There's a production of South Pacific coming to the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago later this month for approximately two weeks. Has anyone seen this version anywhere else? And is it worth seeing?
I saw it and really enjoyed it. It was a beautiful production with a strong cast. The only thing that bothered me was the small orchestra. It was a very strong production even though it was non equity. I found it to be a much better production in terms of quality and cast than many current equity tours going on right now (I.e west side story)
"There’s nothing quite like the power and the passion of Broadway music. "
From what I hear, the orchestra travels with them entirely, but SOME bigger market presenters have opted to enhance the pit with local musicians, and use the last tour's orchestration (26 musicians).
I believe, but could be wrong, that it'll be a bigger orchestra in Chicago.
Sorry for the late reply - I have a friend in this production (he plays Luther Billis - and yes, the mustache is real)
I saw it in Boston on opening weekend and thought that it was really good, but they used local musicians to augment there I think. I'm also going to go next month to New Haven since it's a short MNR ride away, and he told me that the production has changed significantly for the better since I saw it (and I thought it was pretty good).
