South Pacific Review
Skyler Powers
Every year, Homer High School performs their annual musical, and manages to excite and impress onlookers every time. This year’s production was the famous musical, South Pacific. The musical centers around a young, Arkansan nurse, Ensign Nellie Forbush (Bailey Kote), stationed on a Pacific island. Nellie falls in love with a middle aged plantation owner, Emile de Becque (David Perfetti), who has a mysterious past and racially mixed children, which Nellie has trouble coping with. Other supporting characters who star in the production include Rowan Travis as Lieutenant Joseph Cable, Kenian Ulrich as Luther Billis, Kate Halstead as Bloody Mary, and Jenniellen Withers as Liat.
First off, I prefer last year’s production, Bye Bye Birdie, to this, but that is only because I was personally more interested in Bye Bye Birdie’s storyline and characters. However, that being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this musical, and it is a fantastic musical production. I do not have any negative complaints about this production, but certain aspects of it stood out.
Now, I must applaud this musical’s comedy. Whether it be subtle romantic banter or a flamboyant dance sequence involving a male character dressed in a grass skirt and wig, this musical was never anything less than hilarious. This comedy was an advantage to the production as it provided entertainment and a lively feel even in the slower parts of the musical that would have normally made me check my watch. From a comedy perspective, two performers stood out: Kate Halstead as Bloody Mary and Kenian Ulrich as Luther Billis. These two were always providing hilarious comic relief to even the most sincere moments, and this is not a bad thing. They were extremely entertaining and performed their roles very well.
Next up is the music. After all, what is a musical without good music? The music and choreography in this production were spot on and very impressive. This musical had everything a music lover could ask for from slow songs with French elements to exuberant songs accompanied by great dance numbers. Some songs that stood out were “Dites-Moi,” “Some Enchanted Evening,” “Bali Ha’i,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” and “Honey Bun.” The dancing was particularly impressive in “There Is Nothin’ Like A Dame,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” and “Honey Bun.” Props were often also used in these dances which only enhanced the performance.
Lastly, this review would not be complete without praising the performers. Every single performer in this production did a fantastic job, however, some stood out. As I mentioned earlier, Kate Halstead as Bloody Mary and Kenian Ulrich as Luther Billis shined from a comedic perspective, but they were also very impressive from a dramatic perspective as well. Each and every supporting performer delivered a satisfactory performance whether it be Drew Gustafson’s Commander William Harbison or Evan Ulrich’s Captain George Brackett. Lastly, the two lead performers shined the most: David Perfetti as Emile de Becque and Bailey Kote as Ensign Nellie Forbush. They delivered stellar performances and, when they sang, they conveyed an astonishing level of talent. The rest of the people in the auditorium must have felt the same way because when Perfetti and Kote came onto the stage to bow, they received a standing ovation, and, in my opinion, they definitely deserved it.
All in all, this was a superb production filled to the brim with vibrant songs and choreography, and impressive acting. The Homer High School’s annual musical, no matter what it may be, never fails to impress. The acting and music are always stunning, and I cannot wait to see what musicals will be performed in the future. No matter what the choice may be, I am confident that the future musicals will be just as enjoyable and impressive as past ones, if not even more extraordinary.
