An enduring love story

Sun, surf, stars and long romantic nights in the South Pacific islands. All the ingredients you could want, really, for an enduring love story about men and women far from home. James A Michener certainly got it when he penned Tales from the South Pacific in the wake of his time as a sailor on Guadalcanal during the Second World War. Michener’s novel was quickly transformed into a stage show by Rogers and Hammerstein with iconic tunes including I’m gonna wash that man right out of my hair, Some enchanted evening and Happy talk.

Now Lisa McCune, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Eddie Perfect and Kate Cebrano form a stellar cast to bring this popular classic to Australian audiences. And what a show they are putting on. I went to a matinee at the Princess Theatre inMelbournea week ago with my mum, Betty and my dad, Jack. Mum and Dad remember it well as a movie as well as a stage show – it was my first time, even though I was aware of the songs.

We all loved it, for different reasons. Mum and Dad enjoyed the nostalgia and declared Lisa McCune and Teddy Tahu Rhodes as magnificent in their lead roles. I thought the sets were brilliant, the plot heart-wrenchingly romantic and while McCune and Rhodes were great, it was Eddie Perfect who stole the show in his role as Luther Billis. His comic timing, brilliant coconut dance routine and sheer stage presence were a tour-de-force.

South Pacific is at the Princess until November 25, and then heads toBrisbane and other capital cities to wow more Australian theatre-goers. It’s hardly a cheap night out, but if you have the money to splurge on an unforgettable theatrical performance, this three-hour blockbuster has to be it.

Watch the trailer here, or find out more information.