Composer

:

Robert Russell Bennett

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Average_duration

:

17:57

"South Pacific" is a musical composed by Robert Russell Bennett, with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and music by Richard Rodgers. The musical premiered on Broadway on April 7, 1949, at the Majestic Theatre and ran for 1,925 performances. The show was based on James A. Michener's Pulitzer Prize-winning book "Tales of the South Pacific." The musical is set during World War II and tells the story of two couples, one American and one French, who fall in love on a tropical island in the South Pacific. The show explores themes of love, prejudice, and the impact of war on individuals and society. The musical is divided into two acts, with a total of 19 musical numbers. The first act includes songs such as "Bloody Mary," "There is Nothing Like a Dame," and "Bali Ha'i." The second act includes songs such as "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair," "Some Enchanted Evening," and "This Nearly Was Mine." One of the characteristics of "South Pacific" is its use of exotic and tropical music, which is reflected in the use of instruments such as the ukulele and steel guitar. The show also features a large ensemble cast, including a chorus of sailors and a group of native islanders. "South Pacific" was groundbreaking in its portrayal of interracial relationships and its exploration of themes of prejudice and discrimination. The show won numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1950. It has been revived on Broadway several times and has been adapted into a film and a television movie.

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