South Pacific Revival 2008

Run Time:
3 three hours, with one intermission
Opened: April 3, 2008
Closing: August 22, 2010

South Pacific - 2008 - Broadway History , Info & More

Vivian Beaumont Theatre (Broadway)
150 West 65th St. at Broadway New York, NY 10023

Although well known for its extraordinary score -- the songs include Some Enchanted Evening, Younger Than Springtime, Bali Ha'i, There Is Nothin' Like A Dame, and A Wonderful Guy -- South Pacific is also a deeply felt drama. Its portrayal of Americans stationed in an alien culture in wartime is as relevant today as when it first thrilled audiences in 1949.



Now in its first Broadway revival, South Pacific won seven 2008 Tonys and has been playing to sold-out houses since the first preview in March 2008. Three time Tony nominee Kelli O'Hara and acclaimed bass-baritone David Pittsinger lead the marvelous cast of 40 directed by Tony winner Bartlett Sher.

Get South Pacific Email Alerts

Be the first to get ticket offers, news, photos & more.

FEATURED REVIEWS FOR South Pacific

FUN ENCHANTED EVENING
10 / 10

The manner in which music and the original James Michener stories unfurl throughout in a mix of comedy, romance and a touch of tragedy is theatrical magic of the most beguiling kind. Sher has been helped here by Christopher Gatelli's boisterous but unobtrusive choreography, Michael Yeargan's beautiful settings (at the start, the thrust stage rolls back to expose the full and eloquent orchestra) and Catherine Zuber's carefully accurate costumes. Where Sher and Yeargan have been especially effective is in their sense of period, and, more important, a period filtered through the perspective of history. (Interestingly, although the races are carefully kept apart, the show updates the integration of the US Navy by a couple of decades.) This 'South Pacific' is not a faded photograph, but a modern etching.

South Pacific
8 / 10

Fittingly, it's the music that is the most prominent aspect of the production, as evidenced by the starring role of the large orchestra. At the beginning of the evening, it receives a huge ovation, before the stage slowly extends over the musicians to bring the performers closer to the audience. Directed by Bartlett Sher, this lavish production doesn't always succeed on a purely dramatic level, with the story line involving the major characters never quite connecting the way it should. But it does do full justice to the glorious score, and that's more than enough.

SOUTH PACIFIC Closes on Broadway August 22
by BWW News Desk - August 22, 2010


Lincoln Center Theater's Tony Award winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC, directed by Bartlett Sher, will end its record-breaking run at the Vivian Beaumont Theater on Sunday, August 22. By the time it ends its long run SOUTH PACIFIC will have played 1000 performances and 37 previews, making it the longest-running Broadway revival of any of the Rodgers & Hammerstein musicals.

O'Hara & Szot Reunite for SOUTH PACIFIC PBS Broadcast Tonight, 8/18
by Jessica Lewis - August 18, 2010


'Live From Lincoln Center' will present the television premiere of Lincoln Center Theater's Tony® Award-winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC tonight, August 18, at 8:00 p.m. on PBS, live from the Vivian Beaumont Theater. Lincoln Center Theater's new production of the musical classic won seven Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival as well as the Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Drama League Award for Best Musical Revival. SOUTH PACIFIC, directed by Bartlett Sher, began performances Saturday, March 1, 2008 and opened Thursday, April 3, 2008 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. The show will end its record breaking run on Sunday, August 22, 2010, making it the longest running Broadway revival of a Rodgers & Hammerstein musical.

'Live From Lincoln Center' Presents TV Premiere of SOUTH PACIFIC, 8/18
by BWW News Desk - August 18, 2010


'Live From Lincoln Center' will present the television premiere of Lincoln Center Theater's Tony® Award-winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC, on Wednesday, August 18 at 8:00 p.m. on PBS, live from the Vivian Beaumont Theater. Lincoln Center Theater's new production of the musical classic won seven Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival as well as the Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Drama League Award for Best Musical Revival. SOUTH PACIFIC, directed by Bartlett Sher, began performances Saturday, March 1, 2008 and opened Thursday, April 3, 2008 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. The show will end its record breaking run on Sunday, August 22, 2010, making it the longest running Broadway revival of a Rodgers & Hammerstein musical.

'Live From Lincoln Center' Presents TV Premiere of SOUTH PACIFIC, 8/18
by Molly Hagan - August 16, 2010


'Live From Lincoln Center' will present the television premiere of Lincoln Center Theater's Tony® Award-winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC, on Wednesday, August 18 at 8:00 p.m. on PBS, live from the Vivian Beaumont Theater. Lincoln Center Theater's new production of the musical classic won seven Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival as well as the Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Drama League Award for Best Musical Revival. SOUTH PACIFIC, directed by Bartlett Sher, began performances Saturday, March 1, 2008 and opened Thursday, April 3, 2008 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. The show will end its record breaking run on Sunday, August 22, 2010, making it the longest running Broadway revival of a Rodgers & Hammerstein musical.

Kelli O'Hara Returns to SOUTH PACIFIC 8/10 - 8/22; Show Airs Live 8/18 on PBS
by BWW News Desk - August 10, 2010


Kelli O'Hara, who won critical acclaim for her performance as Nellie Forbush in Lincoln Center Theater's production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC will return to the production on Tuesday, August 10 and perform the role through Sunday, August 22 when the musical plays the final performance of its record-breaking run at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. On Wednesday, August 18, the Tony Award winning production, directed by Bartlett Sher, will be broadcast nationally at 8pm on PBS' 'Live From Lincoln Center.'

Morrison Will Not Return to SOUTH PACIFIC
by Nicolas Coburn - August 4, 2010


Matthew Morrison will not be returning to SOUTH PACIFIC this month, as was rumored, and will therefore not be taking part in the 'Live from Lincoln Center' performance, according to a report by Playbill.com. Morrison is currently at work filming the second season of the Emmy-nominated show GLEE.

Ken Fallin Illustrates: Kelli O'Hara in SOUTH PACIFIC
by Ken Fallin - July 31, 2010


BroadwayWold.com is pleased to present illustrator Ken Fallin, who brings you original illustrations of everyone's favorite theatrical stars each week. This week's feature: Kelli O'Hara in SOUTH PACIFIC. O'Hara, who originated the role of Nellie Forbush in the Tony-winning revival at Lincoln Center, returns to the production from August 6 through August 22 to finish out the show's run.

BWW TV: Bway in Bryant Park - SOUTH PACIFIC!
by Robert Diamond - July 16, 2010


The best of Broadway is being presented free on six consecutive Thursdays this summer with '106.7 Lite fm Presents Broadway in Bryant Park 2010' - a lunchtime series which began on Thursday, July 8th at 12:30pm on the Bryant Park Stage. Sponsored by Bank of America, and JCPenney 33rd & 6th, and hosted by Lite fm's on-air personalities, the tenth annual presentation of open-air, On- and Off- Broadway lunch hour performances runs through August 12th.

Paulo Szot Returns to SOUTH PACIFIC, 7/7
by BWW News Desk - July 7, 2010


Tony Award winner Paulo Szot returns to the role of Emile de Becque in Lincoln Center Theater's Tony Award winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC, at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, on Wednesday, July 7, returning after a leave to fulfill a previous opera commitment.

Photo Flash: WWII Veterans Enjoy SOUTH PACIFIC as Guests of Times Square Nurse
by Gabrielle Sierra - July 6, 2010


WWII Veterans Enjoy 'South Pacific' as Guests of 'Times Square Nurse' More than 50 World War II veterans and their wives began their July 4th weekend with a special reception in their honor held at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles last Saturday (July 3) and the matinee performance of 'South Pacific' as guests of the late Edith Shain, the 'Times Square Nurse' who passed away on June 20 at age 91.

William Michals Performs Final Show in SOUTH PACIFIC 7/4
by BWW News Desk - July 4, 2010


It has been announced that baritone William Michals assumes the role of Emile de Becque in Lincoln Center Theater's Tony Award winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC, at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, for a five week period beginning Tuesday, June 1st through Sunday, July 4th. The production's current Emile de Becque, Tony Award winner Paulo Szot, leaves the musical on May 30 for an opera engagement in Europe. He returns to South Pacific on July 6, 2010 and will play the role through the end of the show's run on Broadway on August 22..

Paulo Szot Returns to SOUTH PACIFIC, 7/7
by Jessica Lewis - June 22, 2010


Tony Award winner Paulo Szot returns to the role of Emile de Becque in Lincoln Center Theater's Tony Award winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC, at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, on Wednesday, July 7, returning after a leave to fulfill a previous opera commitment.

RIALTO CHATTER: Matthew Morrison Headed Back to SOUTH PACIFIC?
by Rialto Chatter - June 3, 2010


Matthew Morrison, who originated the role of Lieutenant Joseph Cable in the current Broadway production of SOUTH PACIFIC, may be returning to the production in order to appear in the 'Live from Lincoln Center' performance on August 18, the Los Angeles Times reported yesterday. According to a Lincoln Center spokesman, Morrison's return will depend on his filming schedule for 'Glee,' the hit television show of which he is a star.

SOUTH PACIFIC, O'Hara, Lithgow, et. al Perform at World Science Opening Gala, 6/2
by BWW News Desk - June 2, 2010


Current cast members of SOUTH PACIFIC, Tony nominee Kelli O'Hara, cellist, Yo-Yo Ma, and John Lithgow are among the performers scheduled for the lineup at The World Science Festival's opening night-gala, June 2 at Alice Tully Hall. The opening-night celebration will feature the cast of Broadway's SOUTH PACIFIC singing 'Derivative Song' and 'Galaxy Song'. Kelli O'Hara, who originated the role of Nelli Forbush in the SOUTH PACIFIC revival, will perform 'Stardust'. Finally, in the second half of the gala, David Henry Hwang will present his world premiere play, based on a children's book written by Brian Green. Tony Award winner John Lithgow will narrate.

Kelli O'Hara Returns to SOUTH PACIFIC 8/10 - 8/22; Show Airs Live 8/18 on PBS
by Jessica Lewis - June 1, 2010


Kelli O'Hara, who won critical acclaim for her performance as Nellie Forbush in Lincoln Center Theater's production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC will return to the production on Tuesday, August 10 and perform the role through Sunday, August 22 when the musical plays the final performance of its record-breaking run at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. On Wednesday, August 18, the Tony Award winning production, directed by Bartlett Sher, will be broadcast nationally at 8pm on PBS' 'Live From Lincoln Center.'

William Michals To Cover Szot in SOUTH PACIFIC, 6/1-7/4
by BWW News Desk - June 1, 2010


It has been announced that baritone William Michals assumes the role of Emile de Becque in Lincoln Center Theater's Tony Award winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC, at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, for a five week period beginning Tuesday, June 1st through Sunday, July 4th. The production's current Emile de Becque, Tony Award winner Paulo Szot, leaves the musical on May 30 for an opera engagement in Europe. He returns to South Pacific on July 6, 2010 and will play the role through the end of the show's run on Broadway on August 22..

SOUTH PACIFIC, O'Hara, Lithgow, et. al Perform at World Science Opening Gala, 6/2
by Caroline Cole - May 20, 2010


Current cast members of SOUTH PACIFIC, Tony nominee Kelli O'Hara, cellist, Yo-Yo Ma, and John Lithgow are among the performers scheduled for the lineup at The World Science Festival's opening night-gala, June 2 at Alice Tully Hall. The opening-night celebration will feature the cast of Broadway's SOUTH PACIFIC singing 'Derivative Song' and 'Galaxy Song'. Kelli O'Hara, who originated the role of Nelli Forbush in the SOUTH PACIFIC revival, will perform 'Stardust'. Finally, in the second half of the gala, David Henry Hwang will present his world premiere play, based on a children's book written by Brian Green. Tony Award winner John Lithgow will narrate.

William Michals To Cover Szot in SOUTH PACIFIC, 6/1-7/4
by Mary Hanrahan - May 19, 2010


It has been announced that baritone William Michals assumes the role of Emile de Becque in Lincoln Center Theater's Tony Award winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC, at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, for a five week period beginning Tuesday, June 1st through Sunday, July 4th. The production's current Emile de Becque, Tony Award winner Paulo Szot, leaves the musical on May 30 for an opera engagement in Europe. He returns to South Pacific on July 6, 2010 and will play the role through the end of the show's run on Broadway on August 22..

Szot Returns to SOUTH PACIFIC, 3/31
by Jessica Lewis - March 30, 2010


Opera baritone Paulo Szot returns to the role of Emile de Becque in Lincoln Center Theater's Tony Award winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC, at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, this Wednesday (March 31) fresh from his triumphant Metropolitan Opera debut in their new production of Shostakovich's The Nose.

David Pittsinger Ends Return Engagement in SOUTH PACIFIC as Emile de Becque, 3/21
by BWW News Desk - March 21, 2010


Bass-Baritone David Pittsinger will end his stint as Emile de Becque on March 21st in Lincoln Center Theater's Tony Award winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC, at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, after a seven week run. The production's original Emile de Becque, baritone Paulo Szot, returns to South Pacific on March 30, 2010.

SOUTH PACIFIC'S David Pittsinger Dishes on Broadway and Opera Double Duty
by Samantha Jacobsen - March 17, 2010


Broadway Bass-Baritone David Pittsinger recently talked to the New York Times about his uniquely demanding schedule. Pittsinger is currently performing eight times per week in the Tony Award-winning revivial of South Pacific at the Vivian Beaumont Theater as Emile de Becque as well as portraying the ghost' of Hamelt's father in 'Hamlet' at the Metropolitan Opera.

South Pacific FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of South Pacific have there been?
South Pacific has had 15 productions including Broadway which opened in 1949, Broadway which opened in 1949, US Tour which opened in 1950, West End which opened in 1951, Broadway which opened in 1955, Broadway which opened in 1955, Off-Broadway which opened in 1967, West End which opened in 1988, Milburn, NJ (Regional) which opened in 1994, West End which opened in 2001, Off-Broadway which opened in 2005, Broadway which opened in 2008, West End which opened in 2011, US Tour which opened in 2022 and West End which opened in 2022.
What Tony Awards has South Pacific been nominated for?
South Pacific has been nominated for several Tony Awards. These include Best Choreography for Christopher Gattelli, Best Costume Design of a Musical for Catherine Zuber, Best Direction of a Musical for Bartlett Sher, Best Lighting Design of a Musical for Donald Holder, Best Revival of a Musical for Lincoln Center Theater and Bob Boyett, Best Scenic Design of a Musical for Michael Yeargan, and Best Sound Design of a Musical for Scott Lehrer.
What Tony Awards has South Pacific won?
South Pacific has won several Tony Awards, including Best Choreography for Christopher Gattelli, Best Costume Design of a Musical for Catherine Zuber, Best Direction of a Musical for Bartlett Sher, Best Lighting Design of a Musical for Donald Holder, Best Revival of a Musical for Lincoln Center Theater, Best Revival of a Musical for Bob Boyett, Best Scenic Design of a Musical for Michael Yeargan, and Best Sound Design of a Musical for Scott Lehrer.
What awards has South Pacific been nominated for?
South Pacific has been nominated for several awards, including Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Bartlett Sher, Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Donald Holder, Outstanding Revival of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards), Outstanding Set Design of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Michael Yeargan, Outstanding Sound Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Scott Lehrer, Outstanding Choreography (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Christopher Gattelli, Outstanding Costume Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Catherine Zuber, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Bartlett Sher, Outstanding Revival of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards), Outstanding Set Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Michael Yeargan, Lighting Design (The Hewes Awards) for Donald Holder, Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Loretta Ables Sayre, and Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Paulo Szot.
What awards has South Pacific won?
South Pacific has won several awards, including Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Bartlett Sher, Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Donald Holder, Outstanding Revival of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for South Pacific, Outstanding Set Design of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Michael Yeargan, Outstanding Sound Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Scott Lehrer, Outstanding Choreography (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Christopher Gattelli, Outstanding Costume Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Catherine Zuber, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Bartlett Sher, Outstanding Revival of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards), Outstanding Set Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Michael Yeargan, Lighting Design (The Hewes Awards) for Donald Holder, Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Loretta Ables Sayre, and Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Paulo Szot.

Videos