Does anyone know if this is still going to happen anytime in the near future?
I really hope so...
A few years ago, there were two productions of SOUTH PACIFIC that the R & H estate were seriously eyeing for a Broadway transfer. One was a regional production at the Dallas Theatre Center directed by Richard Hamburger, starring Michelle Ragusa, Tsidi Le Loka and Sean McDermott, that was supposedly unbelievable. But, any thoughts to move it were derailed when Trevor Nunn announced SOUTH PACIFIC for the RNT. Having come off of his production of OKLAHOMA! which the R & H estate loved, it seemed natural that the London revival would transfer, but Nunn's production was dissapointing, and made some unneccesary changes to the book.
It remains to be seen if the R & H estate is actively pursuing a Broadway revival now (as they did with Flower Drum Song) or not.
But it would seem likely...
Updated On: 3/21/05 at 01:08 PM
There was talk at one point of Robert Goulet doing it again....godforbid!
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/10/03
So many potentially GREAT Nellies: Lauren Kennedy, Alice Ripley, Emily Skinner, Jenn Collela, the list goes on and on.
If someone mentions the name Idina Menzel for this role I might shoot myself.
No, Bobby. I need Kudisch in this show. BADLY.
Leading Actor Joined: 3/6/05
Aren't they doing a concert of this at Carnegie Hall on June 9?
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/10/03
Matt -- they are all way too old! Nellie Forbush in the book is 22 years old! I saw Lauren Kennedy play Nellie at the RNT, and I actually liked her -- but she didn't get great reviews.
Oh, Mattio. How I know. I would do anything to hear him sing that score.
Marc can play Emile and Danny Gurwin can be his Nellie! :)
Updated On: 3/21/05 at 01:17 PM
I know Stephanie J. Block played her regionally but she's too old now.
Leading Actor Joined: 3/6/05
Here's the Carnegie cast:
Reba McEntire (Nellie Forbush)
Brian Stokes Mitchell (Emile de Becque)
Jason Danieley (Lt. Cable)
Lillias White (Bloody Mary)
Conrad John Schuck (Captain Brackett)
Leading Actor Joined: 3/6/05
Carnegie concert will feature Orchestra of St. Luke's with Paul Gemignani as Musical Director and Conductor.
Tickets $78-34.
Updated On: 3/21/05 at 01:22 PM
Michael Bennett, don't get me started!!
Baddad -- you know you love it!
That cast at Carnegie Hall is great for a concert production -- obviously, that cast wouldn't really work for a stage production though. Particularly Stokes -- that wouldn't work unless the entire book were thrown out.
Just the thought of it makes my head swim!
I agree, my initial thought was Audra McDonald for Nellie, but she, as well as Stokes, can't be cast in my opinion.
No. You really can't have color blind casting in the roles of Nellie or Emile. However, it's becoming more popular to cast Bloody Mary and the children with black actors -- apparently the natives of the south pacific are much darker then most Pan-asain races, and it makes the fear/racism Nellie's character choices all the more evident.
Would love to see Kudish wearing a coconut bra, perhaps we can petition for Emile to join the seabies for a song.
I wish I'd seen that production with Michelle Ragusa - she's AMAZING. I did a production of Carousel with her about a hundred years ago and she was the best Julie Jordan I've ever seen - spunky, beautiful and such a great voice. She needs to be doing more Broadway stuff so she can share that talent with the rest of the world!
Yeah, Ragusa was supposedly extraordinary in South Pacific. Some people on talkinbroadway saw that production and have commented on it -- it sounds really fascinating.
Kudish and Reba should do it. There's just so many adaptations to chose from. I liked the RNT version a lot. I think the opening was finally fine tuned to perfection. But then there's that regional version that set the entire show acted out by crew members on an aircraft carrier which was slightly brilliant as well... ehh...
As long as Goulet has nothing to do with this, I'll be happy.
CATS -- how can you have a black Emile DeBeque? I'm all for reinterpretations but I just dont see you you can do that with the current book...
And who did the production set in an aircraft hanger? Curious!
On an earlier post it says Nellie is supposed to be 22. it doesnt mean they need someone that yo0und to play the role. ive done the show twice (both as Jerome as im only 16) and my mom who is 46 played Nellie (she looks way younger) and she was incerdible (and I dont say it cuz its my mom) I think if an older woman who just looks yuonger can play it go right ahead. Alice Ripley would be my pick, thatd be great to watch and I think Marc Kudisch needs to be in it. he is sooooooooooo Talented. But that show actually needs to have a strong supporting as well. Id like to see someone like Joey Mcyintrye as Cable.
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