South Pacific Still Sings

South Pacific is the second show in MadKap Productions’ 10th Anniversary Season, and the first Rodgers and Hammerstein show in the company’s history. Considered by many to be Rodgers and Hammerstein’s best work, South Pacific is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book “Tales of the South Pacific” by James A. Michener. The play won its own Pulitzer Prize for drama in 1950, along with 10 Tony awards for its original Broadway run.

Easily on anyone’s list of classics, South Pacific is set against the backdrop of World War II,

where parallel love stories blossom amidst the turmoil of war. Several popular standards written for the show include “Bali Ha’i”, “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair”, “Some Enchanted Evening” and “There Is Nothing Like a Dame,” among others. In fact, director Pat Henderson good-naturedly reminded the audience before the production began that we would have to refrain from singing along.

The show opens on keyboardists Jeremy Ramey and Andrew Milliken, who attack the overture with bombastic flair. Given the size of the space, the two keyboards were a great choice by Music Director Jeremy Ramey. And, as the show unfolds, Mr. Henderson was right! It was difficult not to sing along to songs I, and likely most of the audience, have known since childhood. When Tony Calzaretta’s Emile Debeque began his first rendition of Some Enchanted Evening, in my heart, I could hear my grandmother serenading me with it as a child, and yes, it was difficult not to sing along.

The set was a simple affair: an oceanic backdrop, a small porch, and a platform with dried grasses about it. I did find myself wishing there was some hint of the mountains and palm trees of the South Pacific, even just the suggestion of them painted on the backdrop. That said, given the size of the theater and the vastness of the show, there were some creative uses of the space to give the feeling of more room than there actually was.

Even after 70+ years, the score is beautiful and soaring, and the cast were clearly relishing their chance to perform the classic songs. Willow Schneider makes a convincing and chipper Nellie and Calzaretta’s Emile is elegant and just a little stiff, as you’d imagine an “older” Frenchman might be, when in love with a lovely young woman from Arkansas.

Mariel Saavedra was a standout as Bloody Mary, played with humor and resilience. Another standout was Luis Del Valle, who played the French “Manny” and Stewpot. He brought a lot of personality and charm to smaller parts. Andrew Buel ‘s Luther Billis was also perfectly sleezy and added an element of physical comedy to his role that was much appreciated by the audience.

Overall, the cast was made up of strong singers, but the best number of the night goes to “There Is Nothing Like a Dame” sung and danced with unbridled enthusiasm by the men of the cast. They got a spontaneous round of applause from the audience and several laughs. Max Perkel’s (Lt. Cable) delivery of “Younger than Springtime” was also lovely and heartfelt.

After 70 years, the book feels abrupt at times and relies heavily on atmosphere and the chemistry of the actors to sell the instant love stories. It’s a tall order for a pared down cast, a simple set and a small space. Rodgers and Hammerstein are celebrated for a reason, however, and the music elevates everything around it. This production is for anyone nostalgic for the old days of Broadway. In a lovely theater moment, Calzaretta’s father once played Lt. Cable and was in the audience the night I attended, a reminder that this show has delighted generations, and will likely continue to do so.  Perhaps a night or two set aside for a sing along would be the cherry on top.

Somewhat Recommend

Reviewed by Alina C. Hevia

Presented by MadKap Productions at the Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave in Downtown Skokie. Sept 6 thru Oct 6, 2024. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2:00 pm, with one Wed. matinee on Sept 25 at 1:30 pm.

Tickets are $48 general admission, $42 for seniors and students and and can be purchased online at www.SkokieTheatre.org or by calling 847-677-7761.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.