This year’s production of South Pacific, directed by Theatre Arts Director Frank Marino, was a stunning performance that gripped both critics and students alike. "It was a magnificent demonstration of the performing skills, the musical talent and the directing ability of both the students and the faculty," said sophomore Ricky Redick. The play had an emotional and humorous side that appealed to the audience. Both the orchestra and the actors practiced rigorously to put together a great performance.

The setting of the musical is a small island in the South Pacific, during World War II. The island is occupied by American troops, who socialize with the natives. Ensign Nellie Norbush is a nurse in the army, and falls in love with Emile de Becque, a Frenchman who has lived on the island most of his life. Lt. Joe Cable is transferred to the island, and has to become accustomed to the new way of life. He is enticed by a native, Bloody Mary, and other soldiers looking for a good time to go to a mystical island, Bali Hai. There, he falls in love with another native. While this is going on, Nellie and Emile are going through rough times, but still are deeply in love. As the war rages on, both Lt. Cable and Emile go on an important mission, and the American troops are reassigned. It is a story of tragedy and love, and the combination leads to a dramatic ending.

"It was quite good. The quality of the acting was great, but what I was most impressed by was the orchestra. It was almost professional," said sophomore Nick Huizenga. "I can’t wait until next year’s musical."

The characters include Emile de Becque, played by senior Eric Jacobs, who is an elegant Frenchman living on the island. Nellie Forbush is a nurse who is trying to deal with her relationship, played by seniors Mary Prendergast and Liz Wanlund. Bloody Mary, played by senior Clare McNamara, is a native of the island always looking to make a quick buck. Lt. Joe Cable, a lieutenant in the army who has just been transferred to the island, is played by Joe Stroup. Luther Billies, played by senior David Lowe, is a free going soldier in the army who brings a comic side to the story. Capt. George Brackett, played by senior James Slaton, is a captain in the US Navy who is commanding the operations on the island. There are many more characters to the play, including soldiers, sailors, nurses, natives, and others.

Both the actors and orchestra worked hard to perform their best all four nights. The orchestra not only consisted of students, but of three teachers, Kristin Snyder, Kate Hopkins, playing the violin, and Linda Galafaro, playing the french horn. The rehearsal schedule was hectic to get both groups to practice together. But in the end, it all came through harmoniously.

"We had to practice hard the weeks before, and it was very intense the last week of rehearsal. But when time came to perform, both the orchestra and the actors came through," said Freshman Rachel Leonard, who played the flute in the orchestra. Though the rehearsal was tight, the musical turned out great.