Today was a two-rehearsal day for South Pacific, which is shaping up to be a truly excellent show. All morning was spent on Act One, with the afternoon being devoted to Act Two. The set in particular is outstanding, quite detailed and on par with a first-rate touring production in terms of quality and attractiveness. I hope anyone who reads these missives will come and see the show.
I am, as I have mentioned before, particularly enjoying recreating the Captain Brackett role that Andrew Gainey made so memorable in a production I was in 20 years ago. AG was a good friend and teacher, and one of my early heroes of the theatre. He passed away almost six years ago, but I still think of him frequently. He was an amazing person who taught me a lot about music and performing.
Our cast is very strong. Kristi Tingle-Higginbotham is the perfect Nellie, cute, energetic, and full of the "sparkle" that Nellie embodies. Bill Bugg as Emile DeBecque has a rich, James Earl Jones type of voice that truly could fit in perfectly on any operatic stage in Europe or America. Jeff Johnson is a hysterical Billis, Lucas Pepke fits the dictionary definition of "Young Leading Man" as Lt. Cable, Ginger Goodall is Bloody Mary to a "T," complete with flawless voice and charming character, and Russell Jones brings the perfect "aw shucks" quality to Buzz Adams...and the list goes on...Howard Green and Raymond Quintero are ideal as The Professor and Stewpot, Don Garrett makes a wonderfully pompous Harbison, Kristen Sharp is both adorable and touching as Liat, the nurses are talented and pretty, the kids are brilliant, and the seabees are lively and fun.
The best part of all, from my standpoint, is that everyone in the cast is SO INCREDIBLY NICE. This cast really has felt like an ersatz family, from the nurses all learning to knit (no joke) to the good-natured horseplay among the seabees...everyone plays well together, and there is a true feeling of camaraderie and good will among the group. I will sincerely miss these people when the show ends.
I'm sure it sounds self-serving to promote so strongly a show in which I am performing, but it really is that good.
So...don't miss South Pacific at The Virginia Samford Theatre, January 12-22. :-)
FLT3
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