MTG musical 'South Pacific' entertains all
BUTLER TWP — A nearly full house heralded the opening night of the Musical Theatre Guild's 50th anniversary presentation of Rodgers and Hammerstein's “South Pacific” at the Succop Theatre on Friday night.
Spectacular music set the tone of the evening with a rousing start with the national anthem and a lovely opening score with teasers of the melodies to follow. Having been raised on Rodgers and Hammerstein scores, I was ready to be a tad picky, but there was no need. The orchestra was spot on most of the night.
When I heard Robin Kriley and Doug Anderson were the principals, I was skeptical. Butler has some supertalented actors who I could picture in these roles, and I was surprised by director Larry Stock's pick of veterans for this production. This is a show I cut my teeth on. Would I be able to get lost in the story I wondered.
From the first note it was clear that Doug Anderson and Robin Kriley would not disappoint as Emile de Becque and Nellie Forbush. Their friendship over the years made their on-stage chemistry all the more believable.
I was nervous for Anderson, but needn't have been. As Emile he was strong, in character and dare I say delightful. I enjoyed his stab at the accent and his voice was just clear, strong and beautiful.
He proved he could hit the high notes and there were a plethora of them.
Kriley, always the consummate performer, has the grace and style that makes acting appear to be effortless. Her vocals were divine, and walking the trek to my car, people kept speaking of how she seems to get better and better.
Her energetic romp, “I'm gonna wash that man right out of my hair,” was great toe-tapping fun.
I was totally thrilled to see David Halin back on the boards. I've been a fan of his uniqueness and his ability to take a role and make it his own. His voice is sweet and his songs were tender and enjoyable.
Suzie Olszewski garnered her share of chuckles as the brash native, Bloody Mary. Her “Bali Ha'i” number was darn near mesmerizing.
Act One ended on a strong note but it was a long show with intermission at the one and a half-hour mark and the theater was freezing.
Intermission concluded with a brief recognition of our veterans, which was quite touching as they stood and were honored with a token and applause.
“Carefully Taught” by Halin and “This Nearly Was Mine” by Anderson were the stellar numbers of the second half.
An entertaining Luther Billis was played by Phil Kriley, who seemed to enjoy the role and carried the Sea Bee swagger quite naturally.
Another treat was the lovely Laurel Wain, who played Liat. Though her lines were few, she did well at being sung to, which is no small feat.
Bob Traggiai and Rick McClean were commanding in their roles as officers.
Technically, the show had some quirky lighting and occasional live mike chatter echoed from somewhere, but the rest was quite entertaining and enjoyable.
Auditions will be in May for MTG's summer production, “Forever Plaid.”
<B>WHAT</B>: The Musical Theatre Guild’s presentation of “South Pacific”<B>WHEN</B>: 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday<B>WHERE</B>: The Succop Theatre on the Butler Community College campus<B>TICKETS</B>: $17, available at May’s Music Shoppe, 247 E. Jefferson St., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.<B>INFO</B>: 724-287-8243<B></B>
