South Pacific
City Springs Theatre
through March 17, 2019

The classic musical, South Pacific, is playing right now to very happy audiences at the new Byers Theatre at Sandy Springs. The show is one that hit the boards in 1949, winning 10 Tony’s and a Pulitzer. Ezio Pinza and Mary Martin were the leads in the show and are remembered to this day for their performances as the French plantation owner and the navy nurse.

This production is directed and choreographed by Baayork Lee and brings more than two dozen performers to the stage, as they perfectly run through all 18 numbers, every one of which is a standard to the day. It is a tribute to Rodgers & Hammerstein being played somewhere in the world every day.

William Michals plays Emile de Brecque, who lives in that plush estate on the hilltop, overlooking the beach and with a view of Bali Ha’i. He falls for that navy nurse, Ensign Nellie Forbush, played by Kristine Reese and they both sing their way through attractions, doubts, and final resolutions.

A lot of the humor comes from that tough Tonkanise Bloody Mary, played by Yvonne Strumecki. Bart Hansard appears as Captain Brackett who is trying to get something accomplished. But, as you know the sailors are lonely and deeply feel that there is nothing like a dame; but some of the women would wash those men right out of their hair. What underlies the story line is how people feel about others and how children have to be carefully taught; especially if they expect to grow up into some enchanted evening.

The full orchestra in the pit is under the baton of Brandt Blocker, who is also the Artistic Director of this fabulous new company and venue. Easy to get to on Roswell Rd just outside the perimeter with plenty of garage space, and every seat with a clear view. HC drivers should drive up to main entrance and they have a discounted valet rate, which is a nice deal.

More info at CitySpringsTheatre.com