The musical “South Pacific” debuted on Broadway on April 7, 1949. This classic musical, with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, is based on James A. Michener’s book. The production was an immediate success, praised for its rich score and complex themes, including racial prejudice and romance during wartime. It went on to win several Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and has remained a popular and influential work in the musical theatre repertoire.
The musical is based on James A. Michener’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 1947 book “Tales of the South Pacific,” which is a collection of loosely connected stories about World War II. The stories draw on Michener’s own experiences as a U.S. Navy lieutenant commander stationed in the Pacific Theater.
Plot
The plot of “South Pacific” centers around two main romantic relationships on a South Pacific island during World War II. Nellie Forbush, a spirited nurse from Arkansas, falls in love with Emile de Becque, a French plantation owner with a mysterious past. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Joe Cable develops a relationship with a young Tonkinese woman, Liat. Both relationships are tested by personal prejudices and the realities of war.
Themes
The musical addresses issues of racial prejudice, a theme that was quite provocative at the time of its release. Songs like “You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught” directly confront the issue of learned bigotry, highlighting the show’s progressive narrative for the era.
Musical Numbers
“South Pacific” features some of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most memorable songs, which have since become standards, including:
- “Some Enchanted Evening” – One of the most famous ballads, sung by Emile to describe his immediate infatuation with Nellie.
- “Bali Ha’i” – A haunting song sung by Bloody Mary, a Tonkinese woman, to lure Lt. Cable to the mysterious island where her daughter lives.
- “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair” – A light-hearted number performed by Nellie when she initially decides to forsake her feelings for Emile.
- “There is Nothin’ Like a Dame” – Performed by the American sailors, depicting their longing for female companionship.
Impact and Legacy
“South Pacific” was a critical and commercial success, running for 1,925 performances during its original Broadway stint. It won ten Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and the 1950 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The show’s treatment of racism was considered bold for its time, and it has continued to be relevant in subsequent revivals.
The musical was adapted into a successful film in 1958, directed by Joshua Logan, which brought the story and its music to a broader audience. “South Pacific” remains a favorite in the repertoire of American musical theatre for its lush score, compelling story, and thoughtful exploration of challenging themes.
