Skip to content
Support local, fact-based journalism today and
you could win a $500 Green Acres gift card.
Support essential local journalism for your community.
2021 Spring News | Green Acres
Donate Now

Donate by 9 a.m. to triple your chances of winning.

View thank you gift options

CapRadio

CapRadio

signal status listen live donate
listen live donate signal status
listen live donate signal status
  • News
    • beats
    • State Government
    • Environment
    • Health Care
    • Business
    • Arts and Lifestyle
    • Food and Sustainability
    • PolitiFact California
    • California Dream
    • Videos
    • Photos
  • Music
    • genres
    • Classical
    • Jazz
    • Roots
    • Eclectic
    • Videos
    • Daily Playlist
  • Programs + Podcasts
    • news
    • Morning Edition
    • All Things Considered
    • Marketplace
    • Insight
    • California State of Mind
    • The View From Here
    • music
    • Acid Jazz
    • At the Opera
    • Classical Music
    • Connections
    • Excellence in Jazz
    • Hey, Listen!
    • Insight Music
    • K-ZAP on CapRadio
    • Mick Martin's Blues Party
    • Programs A-Z
    • Podcast Directory
  • Schedules
    • News
    • Music
    • ClassicalStream
    • JazzStream
    • Weekly Schedule
    • Daily Playlist
  • Community
    • Events Calendar
    • CapRadio Garden
    • CapRadio Reads
    • CapRadio Travels
    • Ticket Giveaways
  • Support
    • Evergreen Gift
    • One-Time Gift
    • Corporate Support / Underwriting
    • Vehicle Donation
    • Stock Gift
    • Legacy Gift
    • Endowment Gift
    • Volunteering
    • Benefits
    • Member FAQ
    • e‑Newsletter
    • Drawing Winners
    • Thank You Gifts
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Close Menu
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 
  • Arts and Lifestyle
  •  

Theatre Review: South Pacific

  •  Jeff Hudson 
Thursday, July 24, 2014 | Sacramento, CA
Listen
/
Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Charr Crail / Music Circus
 

Charr Crail / Music Circus

“South Pacific” premiered on Broadway more than six decades ago. And this is the 13th production put on by the Music Circus.

So how do you keep a show like this fresh, when most of the audience knows it inside and out?  By sticking to the fundamentals in this story about love and war in paradise and by delivering polished, energetic performances.

Broadway crooner John Cudia makes the most of his big romance opportunity in the classic love anthem, “Some Enchanted Evening.”

The song comes straight out of the Viennese operetta tradition, and Cudia has the classical training to bring it off with style.

0724JH-SOPAC-EM1

Then there’s the famous number, “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” sung by a group of chatty off-duty hospital nurses, lounging around in swimsuits. Notice how the tune pivots from girl-group energy, a la The Andrews Sisters, to a bluesy testimonial.  Actress Beth Malone radiates feisty feminine appeal, as she did playing Annie Oakley here three years ago.

Another musical style in “South Pacific” is what you might call Polynesian fantasy…a gentle, lilting melody invoking colorful sunsets with shimmery strings, cascading flutes, and heavenly harp, as heard in “Bali Ha’i.”

0724JH-SOPAC-EM2

The vision of “your own special island” was incredibly popular when “South Pacific” premiered. Today it’s more than a bit dated, but the story about people trying to find love and happiness in a fast-changing world still resonates. And this handsome production casts a very seductive spell. 

The Music Circus production of “South Pacific” plays at the Wells Fargo Pavilion in Sacramento through Sunday, July 27, 2014.

Check out NPR's story about the 2008 Broadway revival of "South Pacific"

And here's a 2014 NPR story about the song “You’ve Got To Be Carefully Taught” (from “South Pacific”)

 


Follow us for more stories like this

CapRadio provides a trusted source of news because of you.  As a nonprofit organization, donations from people like you sustain the journalism that allows us to discover stories that are important to our audience. If you believe in what we do and support our mission, please donate today.

Donate Today  

 theatreMusic CircusSouth Pacificmusical

Jeff Hudson

Contributing Arts Reporter and Theatre Critic

Jeff Hudson has been contributing arts-related stories to Capital Public Radio since 1995, with an emphasis on theater and classical music. He attends over 100 performances annually, ranging from modern musicals to medieval masses.   Read Full Bio 

 Email Jeff Hudson

Coronavirus Newsletter

Get answers to your questions, the latest updates and easy access to the resources you need, delivered to your inbox.

 

Want to know what to expect? Here's a recent newsletter.

Thanks for subscribing!

We'll send you weekly emails so you can stay informed about the coronavirus in California.

Browse all newsletters

More Arts and Lifestyle Stories

Andrew Nixon / CapRadio

Music Through The Pandemic: How Three Sacramento Musicians Continued Their Art

April 12, 2021

Most Viewed

California Coronavirus Updates: All California Schools Should Be Reopen In The Fall, Gov. Newsom Says

California Coronavirus Updates: Health Officials Say Not To Worry If You Got Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

Despite Johnson & Johnson Vaccination Halt, California Officials Expect No Significant Impact

When Can I Get A COVID-19 Vaccine? How Will I Find Out? Answers To Your California Vaccine Questions.

Signatures Are In. What You Need To Know About The Gavin Newsom Recall Effort.

We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter

Most Viewed

California Coronavirus Updates: All California Schools Should Be Reopen In The Fall, Gov. Newsom Says

California Coronavirus Updates: Health Officials Say Not To Worry If You Got Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

Despite Johnson & Johnson Vaccination Halt, California Officials Expect No Significant Impact

When Can I Get A COVID-19 Vaccine? How Will I Find Out? Answers To Your California Vaccine Questions.

Signatures Are In. What You Need To Know About The Gavin Newsom Recall Effort.

Back to Top

  • CapRadio

    7055 Folsom Boulevard
    Sacramento, CA 95826-2625

    • (916) 278-8900
    • Toll-free (877) 480-5900
    • Email Us
    • Submit a News Tip
  • Contact Us

  • About Us

    • Contact Us / Feedback
    • Coverage
    • Directions
    • Jobs & Internships
    • Mission / Vision / Core Values
    • Press
    • Staff Directory
    • Board of Directors
  • Listening Options

    • Mobile App
    • On Air Schedules
    • Smart Speakers
    • Playlist
    • Podcasts
    • RSS
  • Connect With Us

    •  Facebook
    •  Twitter
    •  Instagram
    •  YouTube
  • Donate

  • Listen

  • Newsletters

CapRadio stations are licensed to California State University, Sacramento. © 2021, Capital Public Radio. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Website Feedback FCC Public Files: KXJZ KKTO KUOP KQNC KXPR KXSR KXJS. For assistance accessing our public files, please call 916-278-8900 or email us.