South Pacific (musical) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South Pacific |
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Original Broadway poster (1949)
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| Music | Richard Rodgers |
| Lyrics | Oscar Hammerstein II |
| Book | Oscar Hammerstein II Joshua Logan |
| Basis | Tales of the South Pacific by James A. Michener |
| Productions | 1949 Broadway |
| Awards | 1950 Pulitzer Prize for Drama 1950 Tony Award for Best Musical Tony Award for Best Original Score 1950 Tony Award for Best Author 2008 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical |
South Pacific is a famous musical that tells a story through songs and acting. It's based on a book called Tales of the South Pacific by James A. Michener. The musical was created by Richard Rodgers (who wrote the music) and Oscar Hammerstein II (who wrote the words for the songs, called lyrics, and helped write the story, called the book). Joshua Logan also helped write the story. This musical was a huge success, winning important awards like the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Musical.
Contents
Creating South Pacific
How the Musical Began
The idea for South Pacific came from a book of short stories. This book was called Tales of the South Pacific. It was written by James A. Michener in 1947. Two of his stories inspired the musical.
The Creative Team
The musical was brought to life by a famous team. Richard Rodgers wrote all the music. Oscar Hammerstein II wrote the lyrics, which are the words to the songs. Hammerstein also worked with Joshua Logan to write the "book." The "book" is the script and story of the musical.
The Story of South Pacific
What the Musical is About
South Pacific takes place during World War II. It tells the story of American soldiers and nurses on an island. They meet local people and fall in love. The musical explores themes of love and understanding. It shows how people from different backgrounds can connect.
South Pacific on Stage
Opening on Broadway
The musical first opened on Broadway in New York City. This happened on April 7, 1949. It played at the Majestic Theatre. The show was very popular and ran for a long time. It had 1925 performances before closing on January 16, 1954.
Original Stars of the Show
The first Broadway production starred two famous performers. Mary Martin played the role of Nellie Forbush. Ezio Pinza played Emile de Becque. Their performances helped make the show a big hit.
Taking the Show to London
After its success in New York, South Pacific traveled across the ocean. It opened in London's West End. The first performance there was on November 1, 1951. It played at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.
South Pacific on Screen
Becoming a Movie
The musical was so popular that it was made into a movie. Twentieth Century-Fox released the film in 1958. The movie version starred Mitzi Gaynor and Rosanno Brazzi. This helped even more people see and enjoy the story.
Awards and Recognition
South Pacific won many important awards. In 1950, it received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. This is a very high honor for plays and musicals. It also won the Tony Award for Best Musical. The show also earned Tony Awards for its original music, lyrics, and story. Later, a revival of the musical in 2008 also won a Tony Award.
Images for kids
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Rodgers (left) and Hammerstein
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Ezio Pinza
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Playbill cover
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From left: Logan, Rodgers, Hammerstein, Martin and Michener
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Billis (Myron McCormick) and Bloody Mary (Juanita Hall) haggle over grass skirts as Bali Ha'i looms in the background
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Juanita Hall as Bloody Mary
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Emile (Pinza) decides whether to go with Cable (William Tabbert) and place his hoped-for life with Nellie at risk
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The "Thanksgiving Follies", from the original production.
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The final tableau from the original production
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Ray Middleton and Mary Martin as Emile and Nellie in the original production (1950)
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"Happy Talk": Cable (William Tabbert) watches Liat (Betta St. John) and Bloody Mary (Hall).
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Emile (Pinza) with his children.
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Nellie (Martin) praises the laundry skills of Billis (McCormick) as his friends look on.
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Mary Martin washed her hair onstage eight times a week.
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Cover of original cast album
See also
In Spanish: South Pacific (musical) para niños
