Warm up this winter with South Pacific

Singing, dancing and romance on a tropical island! lastminute lovely Mitzi and her mum make a girls trip to Sydney to see the latest musical South Pacific at the Opera House.

“Put this poncho on, you’re not warm enough,” scolds my mother.

She’s right.
It’s a blustery day in Sydney and the icy wind that’s blowing through Circular Quay is stinging through my clothes. Even though I’ve got a jacket on, I can’t hide the goose bumps from her maternal x-ray vision. The obnoxious plastic is thrown over my head before I have time to run away. Threading my arms through the holes of the disposable raincoat, I mutter my annoyance about being in one of the fashion capitals of Australia dressed in a poncho.
A mother’s love knows no fashion sense. Within five minutes, I am grateful for the warmth, even if I do look ridiculous.

What?! Ponchos are totally in

We are standing outside the Opera House, waiting to take our seats for the musical South Pacific. A Broadway classic and film starring my namesake, Mitzi Gaynor, South Pacific is one of my mother’s favourite musicals.
When we heard that Opera Australia was doing a remake at the Opera House, we immediately planned a girls weekend in celebration.

Girls weekend!

The Australian revival stars Lisa McCune as Nellie Forbush, Eddie Perfect as Luther Billis, Teddy Tahu Rhodes as Emile De Becque, and Kate Ceberano as Bloody Mary. With sold out shows dominating the opening week, we were lucky enough to score a ticket to Saturday’s matinee show. 

After a couple of obligatory tourist photos, we move out of the cold and into the packed theatre. Sitting on the first level above the stage, our seats are close enough to see the conductor and the 34 piece orchestra below.

The South Pacific adventure begins on a tropical island in the Pacific Ocean during World War 2. An American Naval base is stationed there as well as French plantation owners who live and work with the native islanders.
Nellie, the leading lady, has quickly fallen in love with Emile, a Frenchman who resides on the island. It’s clear Emile is also head over heels for the pretty blonde, but has some sheltered secrets from his past. Together, they sing the magical ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ which has me almost melting out of my seat.

Next, the Navy seabeas (construction workers) take to the stage, their shirts ripped and gaping to reveal tattooed abdominals. (Ladies, take note.)

Lead by Eddie Perfect as cheeky Luther Billis, the lad’s eye off the nurses who parade around in tiny shorts and bathing suits while belting out the classic song ‘Nothing Like a Dame.’ Next, we meet Kate Ceberano’s character, Mary, who is only just recognisable with decaying teeth and dishevelled clothes. Mary is the comical vendor of useless souvenirs including real human heads, ubiquitous grass skirts and the rare and expensive, boar’s teeth. 

We are then introduced to Lieutenant Cable (played by Daniel Koek), a soldier who comes to the island with a mission to spy on the opposing Japanese. Together with the American Army, Cable wants to enlist the help of the Frenchman, Emile for this mission. Unsure of his history and political stance, they ask Nellie to probe his past and see what dirt she can dig up on her new love interest. Feeling the pressure, she is forced to evaluate her relationship and decides to let Emile go.

We see Nellie and her girlfriends dancing and singing the girl-power anthem ‘Im Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair’, which has mum and I grinning goofy smiles and clapping loudly. As the story goes on, Nellie and Emile’s relationship takes a tumble and we are taken through the classic ups and downs of new love. We see Luther get into some hilarious trouble and a relationship develop between Mary’s daughter, Liat and the handsome Lieutenant. 

Created by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, South Pacific showed for the first time on Broadway in 1949. It’s reputation as one of the great musicals of all time is due to the fact that it comments on issues that are still so significant today. We see themes of racial inclusion and acceptance as Nellie comes to terms with Emile’s past relationships and learn the true importance of staying positive during tough times.
South Pacific has all the winning elements to make it a fantastic stage show. There is dancing, humour, great costumes, an amazing cast and, the most important aspect of any story, a thought provoking ending.

I walked out of the theatre with an urge to book an exotic holiday, purchase some pink shorts and start dancing through the city. But then I looked up at the dreary Sydney sky.

Now, where was that poncho?

You can catch a preview of the production here.
Fancy seeing the show yourself? Sydneysiders can catch the show at the Opera House until September 9 with tix on sale here. Melbournites can catch the show at the Princess Theatre from September 13 – November 4 with tix on sale here.