OFFBEAT: Chicago run of 'South Pacific' sails into waves of true entertainment

With the first act of NETworks Presentations new touring production of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein's Pulitzer Prize-winning musical "South Pacific" clocking in at 90-minutes, it's vital that this is a performance that grips an audience.

And fortunately, this is exactly the case for the two-week run of "South Pacific" making its Chicago debut at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph playing now until Sunday.

Adding to the legendary score of song favorites to make the time fly by is the excitement of the addition of a new face from Chicago to play nurse Nellie Forbush.

Actress and Chicago native Jennie Sophia, an understudy, replaced Katie Reid, and her vocals and stage presence do not disappoint.

This touring production of "South Pacific" is based on the 2008 Tony Award-winning Lincoln Center Theater production, directed by Bartlett Sher.

Based on James Michener's Pulitzer Prize winning book "Tales of the South Pacific," this stage story still has impact.

Set on a tropical island during World War II, the musical tells the sweeping romantic story of two couples. The one involves a U.S. Navy nurse played by Sophia and her complicated relationship with the older French plantation owner Emile de Becque, played here with powerful pipes by Marcelo Guzzo, an opera star who is from Uruguay.

The other tale shared involves Navy Airman Joe Cable, played in a winning performance by actor Shane Donovan, and his uneasy attraction for young local native girl, Liat, played by Hsin-Yu Liao.

Examples of how happiness is threatened by the realities of war and prejudice unfold in this telling of what is considered by many as the finest musical ever written.

Favorite songs include classics like "Some Enchanted Evening," "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair," "Younger Than Springtime," "Bali Ha'i," "There is Nothin' Like A Dame," "This Nearly Was Mine" and "A Wonderful Guy."

Actress Cathy Foy-Mahi as the force of nature dubbed "Bloody Mary" manages to steal every scene, and with good reason. Her talent is unsurpassed.

Tickets for "South Pacific" are $18 to $85 at (800) 775-2000 or BroadwayInChicago.com or SouthPacificOnTour.com.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at philip.potempa@nwi.com or (219) 852-4327.