Composer

:

Richard Rodgers

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Musical Theater

Compose Date

:

1949

First Performance

:

Apr 7, 1949

Average_duration

:

60:20

'South Pacific' is a musical composed by Richard Rodgers, with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and a book by Hammerstein and Joshua Logan. The musical is based on James A. Michener's Pulitzer Prize-winning 1947 book 'Tales of the South Pacific'. The musical premiered on Broadway at the Majestic Theatre on April 7, 1949, and ran for 1,925 performances. The plot of 'South Pacific' revolves around two love stories set against the backdrop of World War II in the South Pacific. The first story follows Nellie Forbush, a young nurse from Little Rock, Arkansas, who falls in love with Emile de Becque, a French plantation owner. The second story follows Lieutenant Joseph Cable, a young Marine who falls in love with Liat, the daughter of Bloody Mary, a Tonkinese souvenir dealer. The musical features several memorable songs, including "Some Enchanted Evening," "Bali Ha'i," "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair," and "There is Nothin' Like a Dame." The music is characterized by lush orchestrations and sweeping melodies, reflecting the exotic setting of the South Pacific. 'South Pacific' was a groundbreaking musical for its time, addressing issues of racial prejudice and the effects of war on individuals and society. The musical's themes of love and acceptance continue to resonate with audiences today. In addition to its Broadway run, 'South Pacific' has been adapted for film, television, and stage productions around the world. The musical has also been revived on Broadway several times, most recently in 2008, and has won numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1950.

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