STAGE REVIEW : ‘South Pacific’ Revival Charms--and Teaches

There’s a pivotal scene in the revival of “South Pacific” at the Orange County Performing Arts Center that underscores the musical’s enlightened spirit, but also its creaking old age.

It comes when Robert Goulet as Emile de Becque, the mysterious Frenchman, haltingly tells nurse Nellie Forbush that he was once married to a Polynesian girl. Forbush is more than surprised, she’s shocked, even horrified at this revelation. And as she turns away, the orchestra emphatically plays a portentous strain from the score.

Even apart from its heavy-handedness, the moment, despite serious intent, must bemuse many in the audience. In these more liberated times, such an uproar over De Becque’s past may seem archaic, even faintly absurd, and it gives the 38-year-old Rodgers and Hammerstein classic the air of an antique, a period piece.

But the underlying, passionate protest against bigotry--communicated more gracefully in other parts of the script--is still affecting. It’s still easy to see what set “South Pacific” apart from most of its contemporaries and helped it win a Pulitzer Prize. “South Pacific” paved the way for socially conscious shows such as “West Side Story,” and it may no longer be risky, but its message of tolerance bears repeating.

Except for his melodramatic handling of that scene, director Ron Field delivers the message with the anguished love affair between Lt. Cable (played by Scott Waara) and the Tonkinese beauty Liat (Helen Tran) is touchingly played out, and Waara’s interpretation of “You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught,” the musical’s shout against racial bias, is the believable confession of a man who has seen the light.

Field (who, though not credited in the program, also did the athletic if routine choreography) knows that “South Pacific,” above all, is supposed to be rousing entertainment, and he strives to charm at least as much as teach.

This is an affectionate and faithful if somewhat uneventful handling of a musical so specific that it really doesn’t present many opportunities for variation. With its World War II setting and carefully defined characters, “South Pacific” argues against taking too many liberties, and Field doesn’t.

Bloody Mary (Amy Jo Phillips) is as bawdy as usual, the opportunistic Luther Billis (Paul Keith) still hustles like there’s no tomorrow, and the gang of Seabees and flock of nurses are kids with personality to spare. The numbers are bursting with energy, and the acting is heavy on broad emotions--predictable stuff, but often diverting as well.

The same can be said of Goulet. With his Wayne Newton mustache and perfect hair, Goulet brings to the role a Las Vegas polish that sometimes gets in the way. He sometimes seems too suave, too self-assured to play a character in exile suffering from a past shadowed by murder and the devastating loss of his wife.

At other times, however, he seems just the right embodiment of the urbane and courageous De Becque. His rich voice and knowing, effortless stage moves make for some satisfying moments.

The chemistry between De Becque and Nellie is less than dynamic, but Rebecca Andrew can’t be faulted for not trying. Her Nellie is a chipper kid who wears the nickname “Knucklehead” proudly and dances and sings naively through life, completely enraptured by De Becque’s worldliness and mystery.

The portrayal is a little thick with hick, but it’s also full of juice. You want pluck? Check out Andrew’s “I’m in Love With a Wonderful Guy” and “Honey Bun.”

“South Pacific” arguably is Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most atmospheric piece, and the Gerry Hariton/Vicki Baral sets meet its demands. The scenery and naturalistic backdrops create a fertile paradise, dreamy and intoxicating. Richard Winkler’s sensuous lighting enhances the vision.

‘SOUTH PACIFIC’ An Orange County Performing Arts Center presentation of the Richard Rodgers/Oscar Hammerstein musical. Producer PACE Theatrical Group. Director Ron Field. Sets Gerry Hariton and Vicki Baral. Costumes Gail Cooper-Hecht. Lighting Richard Winkler. Musical director Larry White. Cast Robert Goulet, Rebecca Andrew, Amy Jo Phillips, Paul Keith, Douglas Carpenter, Scott Waara, Hugh A. Rose, Jeffrey Wilkins, David Pevsner, Lyonell Gregory, Helen Tran. At the center’s Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa, tonight through Sunday, 8 p.m. with matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2. Tickets: $16-$38. (714) 740-2000.