New Jersey’s Paper Mill Playhouse presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic romance South Pacific April 9 through May 4. The new production stars Broadway’s Erin Mackey (Wicked, Chaplin, Anything Goes) as Ensign Nellie Forbush and opera star Jason Howard as Emile de Becque, with Loretta Ables Sayre reprising her Tony-nominated performance as Bloody Mary. Below, BroadwayBox introduces you to each of South Pacific’s principal players through YouTube videos from their past.
Erin Mackey (Ensign Nellie Forbush)
Check out Mackey’s performance as Clara in South Coast Repertory’s The Light in the Piazza. Cool connection that Kelli O’Hara, who played Nellie Forbush in the last Broadway revival of South Pacific, originated the role of Clara in the Broadway production of Piazza.
Jason Howard (Emile de Becque)
Paper Mill has recruited opera star Jason Howard to play Emile, which means this glorious voice sings “Some Enchanted Evening.” Check out the pro singing “Oh, di qual'onta aggravasi” from act three of Verdi’s Nabucco.
Loretta Ables Sayre (Bloody Mary)
One of the break out stars of Broadway’s 2008 season, Loretta Ables Sayre creates such a well-drawn and captivating Bloody Mary that it’s worth the price of admission alone. Above, she owns South Pacific’s haunting anthem “Bali Ha’i.”
Tally Sessions (Luther Billis)
Arguably the most lovable character in South Pacific is goofball Luther Billis, and, in this production, Tally Sessions (last seen in Broadway’s Big Fish) steps into the character’s coconut bra and hula skirt. Sessions sounds awesome performing “Fight the Dragons” from Big Fish. #CantWaitforHoneyBun
Doug Carpenter(Lt. Joe Cable)
Newcomer Doug Carpenter has an incredible voice. Just take 7:31 seconds and treat yourself to him singing “Soliloquy” from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel. You'll be just as blown away as we are.
South Pacific runs at Paper Mill Playhouse April 9 through May 4.
