On April 7, 1949, Rodgers’ and Hammerstein’s Broadway musical South Pacific opened at the Majestic Theater. It was simply another of their masterpieces, but it was my favorite.
Their previous masterpiece was Oklahoma, which opened during the war and was an homage to simpler times. South Pacific came after the war, and was an homage to the struggle, sacrifice and spirit of America in war. Both were laced with pathos and humor.
I want to take note of this 70th anniversary, albeit a couple months late. If you are old enough to remember
Ezio Pinza singing “
Some Enchanted Evening”, I’m sure you thought it was the high point of the show. I used to, but in 2005 the musical was presented in concert at Carnegie Hall. That’s when I heard
Brian Stokes Mitchell sing “
This Nearly Was Mine”. It is the greatest performance of any Broadway musical song I have ever heard or seen in my life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQmxLr5IYLkThere are other joyous South Pacific performances to be found on youtube these days. Try this version of “
There Is Nothing Like A Dame” by the
Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeleshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJr66R9rBcM Enjoy
~~~fia