 |
 |
South Pacific Reviews
|
|
|
|
|
| What to Expect: |
| Acting: |
 |
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
|
|
|
| Recommended For: |
|
Anyone: |
 |
|
Seniors: |
 |
|
Adults: |
 |
|
Romantic Date: |
|
|
|
|
|
| 31 |
Disappointing Review by: DoReSammi, Aug 16, 2008 |
| I've always loved South Pacific... the songs, the story, everything. So I was THRILLED when it was coming out on Broadway again! However, I was extremely disappointed. It was a very long show, and I lost interest quickly. The songs that should have been lots of fun, like "Honey Bun" and "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair" were dull. The ensemble was very good, but the leads were disappointing. However, I will say that the scenic design ... read more was incredible. |
|
|
My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
|
| Acting: |
 |
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Large Group
|
Recommended for:
Seniors, Adults
|
|
|
|
|
| 32 |
Go and be enchanted Review by: Ad, Aug 11, 2008 |
South Pacific was that best show I have seen in years.
Having only seen the movie, I was truly moved by the stage production.
I had goosebumps with the first 3 notes of the overture.The music is both haunting and beautiful.. and raucous and irreverent. I LOVED IT.
A classic in every way. Do not miss this one. |
|
|
My recommendation:
must see!
|
| Acting: |
|
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Family
|
Recommended for:
Anyone
|
|
|
|
|
| 33 |
UNFORGETTABLE Review by: , Aug 2, 2008 |
| It took 60 years for this revival, but it was worth the wait. So glad Lincoln Center produced this revival. Lincoln Center Productions has always been a class act and it did it again. Bravo. The 30-piece orchestra is worth the price of admission. Don't walk, run. The show IS priceless. |
|
|
My recommendation:
must see!
|
| Acting: |
|
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
|
Recommended for:
Anyone
|
|
|
|
|
| 34 |
Review by: Teri, Jul 23, 2008 |
I went to see South Pacific within a group of 8 friends. I had all the music playing in my head and had visions of Mary Martin & Rossano Brazzi from the movie.
What a wonderful production! We saw the play with Laurie Marie Duncan playing Nellie Furbush, and must say she was excellent. So glad we got to see Paolo Szot--what a voice and what a gorgeous man!
Left with tears in my eyes, as the story was very moving. Had ... read more to buy the soundtrack. Please, go see this wonderful musical--the epitome of a Broadway play. |
|
|
My recommendation:
must see!
|
| Acting: |
|
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
|
Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Business Assoc.
|
|
|
|
|
| 35 |
A rare experience Review by: daylily44, Jul 14, 2008 |
| As a long-time Broadway theatregoer, I have to say this production is among the best I've ever seen. It is lavish in all the right places (stunning lighting design, that 30-piece orchestra, lovely expansive set). Very good choices on musical staging give a natural, guys-fooling-around feeling rather than neat, nifty Broadway-style dancing. So many revivals try to find something new in a show, and in doing so they lose what made the show a ... read more success in the first place. This doesn't do that--it goes for maximum depth in the existing material rather than a strange over-the-top "modern" reading. All the lead performances are exceptional, but Paulo Szot is a revelation. Truth be told, I never liked "South Pacific" much until now. Szot brings a mature tenderness to his role, and suddenly you understand how Emile falls so completely in love with a woman he's only known for two weeks. It's a triumph of musical theatre acting and worthy of every award it's been given. If you love musicals, give yourself the treat of seeing a production that captures the very essence of Rogers and Hammerstein. You may not get this chance again. |
|
|
My recommendation:
must see!
|
| Acting: |
|
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
|
Recommended for:
Anyone
|
|
|
|
|
| 36 |
Run don't walk Review by: SB, Jun 17, 2008 |
| Race out to see this wonderful revival. If you didn't know that this is a true classic, you certainly would never know that this is a 60 year old gem. You will walk out of the theatre absolutely enlivened |
|
|
My recommendation:
must see!
|
| Acting: |
|
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Family
|
Recommended for:
Anyone
|
|
|
|
|
| 37 |
A sweet evening, but not quite enchanted Review by: Steve, Jun 10, 2008 |
| I enjoyed this show but was not blown away by it. The acting is good and the singing sweet but despite the expansive stage at the Vivian Beaumont, somehow it wasn't quite the big, thrilling evening I had been expecting based on the reviews here and elsehwere. Perhaps it was because I saw Gypsy at the St James theatre the night before, which truly excels in just about every way. I am going back to New York in a few weeks and have bought tickets ... read more to see Gypsy again, but not this show. |
|
|
My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
|
| Acting: |
 |
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
|
Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Seniors
|
|
|
|
|
| 38 |
South Pacific Review by: Tom, Apr 28, 2008 |
As one enters the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center for the sparkling new production of "South Pacific" (the first-ever Broadway revival of the show), there is a scrim spread across the stage, upon which are projected the first few sentences of James Michener's "Tales of the South Pacific," the book upon which the show was based:
"I wish I could tell you about the South Pacific. The way it actually was. The endless ocean. The ... read more infinite specks of coral we called islands. Reefs upon which waves broke into spray, and inner lagoons, lovely beyond description. I wish I could tell you about the sweating jungle, the full moon rising behind the volcanoes, and the waiting. The waiting. The timeless, repetitive waiting."
Likewise, I wish I could tell you about this production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's amazing show. The way it actually was. The stunning sets. The amazing voice of Paolo Szot. The 30-piece orchestra filling every corner of the space with tone and tune. I wish I could tell you about sweetness of both Kelli O'Hara's voice and her interpretation of cockeyed optimist Ens. Nellie Forbush, and the power of the male chorus as they belt "There is Nothing Like a Dame," unamplified but still potent enough to press you back in your seat.
But I can't, really. You're going to have to go to New York and experience it for yourself. If you are coming to New York and have even one night free, this is the show to fill those evening hours. Sure, "Spring Awakening" breaks new ground for the Broadway musical, and "Jersey Boys" takes the story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons and puts it on stage like a living, breathing, singing graphic novel, but no show is as worthy of your attention as this "South Pacific."
First, this is one of the best -- if not THE best -- Broadway musical ever written. Every song is great. Every one. Of course, some are greater than others, but there are no off numbers, none that just don't fit. On top of that, the book has true drama. Something important takes place on stage. In fact, several important things: two love stories and an adventure story that also throws obstacles in the path of love. Add to all that the political undertones of "South Pacific," the way it lays bare the foolishness of prejudice at the same time it reveals the importance of duty and the glory of sacrifice for a worthy cause.
Part of me wants to go on and talk about how this nearly 60-year old show has such resonance with our current situation, how it touches on deeper aspects of humanity (Bali Ha'i as a metaphor for the mystery of existence that compels us all to seek meaning in the midst of mystery), how it touches on aspects of humanity that are universal -- both light and dark. But I would run the risk of boring you, something "South Pacific" never does. Even as it ran past the three-hour mark, I wanted it to go on and on and on, like that timeless, repetitive waiting to which Michener refers.
By Tom Bestor |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 39 |
South Pacific Beats any show currently on Broadway in perfection Review by: Gills mom, Apr 27, 2008 |
South Pacific was my childhood #1 movie growing up in the early '60s. This current stage production at the Vivan Beaumont is absolute perfection and a million times better than the movie ever hoped to be. The songs/music are peerless, Kelli O'Hara, Paulo Szot, Danny Burstein and the rest of the cast are just marvelous and riveting to watch.
I've seen every musical on Broadway for the past several years and nothing can compare to this ... read more production, theater experience and overwhelming talent.
Go and enjoy what a real theater experience is all about. |
|
|
My recommendation:
must see!
|
| Acting: |
|
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Kids
|
Recommended for:
Anyone
|
|
|
|
|
| 40 |
An Exceptional Musical! Review by: Big Ken, Apr 27, 2008 |
Amazing, simply amazing! This could have been the best musical I have EVER seen. From the get go, the band became part of the cast. The staging was incredible, the casting maticulous, and there were some great surprises (shower scene was funny). I really felt I was in the South Pacific.
I was too young to experience the musical the first time around; yet, I knew all the music. The voices were so wonderful and the songs danced in ... read more my head as I slept last night. It was some enchanted evening... |
|
|
My recommendation:
must see!
|
| Acting: |
|
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Large Group
|
Recommended for:
Anyone
|
|
|
|
|
| 41 |
As close to perfection as theater gets! Review by: Dramamama, Apr 26, 2008 |
I am an avid theater goer, I have seen close to 80% of what's currently on B'way.
The Lincoln Center's South Pacific is probably the closest thing to an absolutely perfect production that I have EVER seen. I was charmed, moved, entranced, suprised, and delighted. The THIRTY piece orchestra was top notch...what a rare treat. Equally delightful was the obvious joy of the members of the pit while relishing the audience's appreciation.... read more.
The show (performed at the Vivian Beaumont's thrust stage) was masterfully staged and directed. There is not a wasted movement or moment. ALL of the performances were beyond top notch...while I'm sure Tony nominations are in store for several actor's I would truly be dissappointed if SP doesn't bring several home: including Best Revival of a Musical.
I've never seen a production that so masterfully brought to the forefront the racism that SP has always had at it's heart. I always found other productions try to gloss over that and instead focus on the love stories. They brought me to tears so many times, and each time was through beautifully crafted moments of truth and pain. No gimmicks here.
RUN, RUN, RUN to see this masterpiece. I cannot imagine ANYONE not being moved by the beauty that abounds in South Pacific. |
|
|
My recommendation:
must see!
|
| Acting: |
|
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Alone
|
Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Seniors
|
|
|
|
|
| 42 |
Review by: Beth A. Mandelbaum, Apr 25, 2008 |
I TICKET: FULL PRICE
ROUND TRIP SUBWAY FARE TO LINCOLN CENTER: $4
REFRESHMENTS: $6
1 TEE SHIRT: $30
1 MUG:: $15
PERFORMANCE OF SOUTH PACIFIC: *PRICELESS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 43 |
A GLORIOUS MUSICAL FOR THEN, AND NOW Review by: Beth M, Apr 25, 2008 |
Rogers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific
By Beth Mandelbaum
When I was a very young child in the early 1950’s, the music of South Pacific filled our home. This is a strong memory of my growing up. I remember seeing the movie, more than once. And the magnificent songs of this stirring musical have been etched into my mind and heart.
This truly splendid, spectacular revival seems almost heaven sent. When the magnificent overture ... read more starts, it was thrilling to hear the 30 piece orchestra play, in its full magnificence, this glorious music. You know that this musical has come home, after 60 years.
The magnificent songs seemed to flow nearly one after the other, especially in the first act. The songs seem to be immortal and South Pacific one of American’s truly classic musicals. I am not surprised to have learned that not only did South Pacific win 8 Tony Awards, but the Pulitzer Prize for drama as well. And I have rarely experienced such an appreciative audience. I felt as though absolutely every song stopped the show, and this was more than well deserved.
The performances were absolutely stellar. I cannot say enough good things about the ever wonderful Kelli O’Hara as Nellie Forbush, the young nurse from Little Rock, Arkansas who falls in love with the French plantation owner, Emile de Becque, played here by the extraordinary Brazilian opera star Paulo Szot. Matthew Morrison did an excellent job as Lt. Joseph Cable, who has found his way to fight the Japanese in the South Pacific from a town on Philadelphia’s “main line.” Their voices are magnificent and their acting was particularly noteworthy. I greatly appreciated the Hawaiian actress and singer Loretta Ables Sayre as the wonderful Bloody Mary and also her young and beautiful daughter Liat, played by Li Jun Li, with whom Lt. Cable falls passionately in love. I also have a special spot in my heart for Danny Burstein playing the hilarious jokester Seabee Luther Billis, who spends much of his time trying to find his way to Bali Ha’i that beautiful and mysterious island where Bloody Mary and Liat live, and which is also reputed to be the home of many gorgeous woman. (I loved him in the role of Aldopho in The Drowsy Chaperone.). And I found Bartlett Sher’s direction to be brilliant.
For me South Pacific is a timeless musical that, while it opened in 1949, just a few years after the end of World War Two, is extremely relevant to our times.
I feel as though I have generally viewed the work of Rogers and Hammerstein through the rose colored glasses of my childhood and teenage years. I was perhaps too young to fully comprehend, or even really understand or even notice, the significance and import of many of the themes of these extraordinary musicals on which I grew up. For me, they seemed to more than balance out the sad and difficult aspects with that glorious bright golden haze that pervades Oklahoma, their first Broadway musical. I was lucky enough to have seen the original Flower Drum Song and The Sound of Music, and the earliest film versions of Oklahoma, Carousel, South Pacific, and The King and I. I saw Broadway revivals of Oklahoma twice, The King and I several times, and Flower Drum song twice. I remember loving absolutely all of them.
I had forgotten the extent to which South Pacific is an extremely serious musical. It focuses on two themes that were certainly part of the time period in which it was written and which we still experience today: war and prejudice/racism (though extraordinary strides have been made in the latter aspect since the 1940’s.). As has been noted, Rogers and Hammerstein were extremely ahead of their times and quite progressive in their thinking. In South Pacific, they appear to be very consciously at odds with these aspects of society: the conflict, discomfort, rejection, and even repulsion experienced towards those are different, especially racially and cul |
|
|
My recommendation:
must see!
|
| Acting: |
|
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Seniors, Tourists
|
|
|
|
|
| 44 |
Beg, borrow, or steal to see it! Review by: slvpv, Apr 22, 2008 |
| I cannot say enough about this production. The casting is spot on, the performers in perfect synch with each other, making this "South Pacific" totally believable and a must see. Kelli O'Hara plays Nellie beautifully and her voice soars. Danny Burstein as Luther Billis is a a perfect blend of roughhouse sailor and compassionate friend. But to me the real showstopper is Paulo Szot. The Brazilian opera star found his acting legs and coupled with ... read more that magnificent baritone sent shivers through the crowd. It's worth the price of admission to hear his beautifully crafted, sincere version of the heartbreaking "This Nearly Was Mine" - he got a well-deserved ovation (nearly a minute)afterward. This is the show as Rogers and Hammerstein conceived it - and this long overdue revival is a wonder to behold. |
|
|
My recommendation:
must see!
|
| Acting: |
|
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
|
Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Seniors, Tourists
|
|
|
|
|
| 45 |
Don't Miss This Enchanted South Pacific Review by: DKHines, Apr 21, 2008 |
A first rate production. Excellent performances and dazzling sets. We saw the understudy Laura Marie Duncan play Nellie Forbush. Her performance was honest, sensentive and joyfully rendered. Paulo Szot's Once Nearly Was Mine was definitive: romantic, heart wrenching and thrilling. It's worth the price of a ticket.
The entire cast lifts you from your seat with their energy and enthusiasm. The orchestra delights, playing Rodger's ... read more melodies as if you're hearing them for the first time.
You don't want to miss this South Pacific.
|
|
|
My recommendation:
must see!
|
| Acting: |
|
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
|
Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Business Assoc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| * Review is an opinion of a BroadwayBox user and not that of BroadwayBox.com and BroadwayBox, Inc. |
|
