South Pacific
17 Mar 2010
Theatregoers are being promised 'Some Enchanted Evening' by Solihull School in its revival of the hit musical South Pacific this week.
More than 100 pupils are taking part in the Rodgers and Hammerstein masterpiece from March 16-20, which the co-educational school last performed in 1995.
The 12-18 year olds have rehearsed since October for the challenging show that includes breathtaking choreography and singing, and stunning costumes and sets.
Eighteen year-old Jessica Singer, who is hoping to pursue a stage career, plays Nellie Forbush, the US Navy nurse from Little Rock, Arkansas posted to a Pacific island.
John Whiting, also 18, takes the role of Emile de Becque, the plantation owner she falls in love with in a romance threatened by war and prejudice.
The cast will be singing classics such as Younger than Springtime, There is Nothing like a Dame and Some Enchanted Evening with a full orchestra of pupils and staff.
Jean Wilde, in her fourth year as Head of Drama, is directing what is her first musical, having previously directed Senior School productions of A Christmas Carol, Romeo & Juliet and Tom Jones and a number of Middle and Lower School shows.
Specialist choreography has been provided by former pupil Samantha Mason who also choreographed the school's production of My Fair Lady last year.
Jean Wilde said: “As well as being one of my favourite musicals, we chose South Pacific this year because it proved to be one of Solihull School's most popular productions when the school staged it 15 years ago.
“With all the hard work that everyone has put in, the show deserves not only a revival but also to be another huge success.”
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