Enchanting musical

Mar 21 2008 by Michael Green, Flintshire Chronicle

RODGERS and Hammerstein’s most celebrated musical masterpiece, South Pacific, runs at the Liverpool Empire from March 25-29.

Made into a blockbuster film in 1958, this touring production stars Helena Blackman who was recently on tour with 42nd Street and was runner-up in BBC1’s How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria.

Blackman plays Nellie Forbush, a US Navy nurse from Little Rock, Arkansas who is posted to a Pacific island.

She falls in love with plantation owner Emile de Becque, played by Dave Willetts.

Willetts has previously headlined in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers on tour and in London’s West End.

It is not long before Nellie discovers secrets of de Becque’s past, which she finds difficult to deal with.

The story, adapted from James A Michener’s Pulitzer prize-winning Tales of the South Pacific, also follows the life of Lieutenant Joe Cable, who finds himself in a similar situation to Nellie.

The musical score is as breathtaking as its tropical setting, with great songs including Some Enchanted Evening, Younger Than Springtime and There is Nothing Like a Dame.

Peter Frosdick and Martin Dodd for UK Productions produced the show, which won nine Tony awards.

It is directed by Julian Woolford and choreographed by Chris Hocking.

Tickets range from £12.50 to £32.50. Ring 0844 847 2525 or visit www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk.