and the many scene changes were slick and silently executed by a highly efficient backstage team. Producer Anne Trew, and Musical Director Marian Harris, combined their considerable abilities and vast experience and along with Assistant Producer,Terri Harrison, can feel justly proud in having put together an enormously enjoyable and successful show. It was a fresh take on a classic, but it totally retained the integrity of the original. And as long as musical theatre survives,one feels audiences will continue to enjoy the wonderful Rogers' and Hammerstein's  " South Pacific".                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Jenny Whyte.

 

What the audiences thought........ Anne and Joe Sequeira Broad Haven “Well done Milford Haven Operatic Society on your splendid production of South Pacific. Where did you get the orchestra from? The best that we have ever heard at the Torch. The scenery was top quality! Congratulations to all.” Mrs Judy Thomas “Thoroughly enjoyed the performance, one of the best the Milford Operatic have done! Nellie Forbush and Bloody Mary were outstanding.” Dr Terry Jones “Must be outstanding as could not get tickets!! “ Chris Lewis “Also could not get tickets, I feel I have missed something special”

 

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