South Pacific

South Pacific (1949), a musical play by Oscar Hammerstein (book, lyrics), Joshua Logan (book), Richard Rodgers (music). [ Majestic Theatre, 1,925 perf.; Pulitzer Prize, Tony, NYDCC Awards.] The high‐spirited Nellie Forbush (Mary Martin), an American nurse serving in the Pacific in World War II, has fallen in love with the older French planter Emile de Becque (Ezio Pinza), but she wonders how two such different people can be right for each other. Her doubts become greater when she learns that Emile has two Polynesian children by his deceased wife. Paralleling this relationship is an affair between Lt. Joseph Cable (William Tabbert) and the native girl Liat (Betta St. John), the daughter of the crafty black marketeer Bloody Mary (Juanita Hall), who has engineered the little romance. Just as Nellie cannot override her instinctive prejudices, Cable breaks off with Liat and goes on a dangerous mission with Emile. Cable is killed, but the planter returns to embrace a welcoming Nellie, who is willing to cast aside her doubts. Notable songs: Some Enchanted Evening; There Is Nothin' Like a Dame; Younger Than Springtime; A Wonderful Guy; Bali Ha'i; I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair; You've Got to Be Carefully Taught; Happy Talk. Based on James A. Michener's Tales of the South Pacific, this was one of the greatest and most successful of modern operettas. However, its plea for racial understanding caused problems when it attempted to tour the South. Revivals have been plentiful, though not on Broadway.