Music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.

“South Pacific” is a classic musical set against the backdrop of World War II. It follows the story of a young American nurse, Nellie Forbush, stationed on a Pacific island during the war. There, she falls in love with a French plantation owner, Emile de Becque, despite his murky past. Meanwhile, a Marine lieutenant named Joseph Cable is sent to the island on a dangerous mission and falls in love with a local woman, Liat, who is the daughter of the island’s Bloody Mary.

As the war rages on, the characters are forced to confront issues of race, culture, and prejudice. Nellie must come to terms with her own prejudices when she discovers that Emile has mixed-race children. Cable, meanwhile, must confront his own biases when he falls in love with a woman from a different culture. The musical also deals with the themes of love, loss, and the sacrifices that must be made during wartime.

Featuring beloved songs such as “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” and “Bali Ha’i,” “South Pacific” is a timeless classic of the musical theatre canon. Its exploration of issues that remain relevant today, as well as its memorable music and sweeping romance, have made it a beloved favourite for generations.