Theatre To Visit ‘South Pacific’

The Sam Houston State University department of theatre and dance will present Rodgers and Hammerstein’s tale of two couples torn by racial prejudice during World War II in “South Pacific” Wednesday through Saturday (April 11-14).

Show times are at 8 p.m. each evening, with a 2 p.m. Saturday matinee, in the University Theater Center’s Mainstage Theatre.

On an island in the South Pacific during World War II, a U.S. Naval nurse, Ensign Nellie Forbush falls in love with a middle-aged French plantation owner, Emile de Becque.

Meanwhile, the restless sailors of the Navy, led by the entrepreneurial seabee Luther Billis, are lamenting on the absence of women or combat to relieve their boredom when Lt. Joe Cable of the U.S. Marine Corps arrives on the island to take part in a dangerous spy mission that might help turn the tide of the war against the Japanese.

As only officers can sign out boats, Billis sees the opportunity to be able to get over to the mysterious and valuable island of Bali Ha'i and convinces Cable to accompany him.

On Bali Ha'i, Bloody Mary, the native souvenir dealer, introduces Cable to her daughter, Liat, and the two fall in love.

When their relationships become rocky, however, Emile and Cable agree to go on their dangerous mission, successfully sending reports on enemy action and allowing "Operation Alligator" to get underway.

The play stars Collette Currie as Forbush, Aaron Thacker as de Becque, Trent Coots as Billis, Eric Aultman as Cable, Jennifer Jackson as Bloody Mary and Jamie Robinson as Liat.

In addition, the show features SHSU theatre majors Sam Weeks as Buzz Adams, Johann Wood as Henry, Amanda Gutierrez as Bloody Mary’s assistant, Charlie Foster as Brackett, Daniel Morin as Harbison, Mark Ivy as Stewpot, Lee Jane Walker as the head nurse, and Tony Johnson as the professor.

“South Pacific” is directed by theatre professor Tom Prior.

The musical director is music and theatre faculty member Laura Avery, and the choreographer is dance and theatre faculty Jonathon Charles.

Designers include theatre faculty members Gregg Buck, set; Eric Marsh, lights; and Kristina Hanssen, costumes. The technical director is Larry Routh, and the stage manager is theatre major Lindsay Luker.

Tickets are $12 for general admission and $10 with an SHSU or senior citizen I.D. Group rates are also available.

The show contains adult content, and children under the age of three will not be admitted.

For more information call the UTC box office at 936.294.1339.

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SHSU Media Contact: Jennifer Gauntt
April 6, 2007
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