Some Enchanted Evening in the South Pacific with the Kelsey Theatre and The MTM Players

by Josh Buffington

South Pacific is a 1949 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical set during World War II on a South Pacific island. It explores themes of love, war, and racial prejudice. The story follows Nellie Forbush, a U.S. Navy nurse from Arkansas, who falls in love with Emile de Becque, a French plantation owner. Their romance is tested when Nellie discovers that Emile has mixed-race children from his late Polynesian wife, revealing her own ingrained prejudices. A parallel storyline follows Lt. Joe Cable, a young Marine, who falls in love with Liat, a Tonkinese girl, but struggles to accept the idea of marrying outside his race. Both love stories unfold against the backdrop of the war, with the U.S. military planning a dangerous mission involving Emile and Cable.

Walking into the Kelsey to a beautiful set built by Shawn Simmons set the tone well for the show that embraced the classical Rodgers and Hammerstein feel. The set featured beautiful palm trees and a bright blue sky, sending the audience straight into the South Pacific. With help from the Lighting Designer, Robert Terrano, and the Lighting Operator, Jackson Siegel, the stage was sparkling with beautiful golden light that captured the sunny environment along with the beautiful palm trees and blue skies. As the lights began to dim, the orchestra started playing and everyone was mesmerized. The orchestra consists of, Joe Nappi (Music Director, Conductor, pianist), Phil Muratore (clarinet), Todd Zaccaro (trumpet), Lisa Peterson (french horn), Stephen Burke (bass), Andrea Mauer (flute/piccolo), Sam Ferrante (percussion), Brandon Martino (string synthesizer), Ellen Quirk (harp). Joining with the orchestra, Eric Collins (Sound Designer), Aaron Jelinek and Maryanne Fiuza all operated sound that accompanied the orchestra and the cast perfectly. 

The cast is composed of exceptionally talented actors and actresses who bring depth, emotion, and authenticity to every performance. Their onstage chemistry and dynamic range captivate the audience, making each scene come alive with energy and realism. Ensign Nellie Forbush was portrayed by Alexis Bellhorn brought romance and charisma to the stage. One notable, iconic song that she sang was “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair.” Her voice carries a timeless grace, rich and refined, like something out of a golden-age radio show. Joe Zedeny, who portrayed Emile De Becque, brought his character to life perfectly, with the help of his French dialect coach, Amanda Blass. The actor embodies Emile de Becque with a commanding yet graceful presence, radiating both sophistication and warmth. His deep, resonant voice carries the elegance of a cultured Frenchman, while his expressions reveal the quiet strength and tenderness of a man deeply in love.

The rest of the cast consists of Jennifer Hsiao (Bloody Mary) who made the audience laugh throughout the whole show. Luke Basile (Lt. Joseph Cable, USMC) was amazing playing this role and captivated the whole audience with his performance. Fiona Wang (Liat) who did exceptional for her first show. J. Ryan Harmer (Luther Billis) who brought the masculinity to the show. Rick Pine (Captain George Bracket, USN) who was one of the more underrated characters who was exceptional in this show. Jim Gardener (Commander William Harbison) he was literally perfect for this role. Rielle Lewis (Ngana) and Noelle Guant (Monique) opened the show and made the whole audience go “Awww” from the moment they stepped on stage. Jordan Schonberger (Stewpot) made some incredible choices in all the right ways. Aster Kiesche (Professor) was one of the funniest characters I have seen perform in a show. Harrison Alexander (Lt. Buzz Adams) has such an amazing voice, it was a real pleasure to listen to. Val Rajan (Henri/ensemble) played each character to a “T”. Sarah Blasenheim (Ensign Dinah Murphy) was one of the dancers who stuck out, having done so well in this show. Emeline Mackey (Ensign Janet MacGregor) was also exceptional in her roles. And we cannot forget the ensemble: including Aaron Bellhorn, Amanda Blass, Giuseppe D’Argenio, Nicandro D’Argenio, Seraphina D’Argenio, Madelyn Delbridge, John Garvey, Megan Gramlich, Laney Kenwood, Jordana Krieger, Madelynne Lasky, Paul Lasky, Rob Michael Lasky, Aubrey Malakoff, Juliana Penney, Travis Weaver, and Skarlett Rose Willis.  All of the ensemble did so well and were such a key part of making this show a story and not just a musical.  They made the show so in-depth with each of their characters having their own stories and adding so much lore that we didn’t know we needed, but loved!

This show with this cast of characters would not have looked so good without the work of the Director Rob Michael Lasky who made this show so iconic and funny. Alongside him was the Choreographer Emily O’Sullivan who created outstanding choreography throughout the whole show. And let's not forget the costumes designed by Rittzy Productions that made the characters come to life. The amount of props in this show was crazy and every single one had a purpose thanks to Prop Designer Philip Rieschick. All of these people could not have been organized without the jobs of the Stage Managers who did amazing: Rachel Piscopo and Christine Heffron. Thank you to the Kelsey Theatre and MTM Players for having me see this outstanding classic! Special performance Saturday October 18 will feature Aubrey Malakoff as Nellie Forbush, Paul Lasky as Emile De Becque, Jordan Schonberger as Luther Billis, J. Ryan Harmer as Stewpot, and Skarlett Rose Willis as Monique. South Pacific runs now through Sunday October 19, you can purchase tickets here: https://www.purplepass.com/organizer/66720