The girls are “going to wash that man right out of their hair” at the Skokie Theatre (Photo by Emily Silber)
Recommended
This timeless classic on stage now at the Skokie Theatre, deserves to be seen and heard.
Whether it is for the first time or you are coming from a place of nostalgia, the musical, “South Pacific” directed by Pat Henderson, includes some of the best and most recognizable tunes of the composing team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II.
The action takes place in the waning days of WWII at a military encampment on a south sea island. Based on a novel by James Michener and adapted by Hammerstein and Josh Logan the 1949 play boldly addressed the notion of learned prejudices, and confronted changing post-war attitudes about inter-racial marriage and mix raced children.
Lt. Cable (Max Perkel) has fallen in love with an “Island Girl,” Liat (Megan Mariko Boggs). In the song, “You’ve Got to be Carefully Taught,” he expresses that prejudice and hate are not innate but rather, “You’ve got to be taught before it’s too late, before you are six or seven or eight…” This is the pivotal message of the play.
In a parallel plot line, nurse, Nellie Forbush (Willow Schneider) is falling in love with a more mature, local plantation owner, Emile De Becque (Tony Calzaretta), a French national with a young daughter conceived by a “native” woman who has died.
Emile, several years Nellie’s senior, longs for her companionship and to have her share his paradise. After learning of his previous relationship, Nellie is not sure she can live with the realities of his past.
As an actor, Calzaretta is the real deal. He understands this character of De Becque and every moment on stage is absolutely believable. With a beautiful baritone voice, he sings of his love in “Some Enchanted Evening” then later in “This Nearly Was Mine.”
Willow Schneider attacks the character of Nellie with requisite spunk, without going over the top, belting out “Cockeyed Optimist, I’m Gonna Wash that Man Right Outa My Hair, and I’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy.”
Mariel Saavedra’s characterization of local entrepreneur Bloody Mary is spot on. Mary’s primary objective is to fully capitalize on the windfall opportunities presented by the sudden arrival of the American Navy
Her haunting rendition of “Bali Hai” was sensuous and mystical, while the up tempo “Happy Talk” set the mood for an alliance between her daughter Liat and Lt. Cable.
The lanky Andrew Buel nailed his portrayal of “procurement officer” Luther Billis which included the much-anticipated coconut bra, mop haired, drag rendition of “Honey Bun” performed as a duet with Nellie as part of the company’s Thanksgiving celebration.
Luis De Valle was notable as the gravelly voiced basso Stewpot and Molly Hamada was perfectly adorable as De Becque’s French speaking daughter Ngana.
Musical accompaniment was expertly provided by Jeremy Ramey and Andrew Milliken, both on keyboards. It was rather amazing that every cast member had outstanding solo voices and the ensemble numbers were tight and harmonious.
The biggest miss for me was the set design. Basically, I got the impression that the actors were walking around a bunch of stuff that had been left on stage.
The lighting did not help but interestingly it got better in the second act so maybe an opening night SNAFU. The silhouette background was effective but perhaps could have been moved forward and utilized more to create a sense of place and some much-needed atmospheric effects. I would have been quite satisfied if this production had been performed as a concert or radio play.
I’m fond of this theater and its potential to provide quality entertainment to the Skokie area. They deserve your support and typically offer solid productions, this one included.
Yes, you might find something a little slicker as you move south toward the Loop but in this particular case it is worth attending “South Pacific” simply to enjoy the great music expertly performed.
Rodgers and Hammerstein are to the American Musical what Verdi is to opera. Today musicals like “South Pacific” can come off as “dated” but they should be viewed within the context of the time. The stories are often based within a specific historical timeframe with messages that often sadly need to be repeated but the music and lyrics are based on the structural backbone of Western musical composition that can and should continue to be enjoyed and appreciated.
DETAILS: “South Pacific” presented by MadKap Productions is at the Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave., Skokie, IL through October 6, 2024. For tickets and information phone 847-677-7761 or purchase in person 90 minutes before each performance. Tickets are available at SkokieTheatre.org
Reno Lovison
