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Lincoln Center Theater presents a new production of Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein’s prize-winning musical classic SOUTH PACIFIC, directed by Bartlett Sher. Based on James Michener’s Pulitzer Prize winning book Tales of the South Pacific, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC has music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and a book by Oscar Hammerstein II and Joshua Logan.

Set on a tropical island during World War II, the musical tells the sweeping romantic story of two couples -- US Navy nurse Nellie Forbush & French plantation owner Emile de Becque and Navy Airman Joe Cable & a young local native girl Liat -- and how their happiness is threatened by the realities of the war and by their own prejudices.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC premiered at the Majestic Theatre on April 7, 1949 and went on to enjoy a five year Broadway run winning countless awards including nine Tony Awards including Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Considered by many the finest musical ever written, the score’s songs include such musical theater classics as Some Enchanted Evening, Younger Than Springtime, Bali Ha’i, There is Nothin’ Like A Dame and A Wonderful Guy. Lincoln Center Theater’s new production marks the first Broadway revival of the Pulitzer Prize Winning Musical since its 1949 premiere.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC features musical staging by Christopher Gattelli, sets by Michael Yeargan, costumes by Catherine Zuber, lighting by Donald Holder, sound by Scott Lehrer and music direction by Ted Sperling, conducting a 30 piece orchestra performing the original orchestrations by Robert Russell Bennett and dance and incidental music arranged by Trude Rittmann.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC is playing the Vivian Beaumont Theater in New York, and touring plans are underway for a Fall 2009 launch.

“SIMPLY wonderful! Theatrical magic!  A great staging of a great show, with enough wattage to keep Lincoln Center alight for years.”
– Clive Barnes, New York Post
 
“I know we’re not supposed to expect perfection in this imperfect world, but I’m darned if I can find one serious flaw in this production.”
– Ben Brantley, The New York Times

“The level of artistry and inventive stagecraft on display is breathtaking….From the seductive swell of a full orchestra playing the glorious five-minute overture through the poignant final tableau of love and reconciliation, this is ravishing theater…..Richard Rodgers’ score is one of the most lush, tuneful and romantic in American musical history.”
– David Rooney, Variety

“* * * * out of four!....Spine-tingling moments ensure that this gorgeous revival of South Pacific doesn't just float; it soars.”
– Elysa Gardner, USA Today

“Director Bartlett Sher has masterminded a big, luscious, witty production with the emotional intimacy of a chamber musical…Michael Yeargan’s ravishing sets are dominated by a sense of the sea and massive but delicate bamboo shades. Catherine Zuber’s period-true yet sensual costumes make us re-evaluate the allure of ‘40s bathing suits. And the lights, by Donald Holder, dream up fabulous magenta sunsets and silhouette nurses as if they were pinups, sunbathing without care in the distance.”
– Linda Winer, Newsday

“What makes this impeccably acted and designed production so extraordinary is Bartlett Sher’s meticulous and dramatic direction….The show is filled with fantastic and familiar songs that are presented here like musical conversation, making them sound fresh and exciting. Characters are played with such intimacy you practically hear hearts flutter as people fall in love.”
– Joe Dziemianowicz, New York Daily News

Steven Schnepp  Steve@bbonyc.com

Temah Higgins  Temah@bbonyc.com

David Freeland  David@bbonyc.com

Kent McIngvale Kent@bbonyc.com

Jen Salez Jen@bbonyc.com