Based on short stories by James Michener published collectively as Tales of the South Pacific, the musical South Pacific opened on Broadway at the Majestic Theatre on April 7, 1949, starring Mary Martin, Ezio Pinza and Juanita Hall. South Pacific won the 1950 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, marking the first time the committee included a composer in the drama prize. The original production … Read More
Finale Ultimo
With Emile’s whereabouts still in question, Nellie goes to Emile’s house to be with his children, Ngana and Jerome. The three are sharing a meal on their patio dinner table when Emile suddenly appears, home from the mission. He joins them at the table, taking Nellie’s hand in his.
This Nearly Was Mine
Emile, feeling he has lost the love of his life, grieves for the love-filled life he might have known.
You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught
When Nellie discovers that Emile’s children are of mixed-race lineage, she decides she cannot marry him. Lt. Cable, unable to overcome his own prejudices and marry Liat, bitterly comments on the racism he and Nellie were raised to internalize.
Honey Bun
At the Thanksgiving Follies, Nellie dons an oversized sailor’s uniform to portray a serviceman who sings the praises of his “dainty” girlfriend. When the sailor’s “Honey Bun” appears, she is played by Luther Billis, complete with grass skirt and coconut bikini top.
Happy Talk
Hoping to convince Lt. Cable to marry her daughter Liat, Bloody Mary describes the life the two young lovers could have together.
Younger Than Springtime
When Lieutenant Cable meets Bloody Mary’s daughter Liat on the island of Bali H’ai, he is immediately taken by her beauty. After they spend a quick and passionate night together, Cable confesses his surprising love for her.
Bali Ha’i (Reprise)
As Cable, Luther Billis and Bloody Mary make their way to Bali H’ai, the women of the island reprise the song in French.
A Wonderful Guy
After telling her girlfriends that she was washing Emile “outa her hair,” Nellie turns on a dime, boldly proclaiming that she indeed loves him.
I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair
Out by the showers, Nellie declares her independence, vowing to end her relationship with Emile de Becque. This playful tune was inspired by Mary Martin’s notion of actually shampooing her hair while singing a song – something she’d never seen anyone do. Eight times a week, before a paying audience, that’s exactly what she did. An anthem of independence and … Read More
My Girl Back Home
Two transplanted Americans, Nellie Forbush and Lt. Joe Cable, muse over what they left at home, and what awaits them when they return.
Bali Ha’i
Bloody Mary tells the Seabees and Marines about a mysterious island, just across the bay, where hopes and dreams “bloom on the hillside.” Later, Luther Billis convinces Lt. Cable to travel to the exotic paradise, where Cable meets his love, Liat.
There Is Nothin’ Like a Dame
Eager to make it to Bali Ha’i, where they hope to find shrunken heads, ivory bracelets and female companionship, Luther Billis and the Seabees celebrate the power of women.
Bloody Mary
American servicemen cheer on their beloved Bloody Mary, a local Tonkinese entrepreneur, as she confronts a Marine for not buying one of the grass skirts she’s selling.
Some Enchanted Evening
Recalling the moment when he first saw Nellie just two weeks before, Emile plainly expresses his love for her in this stunning ballad, which would go on to become an American standard. “Some Enchanted Evening,” sung by Ezio Pinza on the original 1949 Broadway cast recording, was also recorded by Perry Como, whose popular single soared to number one on … Read More
Twin Soliloquies
During an otherwise platonic conversation, Emile and Nellie consider the romantic possibilities of their new relationship.