why reba macentire for south pacfic???? — Page 2

You have a point, hausen of the beaver -- I should have read the thread more carefully to actually GET your point. LOL

Isn't it odd, though, how interracial relationships seem to be a recurring theme over time in musicals? Of course, SHOWBOAT. Then SOUTH PACIFIC. Then NO STRINGS (while it wasn't actually a "theme" of the show per se -- or a major one, I don't think, much was made of Diahann Carroll and Richard Kiley playing love interests), then of course, MISS SAIGON, to a degree.

Updated On: 10/14/04 at 05:16 PM

rlbgbc,

you make "the sound of music" sound a whole helluvalot more interesting than it really is! i like your version waaaay better! LOL

speaking of no strings. diahann carroll caused a big stink in the mid-60s when Universal bought the movie rights. Ross Hunter was producing it for them and it was announced that Nancy Kwan was cast in the role that Carroll originated on the stage. needless to say Carroll was pissed that at least she or another actress of color wasn't considered for the role. universal/ross hunter wound up shelving the project altogether.

Actually Annie Oakley's popularity rose quite quickly. Frank realized a girl that can shoot is a heck of a lot more interesting than a man who can shoot so he quit and became her manager making the premise of the show with them being rivals complete false. He was completely devoted to her. I don't think they were quite that far apart in age. I thought she was about 14 when they met and he was in his mid 20s. They had a very long marriage and died about 17 days apart. Annie went first.

indeed it is robbiej...indeed it is..:)

Rypm - I LOVE that Reba story - integrity in the business, who knew?

i would go see anyone in south pacific, it a good show. I missed it, South Pacific, when it played in DC, but its a great show to see. and i think reba would be a great nellie.

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Updated On: 10/15/04 at 01:31 AM

Nellie Forbush is described by James Michener in TALES OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC as "a slender, pretty nurse of 22."
Emile De Becque and Nellie share a December-May romance (Rodgers and Hammerstein breaking tradition again).
Nellie is able to come to grips with her racism and change her views. Flexibility is the privilege of youth.
Casting middle-aged women in the role (Glenn Close!!) completely misses the point. (Mary Martin may have been in her late thirties when she played the role but her tomboy persona and ebullient charm at least gave off the appearance of youth).
I suspect that a recording is being made of this concert which is the only way one can justify the insane casting.

Updated On: 10/16/04 at 11:46 AM

MusicMan,

I TOTALLY agree with all your comments and would like to add just one more:

Nellie comes from a White Middle-Class Family in Deep South (Arkansas.)

Being a Country & Western singer doesn't mean you can fit into a role from the South like wearing a glove.

Who here thinks Loretta Lynn could play Scarlett O'Hara?

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