South Pacific at Cadillac Palace Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...The good news is that Sher's production is so masterful in its fluidity and conception, there is still so very much here to enjoy, even with a flimsy orchestra. Especially if you've not seen this revivial. Sher's original direction has been artfully re-created in this more modest visual setting by Sarna Lapine and Joe Langworth. (Though thankfully not too modest; much of Michael Yeargan's richly textured set is still there.) Better yet, as non-Equity tours go, this one has been deftly cast. In fairness to this talented group of mostly early-career performers, you'll hear far better singing at "South Pacific" than at the lousy union "Mamma Mia!"tour that was just in town. Emile is played by the opera singer Marcelo Guzzo, who's a bit young and hesitant for the commanding Frenchman, but whose work also is honest, heartfelt and rich of voice."

Chicago Sun Times - Recommended

"...The intensity of “South Pacific” is further rooted in the fact that World War II is raging not far from the U.S. naval base where Ensign Nellie Forbush, the nurse from (segregated) Little Rock, Ark., falls for Emile deBecque, an older, expatriate French plantation owner who is the widowed father of two young children from a marriage to a Polynesian woman. And a sense of the racial divide that persists at home even makes an officer pause before answering the question of whether it will be a better world if the Americans are victorious."

Centerstage - Somewhat Recommended

"... “South Pacific” still plays because it contains some of the best songs ever featured on Broadway. But the story isn’t timeless, and the listless direction of this production does nothing to keep it fresh for audiences today."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"... This tour could have been great if the producerswouldonly negotiate with Actor’sEquity tocompromise so that these tours could have some Equity players in key rolesthus uplifting theproductionstojustify the $85 plus ticket price. This non-Equity production just does play as worthy but it could have some stronger players and a larger orchestra. As it plays,it is workseeing.Let’s hope theproducerswill dothe right thing soon."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended

"... The owner of a thrilling tenor, Shane Donovan’s Lt. Joseph Cable acts through every note, his “Younger Than Springtime” as ardent as his “You’ve Got To Be Carefully Taught” –Hammerstein’s unanswerable diagnosis of bigotry –is timeless. Bloody Mary was never so mischievous or merry as in Cathy Foy-Mahi’s Tonkinese troubadour. Christian Marriner has fun with the scamp Luther Billis, a survivor who accidentally becomes a hero. The gorgeous tropical backdrops by Michel Yeargan amount to a free trip to paradise and the huge maps of the South Pacific campaign make it clear how many islands had to be conquered before we could get to Japan."

Chicago Theater Beat - Somewhat Recommended

"...Rodgers and Hammerstein’s understated final scene tells us everything we need to know about what might be the future of racism: A poli-lingual family, each member a different color, sharing a meal; with quiet joy , love and respect."