Stage Review: Production better than rough edges in 'South Pacific'

By Jon W. Sparks

Thursday, June 25, 2009

"South Pacific," as rendered by DeSoto Family Theatre and directed by Jason Spitzer, gets points for earnestness amid some rough edges.

The theater has done a respectable job with costuming and sets in setting up the World War II tale of nurses, Seabees and a dashing French planter in the romantic islands in the vast South Pacific.

The musical has been an enduring favorite for decades with tunes lovely and irritating, mostly of love and longing but also including a stern lesson in racism.

The delights of the DeSoto production are in the performances of some of the key players and most of the larger production numbers.

Katelyn Nichols is strong and appealing as Nellie Forbush, the girl next door whose heart is in an uproar. Nichols has a delightful presence and strong voice -- ideal for the role.

Brian Everson's Emile De Becque is charming and effective, although Everson's intonation falters from time to time. Randi Sluder is a terrific Bloody Mary and Josh Reeves is in good voice as Lt. Cable.

Bill Earnheart's Luther Billis is a welcome slapstick presence when the story veers too much into sentiment.

There is plenty of energy in the ensemble numbers and the cast looks to be having a good time with "There is Nothing Like a Dame" and "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair."

It's commendable that DeSoto Family Theatre seeks to include as much of the community in its community theater, and for that I'm glad it uses a dozen or so orchestra members. But when sawing and tooting, it was clear they weren't all up to pulling off the tunes that have become so familiar. The accompaniment worked better when the keyboard did the heavy lifting.

"South Pacific"

Runs Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20; $14 for child/student/senior. Call 662-470-2131 or go to dftonline.org. DeSoto Family Theatre is at DeSoto County Civic Center, 4560 Venture Drive, Southaven.