"South Pacific" hits stage this weekend

Imagine yourself on a beach, wiping sweat away from your brow from the scorching sun. Sand, palm trees and a huge blue ocean surround you. Would you like to experience this feeling of being on an island? Then come and relish Silver Lake High School's production of the musical "South Pacific."

Tickets for the musical went on sale Monday, Nov. 14. Prices are $5 for adults and $4 for students and senior citizens. The performances will be Saturday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 4 at 2 p.m.

During fourth hour maroon class, Tonya McGough, musical director, juggles select choir practice and the musical production. Working hard and using this class time efficiently to improve both the musical and select choir is very difficult. McGough said there is still work to be done.

"It's going OK, but we really need to pick up the pace because it's coming down to crunch time, and everybody is going to have to start getting things memorized. We've got to get all the props and sets and all that stuff that comes down to the last minute. That's all got to come together," she said.

McGough explained why she chose this particular musical.

"This musical is a classic, and it brings in a lot of audience because people know about it; it has a lot of appeal. Another reason is because it has a lot of guy parts in it, and we happen to have a large group of really talented guys this year," she said.

She said due to its popularity, "South Pacific" performances ran on Broadway continually for over five years.

The story of "South Pacific" takes place during World War II. Nurse Nellie Forbush (Jayme Lindstrom, junior) falls in love with a French plantation owner, Emile de Becque (Austin Roberson, sophomore). Lieutenant Joe Cable (Brian Hil, junior) arrives on the island to take part in a mission. Luther Billis (Colin Wilstead, senior) notices this opportunity to go over to the mysterious and valuable island of Bali Ha'i. He convinces Cable to go with him.

On Bali Ha'i, Bloody Mary (Kate Taylor, senior), the native souvenir dealer, introduces him to her daughter, Liat (Rachel McCall, senior), and the two fall in love. The two couples plan on marriage but Nellie and Cable will not marry because of Liat and Emile's race.

Lindstrom described the play as, "Two love stories about couples with different backgrounds."

Roberson and Lindstrom confessed that they really hoped they would be cast in the lead roles.

"Believe it or not, I wished for the character Emile because I wanted to be noticed. To be honest with you, I wanted to have a big part in the musical, and I noticed he had the biggest part and thought it would be cool to be him," said Roberson.

Lindstrom also explained why she wished to play Nellie.

"Growing up, I always went to the musicals and hoped to have a lead role some day. If I didn't get Nellie, Bloody Mary would be my second choice. She has a lot of character, she's funny and gets to be in scenes with the boys," explained Lindstrom.

Roberson described how he felt while performing in front of an audience.

"When I am on stage performing, sometimes I get an adrenaline rush, especially when I'm in front of an audience. Usually I'm pretty comfortable and relaxed once I start speaking," he said.

He also described his character Emile.

"Emile is a really rich plantation owner who owns a plantation on this island. He was married to a Polynesian lady and had two children, but she dies and now Nellie comes along and falls in love with him, and I can't tell you what happens in the end," he said.

Lindstrom said she identifies with her character.

"Nellie describes herself as a 'cockeyed optimist,' knucklehead, and a hick," Lindstrom said.

Although Nellie and Emile are the main characters, Lindstrom and Roberson mentioned a few of their favorite characters who are also involved in this musical. Lindstrom feels Josh Ruby, senior, plays his character Captain Brackett very well.

"Josh Ruby is very good at his role. He would do good with any role, and he seems fond of Captain Bracketts' humor and performs very well," she said.

Roberson said Stewpot, played by sophomore Brian Lampe, is his favorite character.

"My favorite character in the musical is Stewpot. He's stupid and he's supposed to be able to go very low with his voice which we all know is not true (of Brian)," he said.

Lindstrom's favorite scene and song is "I'm gonna wash that man right out of my hair."

"I love the scene with just us girls while we're singing 'I'm gonna wash that man right out of my hair.' The girls are so fun and perform it so well. Their enthusiasm really helps get everyone excited," exclaimed Lindstrom.

Roberson's favorite scene of "South Pacific" involves romance.

"My favorite scene of 'South Pacific' is when I ask Nellie to marry me because it gets all mushy. Everybody at rehearsals always go 'aww,'" said Roberson.

Lindstrom and Roberson both hope the musical performances go well.

"I think the performances will go well because we have Jayme. She's very confident, and she is going to be really great. All our lead roles this year are mostly seniors, so I think opening night will be awesome," said Roberson.

Being cast in a lead role is difficult. Memorizing lines and getting into character are just some of the challenges Lindstrom and Roberson have to face. Roberson commented on the kissing scene involving Lindstrom.

"I wouldn't say that I'm nervous. It may be awkward because I have a girlfriend now. I didn't have a girlfriend at the beginning of the year so I wasn't that worried about it. But hopefully it goes well," said Roberson.

Past musicals such as "Guys and Dolls" and "The Wizard of Oz" at SLHS have been very successful. McGough is an experienced director, so the actors hope everything will be in order for an entertaining musical.

"I think and hope that it will run smoothly for Mrs. McGough. I hope it will be enjoyable for everyone to watch," said Lindstrom.

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