When it comes to community theater, one generally has to adjust their expectations to fit the amateur lens. And while there is plenty to fit the quaint, hometown experience of community theater in the Brigham's Playhouse production of "South Pacific," several aspects far exceed that expectation.
Two prime examples are the leads Nellie Forbush and Emile de Becque (played by Adam Cheney). The role of Nellie is double cast, played by Jasmine Anderson and Heidi Lee on alternating performances. During my viewing, Jasmine Anderson played the part and I couldn't be more happy with how it all turned out.
From the opening scene, Anderson owned the stage. The ease with which she seemed to drape herself in the character of Nellie Forbush helped the audience get lost immediately in this poignant tale of love, war, prejudice and triumph. In fact, Anderson's natural stage presence came close to casting a shadow on her love interest, Emile de Becque, but Cheney quickly warmed to his role and by the second scene the two were in sync, making their love, and their heartache an almost tangible experience for the audience. Especially during moving numbers like "Some Enchanted Evening" and "This Nearly Was Mine."
The enthusiasm of supporting characters, including the ever-popular Bloody Mary (played by Susi Lafaele) and Luther Billis (Aaron Flores) gave the show an energy that went beyond the small stage and filled the auditorium. I was impressed Flores was even able to pull off the belly rolling maneuver at the conclusion of "Honey Bun." Between his physical comedy and eager on-stage presence, he was definitely believable in the Luther Billis role.
Same goes for the vocals and dancing of the ensemble cast. It was hard not to be excited as the C.B.s put their hearts into singing "Nothing Like A Dame" and the nursing staff crowed about their plans to "Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair."
Quick and seamless scene changes helped move the story along, despite the show's three-hour run time. And I was quite impressed with the set designs as well. Simple. But effective. From the moment you enter the theater the cast is doing its best to make you feel like you've already transported to an island on the South Pacific. The music. Costumed actors assisting patrons to find their seats. Warm temperatures in the auditorium... though I don't think that last part was intentional. :)
The racially charged love story between Lt. Joseph Cable (Caleb Christensen) and Liat (Gloria Morin) offers up some of the other classic songs from this well-known play, including "Younger Than Springtime" and "Happy Talk." But the decision (whether made by the director or the actor, I don't know) to have Cable remain desperately sick with malaria in the latter part of the play (rather than weak, but otherwise recovered as in the film production) was distracting at best. We need to see him rising from his sickbed strong enough to handle the imminent military assignment that serves as the show's climactic end. Instead, his sickly, cracking voice nearly overshadowed the vital moments in "You've Got To Be Carefully Taught" and was distracting during Emile's "This Nearly Was Mine."
Looking at the show overall however, it is not difficult to see the waves of talent covering the entirety of this thought-provoking tale. If you have never been to Brigham's Playhouse (this was my first time!) "South Pacific" is definitely a show worth seeing in this intimate theater.
"South Pacific" continues Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Sept. 29 at Brigham's Playhouse. Tickets are $17-$23. Log onto www.brighamsplayhouse.com for more information.