Sarah Kit Farrell and Jeremy Rill 

              (photo credit RDG Photography)

 SOUTH PACIFIC

PERFORMANCE NOW THEATRE COMPANY: JAN 9 – JAN 25

 

Sarah Kit Farrell is a brilliant new star in the firmament of the local theatre scene. 

Her Nellie Forbush is Outstanding!

 

With music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics and book by Oscar Hammerstein, “South Pacific” is based upon James A. Michener’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “Tales of the South Pacific.” The Broadway Musical was the first to win a Pulitzer Prize in the Drama category.

Opening on Broadway in 1949, it swept the 1950 Tony Awards with 10 nods including Best Musical, Director and all 4 major acting categories.

“South Pacific’s” Broadway run was for many years, second only to that of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s first hit, “Oklahoma.”   

     The Performance Now production currently on view at The Lakewood Cultural Center is directed with a warm and affectionate touch by award-winning Kelly Van Oosbree, who also choreographs the proceedings with exuberant joy. 

     Under the baton of music director Heather Iris Holt, the twelve-piece orchestra does a great job spinning out the magnificent tunes in Rodgers’ score.

     Jeremy Rill anchors the show with  a strong and commanding presence as a formidable Emile de Becque.  His warm resonant singing of “Some Enchanted Evening” is ear-pleasing indeed.

     Sarah Kit Farrell sparkles and enchants us as Ensign Nellie Forbush.  Her rich, melodic singing of such favorites as “Cock-Eyed Optimist” and “I’m In Love with a Wonderful Guy” delights.

     It's wonderful to see Burke Walton back on the Denver stage! As Lieutenant Joseph Cable his singing of “Younger than Springtime” and “You Have to be Carefully Taught,” are indelible.

     Joyce Cole is an amusing and  most memorable Bloody Mary! Her singing of “Bali Hai” is spellbinding.

     Jeffrey Parker makes his characterization of Luther Billis truly his own. This Billis has a bit of an edge to it, allowing us as audience to see him as more than just a fun-loving Seabee. His work in “There is Nothin’ Like a Dame” exhilarates!

   Tiffany Sieu-Fruman is enchanting as Liat. Her love-duet, “Happy Talk,” with Burke Walton sparkles with joy. 

     Additionally, there is the pleasure of seeing Gabriel Morales onstage as Henry as well as Alison Mueller as Ensign Dinah Murphy.

Andrew Bates’ focused, minimal set design and Brett Maughan’s mood-shifting lighting design, conspire to suggest location with a light touch.

 NOT TO BE MISSED!!!

 

Tickets at https:www.performancenow.org/southpacific

 

 

Photos are by RDG Photography