South Pacific National Tour, Tampa 1/14/10
South Pacific National Tour, Tampa 1/14/10
#1South Pacific National Tour, Tampa 1/14/10
Posted: 1/15/10 at 2:51pm
Having wanted to see this production my past 2 trips to New York and it just not working out, I was thrilled when I got two tickets for Christmas to see it at TBPAC. Everybody who I know that has seen the show in New York has raved to me about it, and because of that I was kind of nervous it would not live up to the incredibly high standards I had set. Thankfully, it did.
There's a reason this show has been such a hit at Lincoln Center. It is perfection from the downbeat of the overture to the final curtain call bow. I knew I was in for a treat the second the 30 person orchesra started to play. I am so sick of all the tours that come through with watered down 6 to 7 person orchestras and the music just not sounding as good as it should. The South Pacific orchestra blows any other pit that has stopped through Tampa in recent memory out of the water. It is undeniably one of the most beautiful scores of all time, and the orchestra completely did it justice.
The performances were all around amazing. Jason Howard gave an incredibly heartfelt performance as Emile de Becque. His rendition of "This Nearly Was Mine" got a nearly two minute ovation, the most enthusiastic response I have seen from a TBPAC audience ever. Carmen Cusack as Nellie has enough starpower to light up the city of Tampa all by herself. She has the audience in the palm of her hand from the second she steps onto the stage. Her acting and vocals were spot on. She brought an incredible amount of depth to the role.
Supporting performances were just as strong, with notable standouts being Matthew Saldivar as Billis, Anderson Davis as Cable, and Keala Settle as Bloody Mary. The ensemble's energy made the group numbers showstoppers. I can't think of the last time I had a smile as big on my face as when the girls sang "I'm Gonna Wash That Man." The humor and vocals were absolutely inredible.
Overall, I could not have asked for a better experience. If you live near Tampa, run to TBPAC as this is the best show that has come through in quite some time.
#2South Pacific National Tour, Tampa 1/14/10
Posted: 1/16/10 at 2:08am
Wow, now I'm excited for the tour!
But why did I think that Victoria Clark was playing Nellie?
#2South Pacific National Tour, Tampa 1/14/10
Posted: 1/16/10 at 2:14am
But why did I think that Victoria Clark was playing Nellie?
She was rumored to be in the running to originate the role on Broadway, but they ultimately (wisely, I might add) went with a much younger Nellie. Clark would have been perfect 10-15 years ago, however.
Maceman91
Stand-by Joined: 3/15/09
#3South Pacific National Tour, Tampa 1/14/10
Posted: 1/16/10 at 2:24amI saw the show December 22nd in Dallas and I agree it was very well done! I went into an orchestralgasm when the overture started. Truely stunning!
#4South Pacific National Tour, Tampa 1/14/10
Posted: 1/16/10 at 5:19amGlad you enjoyed it. What were the ticket prices? Was it full?
#5South Pacific National Tour, Tampa 1/14/10
Posted: 1/16/10 at 11:36amI'm seeing this here in Minneapolis and can't wait!
#6South Pacific National Tour, Tampa 1/14/10
Posted: 1/16/10 at 8:55pmHey I'll be seeing it in Minneapolis too! May is too far away...
#7South Pacific National Tour, Tampa 1/14/10
Posted: 1/16/10 at 10:40pmmuscle, I would say it was about 75% full, which is pretty decent considering TBPAC has about 2500 seats. I had tickets in the second row on the aisle, and they were $75.50, which I'm assuming is the top price.
#8South Pacific National Tour, Tampa 1/14/10
Posted: 1/16/10 at 10:46pmIs Gilfry officially out of the tour for good?
#9South Pacific National Tour, Tampa 1/14/10
Posted: 1/16/10 at 11:30pm^^I believe he is expected to return at the next stop.
#10South Pacific National Tour, Tampa 1/14/10
Posted: 1/16/10 at 11:33pmThat would make me very happy. I'm seeing the show in 2 weeks in Seattle.
ravnquest1
Stand-by Joined: 7/8/09
#11South Pacific National Tour, Tampa 1/14/10
Posted: 1/16/10 at 11:49pmRod comes back to us on Tuesday, and he'll be around into the summer.
beautywickedlover
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/28/07
#12South Pacific National Tour, Tampa 1/14/10
Posted: 1/17/10 at 12:54amEven though I thought Kate Fahrner was excellent as Nellie I still wish I would've seen Carmen.
chiuptown
Stand-by Joined: 4/28/09
#13South Pacific National Tour, Tampa 1/14/10
Posted: 1/17/10 at 7:51amI saw it in Chicago and it was truly top rate. it was at the Rosemont, a big house out by the airport, i'm assuming all the downtown theatres were booked. it was over the thanksgiving wknd, but have heard it will be back. it was about 75% full. but don't miss it! I think it could enjoy a long run downtown chicago.
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