THEATRE ARTS DEPARTMENT
From the pages of James Michener's Pulitzer Prize winning novel came Rogers & Hammerstein's
sweeping epic set on an island paradise during World War II. Winner of 10 Tony Awards in
1950, including Best Musical, the plot follows two parallel love stories threatened by
the dangers of prejudice and war. The production was also ground-breaking for its
candid and progressive message on racism.
The music of South Pacific has become iconic popular standards: Some Enchanted Evening,
Younger Than Springtime, I'm in Love with a Wonderful Guy, There Is Nothing Like a Dame,
Happy Talk, Bali Ha'i and I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair.
The show, which was the second longest running on Broadway at the time, spawned a
1958 motion picture and has repeatedly enjoyed success in revivals and tours. In
2008 it returned to Broadway to wide critical acclaim and nearly 1,000 performances.
It would win another seven Tonys that year, including Best Musical Revival. Vividly
capturing the emotions of war, the intensity and boredom, the optimism and desperation,
and the prejudice and acceptance, this is a story ahead of its time and for all time.
