THE PLAY: This classic Rogers & Hammerstein musical takes place on Pacific islands during WWII. Members of the US Navy interact with the inhabitants: primarily an Arkansas nurse with a French plantation owner and a young lieutenant and a Tonkinese woman.

 

THE PRODUCTION: This show is crammed with familiar songs, so it’s fortunate that there are tremendous voices to sing them (from my seat, the orchestra often drowned out the vocals & some of the dialogue). Stacy Cabaj charmingly captures the comic appeal of Nellie. While Branch Fields’ operatic bass is impressive, his performance feels stereotypical and wooden. The rest of the cast is solid without being outstanding. Director Chase Kniffen has staged the show with lively energy (especially the rousing ensemble numbers), but misses the magic allure of the exotic. The technical elements are as competent as expected from Va Rep’s big stage shows. Picky note: Tattoos don’t shine.

 

THE POINT: The show is energetic and entertaining, but it misses that special spark that would have made it exceptional.

 

(4 / 5)

 

A Virginia Rep production at the November Theatre thru 8/9