Drama department embarks on South Pacific preparations

Drama students have eagerly started working on the spring musical, “South Pacific,” and for many of them, the famous musical holds a dear place in their hearts.

Senior Penelope Burgess, one of the leads, has fond childhood memories of the musical.
“I used to watch the film version of ‘South Pacific’ all the time as a kid, so of course it became a childhood dream every time I watched it to someday be able to sing those songs and act out the part myself.”
The musical revolves around two interracial relationships. The first relationship is between Nellie, played by Burgess, a nurse from Arkansas who was born in a racially prejudiced household, and Emile, a French planter played by senior Anshu Siripurapu, who was previously married and had children by a Polynesian woman.
The second relationship is between American naval officer Lieutenant Cable, played by junior Ethan Drohan, and Liat, a Polynesian girl played by Miharu Morishita, who lives on the island where he is stationed.
Due to the racism prevalent during Nellie and Cable’s childhoods, both of their relationships are quite complicated. The issues encountered by the couples will be explored by the actors and are the driving force of the musical’s plot.
The musical represents one of the best-known shows the department has put on in recent years. “South Pacific” is one of only eight musicals to win the Pulitzer Prize for drama and has had acclaimed runs on Broadway and in London.
Despite how popular the show is to perform, the drama department’s interpretation of the musical will differ from the well-known Rodgers and Hammerstein show-tune musical that premiered on Broadway in 1949.
“[Drama teacher Karin] Babbitt, the director, is planning on emphasizing the themes of destruction and loss in “South Pacific,” Burgess said. “It’s very dark and shows WWII in a very honest, critical way.”
Burgess is most concerned about portraying Nellie, a conflicted character, in a way so that the audience can still feel for her, despite the poor choices she makes because of her own native racial prejudice.
“It’s always difficult to play [a person who] society now frowns upon in a way that will make the audience empathize with the character,” Burgess said. “I want to show through my portrayal that Nellie has never in her life been in control of what she feels, but once she realizes what is important, she takes control and puts aside her prejudice for love.”
Despite the heavy topics the musical will cover, there will also be light-hearted moments from senior Josh Harris’s character, Billis.
“I will dance in a grass skirt, coconut bra and blonde wig. And it’s not even my birthday,” Harris said jokingly. “I am going to commit to it. God knows there’s nothing sadder, more ridiculous and more awkward than a guy running around with a coconut bra and a frown.”
On the technical side, many students are taking the responsibility for the design aspects of the show. Sophomore Annelise Nussbacher is in charge of costumes, junior Mia Hammond will lead make-up and hair and junior D.J. Traina will be designing the set.
“I’ve always wanted to have an opportunity to design a set and not just build it off of someone else’s plans,” Traina said.
The set will be made to look like a generic Pacific island, where the show takes place.
“The set is going to be absolutely fantastic,” Traina said. “We are doing a ton of things no one has ever done in the McAfee before and it’s going to be an adventure for everyone.”
Because the show deals with many delicate issues involving racism, those involved will be careful that the show is not misinterpreted as racist itself, said Harris. Director Babbit is also putting together a slide show of old war photos, for use in the production.
As in the past, the show will be stage-managed by senior Natalie Berg, who has also done the same job with shows such as “Our Town,” “Anything Goes,” and most recently “Tartuffe.”
Choir director Jim Yowell will direct vocals, and an orchestra formed specifically for the show will perform.
“South Pacific” spins a great musical score and dance numbers into a timeless tale that skillfully alternates between romance, prejudice, comedy and war.
“It’s a delight to get to sing and perform Rogers and Hammerstein, and it’s amazing how much of the dramatic content holds relevant today and how much of the score still sounds fresh,” Harris said.