'South Pacific' is thin, but still nostalgic delight

Nellie Forbush is washing that man right out of her hair again at Army Community Theatre, but in the current production, some of the suds are missing.

‘South Pacific’ Richardson Theatre, Fort Shafter 7:30 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, through March 10 Tickets: $12, $15 adults; $6, $8 children 438-4480 or 438-5230

ACT has produced Rodgers and Hammerstein’s "South Pacific" in several earlier versions, and the show never fails to please. It’s filled with wonderful songs, strong characters and a meaningful plot that mixes exotic elements with red-blooded American enthusiasm. Even an average production will entertain, and much of this one plays right at that level.

None of the performers in the three main roles is a strong singer. Charles Degala as French planter Emile De Becque fares best, with a rich, deep baritone that fills out the bulk of the music but fails to reach the high notes with full assurance or emotion.

Brady Hulsey is properly earnest as Lt. Joseph Cable and has the necessary energy, but his singing also thins out in the upper register and doesn’t reach the full potential in the melody.

And, unfortunately, Elisabeth Wenzel as Nellie has a pleasant but small voice with a narrow range and limited strength. She also seems ill-suited to the role and lacks the necessary snap and crackle to be as corny as Kansas in August.

Perhaps the most fully-realized performance comes from Nan Asuncion as Bloody Mary. She does a passable "Bali Ha‘i" and a spirited "Happy Talk" and generally captures the broad comedy required for the character. David Starr has the right speaking voice for con man Luther Billis and, with a bit more loosening up, would find the part to be a perfect relaxed fit.

John Alexander conducts a fine stage orchestra and gets good sound from the chorus, but staging by Lina Jeong Doo and choreography by Pam Sandridge are a bit stiff and mannered. Tom Giza paints several beautiful island backdrops and builds a massive stone pile that revolves to create several locales.

Go and enjoy "There Is Nothin’ Like a Dame," "A Wonderful Guy," "Younger Than Springtime"and "This Nearly Was Mine." Marvel once again that all these songs that are part of America’s musical heritage all came from the same show. And note that it’s all based on James Michener’s first publishing success.

While it’s not quite an enchanted evening, this "South Pacific" calls up excellent images and demonstrates the kind of show that made a Broadway musical a powerful event.

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