Review: “South Pacific” provides an “Enchanted Evening” for Marriott theater-goers

BY ED COLLINS

Reviewer

“Some Enchanted Evening” is more than just a leading song in “South Pacific,” now playing at the Marriott Theater in Lincolnshire. It also describes a wonderful theatrical evening for the entire family.

Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein’s Pulitzer Prize-winning musical about war and prejudice on a small Pacific island during World War II captured the hearts of a packed Marriott theater-in-the-round crowd on opening night April 3. It plays here until June 2.

The musical was based upon a series of short stories originally written by James Michener during the war in his fiction book “Tales of the South Pacific.” Michener’s book won a Pulitzer Prize for his efforts, and after the musical “South Pacific” later was deemed a big hit both Rogers and Hammerstein received a 1949 Pulitzer Prize for drama, based upon its dramatic theatrical interpretation.

Both leads in the play are marvelous. Stephen Buntrock, who played French plantation owner Emile de Becque, held the audience spell-bound with a rich baritone voice and a commanding stage presence. He made his original appearance in “South Pacific” at the Marriott Theater 23 years ago playing the amorous Lt. Joseph Cable to pretty Liat, daughter of enterprising Bloody Mary.

And speaking of Bloody Mary, Bethany Thomas was fabulous in her debut role here.

The veteran actress, with a great singing voice, has starred in productions such as “Hair Spray” at Oakbrook’s Drury Lane, “Porgy & Bess,” ”She Loves Me,” “Cabaret”, “Into The Woods,” and others.

Thomas’ vocal talent on songs such as “Bali Ha’i” and “Happy Talk” brought the appreciative audience to their feet.

Elizabeth Lanza. as nurse Nellie Forbush, provides the passion opposite Buntrock’s “Emile.” As a naive young nurse from Little Rock out to see the world during wartime, the U.S. Navy deposits her on a small atoll habituated by French planter expatriates and the Navy’s love-starved Seabees.

Lanza displayed a lovely voice when she and Buntrock reprised a memorable “Some Enchanted Evening.” It brought down the house, as some might say.

Nellie meets and falls in love with Emile, but when she discovers he has two children from a previous Polynesian wife who is now dead she becomes unwilling to take on that kind of responsibility.

However, minds change and love conquers all. She charms Emile’s two darling young children played by Dylan Lainez and Alexis Navarrete Aponte who were terrific in the role, particularly in singing “Dites-Moi” with daddy Buntrock.

Other talented cast members included Stef Tovar as wiseacre Seabee Luther Billis, who always had a scheme or two up his sly sleeve. And we mustn’t forget Dev Kennedy, who played the officious Captain Brackett to the hilt. He had his hands full keeping track of Bloody Mary peddling her grass skirt merchandise, the ever-roaming Seabees seeking women, and watchful for potential Japanese invaders.

Ben Jacoby, who played Air Corps pilot Lt. .Joseph Cable, also displayed talent with a fine voice and solid professional acting skills. He had just appeared in Marriott’s previous production “Now and Forever: The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber” so is well familiar with the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort.

This is a show that you and the family will not want to miss. Hopefully, it won’t require another 23 year absence to return to the Marriott. The unforgettable music and acting are great. The palm tree and flowers scenery is creative. Kudos to Nancy Missimi for her imaginative costume designs, and musical conductor and keyboard artist Patti Garwood, who has been with Marriott Theater since 1994, receives another of many feathers in her hat.

It’s also another big thumbs up for Director David Bell and Executive Producer Terry James. They really have a knack for producing outstanding musical theater, and we are very lucky to have them located in our area. 

And why not come early and enjoy dinner at Marriott Resort’s King’s Wharf. The fine food certainly adds to the evening’s enjoyment. Call Marriott for reservations at 847-634-0100. For theater tickets call the Box Office at 847-634-0200 between 9am and 5pm daily.