Cast calls us to the islands

RALEIGH -- N.C. Theatre brings back the same musicals every seven years or so for a good reason. The company is always on firmer ground with its stagings of classic Broadway shows than with its occasional ventures into newer material. And there's no better example than its current mounting of "South Pacific."

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and multiple Tony awards, 1949's "South Pacific" boasts Rodgers and Hammerstein's most realistic plot and grittiest emotional punch. Set in World War II during the U.S. campaign against the Japanese, the musical's twin love stories still grip the heart with their timely messages about prejudices and fear of things different.

With a score including such enduring hits as "Some Enchanted Evening," "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out-a My Hair" and "Younger Than Springtime," "South Pacific" offers some of the famous collaborators' most satisfying moments. Only the overly talky plot scenes, especially in the second act, bring the musical down from its breezy heights.

But director Matt Lenz does a great job minimizing the clunky spots, and in the show's many wonderful sections, he demonstrates top-flight talents. The ideal cast should be natural and down-to-earth and Lenz gets it, from the cocky Seabees and gregarious nurses to the stern officers and wily islanders. His clean staging, along with Michele Lynch's winningly organic choreography, has no trappings of musical comedy stereotypes, demonstrating a fine feel for the material.

Kate Baldwin gives nurse Nellie Forbush a strong Southern accent to go along with her confident characterization, more forthright than some but extremely likable, her singing and dancing gratifyingly experienced. James Van Treuren takes on the difficult role of plantation owner Emile de Becque, giving him dignity but also a gentle vulnerability, his singing voice capable of quiet emotion and stentorian strength. His French accent sounds natural, except for a few overly emphasized words. The two work well together, making the audience care.

Nicholas Rodriguez has the looks, the voice and the character for a perfect Joe Cable, the lieutenant who falls for young islander Liat, charmingly played by newcomer Brandy Kettisack. As Liat's mother, the shrewd entrepreneur Bloody Mary, Rayanne Gonzales fills the character with energetic humor, stopping the show with a mesmerizing "Bali Ha'i." Howard Kaye refrains overdoing Luther Billis' high jinks, while Tim Maculan and Rick Meadows find humanity in officers Brackett and Harbison.

The uncredited sets have lovely tropical colors, greatly enhanced by spectacular sunsets and moonlight from lighting designer Craig Stelzenmuller. Costumer Ann M. Bruskiewitz gets everything right, from period uniforms to exotic island garb. Conductor Edward G. Robinson weaves all these elements together, ably guiding his 35-piece orchestra through the lush score, marred only by the harshness and imbalances of the sound system.

If it's your first time or your fifth, this "South Pacific" won't disappoint.