South Pacific is set on a fictional island in the Pacific during World War II. The story follows the romance between Ensign Nellie Forbush, a naïve young nurse from Arkansas, and Emile de Becque, a French plantation owner with a mysterious past. The musical explores themes of love, prejudice, and the human cost of war.
South Pacific is considered a masterpiece of American musical theater for several reasons. The score, by Rodgers and Hammerstein, is one of the most beautiful and memorable in musical theater history. The songs, including "Some Enchanted Evening," "Younger Than Springtime," and "Bali Ha'i," have become standards and are still performed and loved today.
The book, by Oscar Hammerstein II, is equally impressive. It is a complex and nuanced story that deals with serious themes in a sensitive and intelligent way. The characters are all well-developed and relatable, and the story is full of dramatic tension and suspense.
South Pacific was also groundbreaking in its portrayal of race and prejudice. The musical was one of the first to feature an interracial romance, and it challenged the prevailing attitudes of the time. The song "You've Got to Be Carefully Taught" is a powerful indictment of racism, and it remains a relevant and timely message today.
In addition to its musical and dramatic merits, South Pacific is also significant for its historical context. The musical premiered just four years after the end of World War II, and it reflected the nation's mood of hope and optimism. The musical's themes of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation resonated with audiences who were weary of war and eager to move on.
South Pacific is a timeless classic of American musical theater. It is a beautiful, moving, and thought-provoking work that continues to entertain and inspire audiences around the world.