Arts in New York City: Baruch College, Fall 2008, Professor Roslyn Bernstein
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South Pacific

South Pacific is the classic romance tale. It is both triumphant and tragic. It seamlessly blends cultural differences, the stresses of war, and racism into a boundless love story. The main characters, Nellie and Emile, face the trials and tribulations of every relationship, while Lieutenant Joe Cable struggles to accept and understand the feelings in his heart.

The story is very relatable. The audience can sympathize with, at least, one of the characters in the show. It is not a very complicated story; anyone can follow it and understand the meaning of the show. It is simple with a very big theme, which is certainly well communicated to the audience. While it is a musical from yesteryear, it has a lot of substance; it deals with real issues. Even after all this time, the moral message still holds true and everyone can learn from it.

It has a very authentic feel. From the costumes to the language, one feels as though they have been transported to the South Pacific. The costumes and the set are one of the shows great assets. The costumes greatly enhance the show and they match the characters personalities perfectly. The set is beautifully done and is very realistic. While the language and mannerisms might seem outdated to some, it does not make the musical any less enjoyable.

The musical is engaging and entertaining but it is still underlined with an important message. The realism is a highlight and heightens the storyline. With all of these great elements rolled into one show, South Pacific certainly deserves the acclaim that it has received over the years. It just goes to show that it has stood the test of time for a good reason.