See ‘South Pacific’ at VPA

WASILLA — South Pacific is onstage at Valley Performing Arts. Rejuvenated by local talent, this classic Rodgers and Hammerstein production will keep you entertained. The love stories between Ensign Nellie Forbush and French Planter Emile de Becque (played by VPA rookies Tanya Hegg and Edwin Ford) and Lt. Joseph Cable and the young Liat (played by Hyrum Nelson and Sierra Bydlon) provide the heart that draws the audience into the story. The production touches on themes of racism, war, love and the commercial value of a good grass skirt. Todd Broste as Luther Billis and Patsy Tuisaula as Bloody Mary do an outstanding job of breaking up the heavier moments with roll-in-your-seat comedy. These two outstanding character actors are supported by troops of exuberant nurses and desperately hilarious naval serviceman who keep it light with rollicking choreography and peppy one-liners.

The production opens with a truly beautiful musical prologue by the nine-piece orchestra, which accompanies the quality vocal performances throughout the show. The principles hold their own with the show’s iconic tunes, and Tuisaula’s performance of “Bali Ha’i” is a standout.

South Pacific transports its audience back in time and across time zones to the WWII Pacific Islands. The set is an intricate, creative masterpiece that makes use of every inch of the intimate community theater’s limited space. Palm trees and airy draperies line the stage, framing the painted scenery that brings a small piece of the tropics to the Mat-Su Valley.

The play runs a little more than three hours (including intermission) and can feel a little long in places, but Larry Bottjen’s excellent direction results in a delightful show. It’s a hoot for adults but may be inappropriate for young children. Parents are advised to use their best judgment as more than one actor does remove his shirt, some actresses wear revealing bathing suits and adult themes are expressed.

South Pacific plays at 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m., Sundays, through April 19 at the Fred and Sara Machetanz Theatre, 251 W. Swanson Avenue, in Wasilla. Tickets can be purchased online at valleyperformingarts.org, or call 373-0195.

Jamie O’Connor is the social media director for “Moose the Movie” and a VPA social media intern for Season 38.