 |
 |
CCES
Upper School Music Department Presents South Pacific Additional
Links:
In celebration of the School’s 50th anniversary, the CCES Upper School Music Department will present South Pacific. This celebrated show has recently seen a revival at Lincoln Center and a national tour as well. South Pacific is known not only for its memorable score but also for its relevance to World War II and its controversial subject matter, racial prejudice. Based on James Michener’s Pulitzer prize-winning Tales of the South Pacific, the book was almost immediately adapted by Oscar Hammerstein II and Joshua Logan, in collaboration with composer Richard Rodgers, into a musical which opened in 1949. On the heels of World War II, the musical expressed the hopes and dreams of Americans who had served their country and the new face of a diverse population adjusting to accepting its differences. Today, South Pacific remains relevant and, amazingly, fresh. Its poignant tunes and strong characters still speak to our hearts. While some musicals are “entertainment,” a great musical possesses timeless virtues that impact us with something more profound, and that is most definitely South Pacific. From Nellie’s bouncing slice of Americana in “I’m In Love With a Wonderful Guy,” to Emile’s magically romantic “Some Enchanted Evening,” to Cable’s biting dramatic grip on explaining prejudice, “You’ve Got To Be Carefully Taught,” we are indeed enthralled and reflective. It is a powerful show for a powerful cast.
And CCES has such a cast. This year, seniors Cody Cobb and Heather McCall, both Cavalier Player veterans, head the cast as Emile De Becque and Nellie Forbush. Both seniors are three-time All-State Choral singers, are experienced soloists (both at CCES and in local community theatre), and have strong academic music backgrounds in performance, theory, and history. Both students are planning musical careers as they build their resumés for the college track. In a cast of forty, recognizable roles include veteran seniors Connor McEvoy as Lieutenant Joe Cable and Alex Head as Captain Brackett. Supporting roles include freshman Cates McLean as Bloody Mary, sophomore Ayano Tanaka as Liat, senior Reginald Titmas as Luther Billis, and junior Chris Lawdahl as Commander Harbison. From the Lower School, fourth-grader Jeremiah Talbert plays Emile’s son Jerome and from the Middle School, fifth-grader Taylor Harris plays Emile’s daughter Ngana. Zany Seabees, perky ensigns, and native Polynesians embellish the musical drama with such colorful numbers as “There Is Nothin’ Like a Dame,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out-a My Hair,” and “Bali Ha’i.”
The show will have all the accoutrements CCES audiences expect—a professional orchestra, fantastic costumes, a great set, beautiful lighting, and expert sound. Molly Hoffman Aiken and David Sims once again head up the show in direction and technical expertise and anticipate a most memorable production. And as a special treat at the Saturday night show, we will recognize the 1989 CCES cast of South Pacific.
|
 |
 |