WAIMEA — As diverse as its settings and characters, Kahilu Theatre’s production of the famous musical “South Pacific” will feature newcomers, longtime Big Island actors and a veteran Broadway actor.
Larry Adams, who will play the role of Emile de Becque and has acted in numerous productions in mainland theaters, leads the cast for 7 p.m. performances Friday and Saturday, and a 4 p.m. Sunday show at Kahilu Theatre in Waimea.
“I just love the collaboration of theater. I love seeing what every individual brings to it. Because you never know what that’s going to be,” Kat Reuss said. “It’s like this magical brew of individuals. And everybody has their role, and everybody can shine and make their own choices with their role.”
Reuss plays Nellie Forbush, a young Navy nurse who falls in love with Emile, a plantation owner on a South Pacific island during World War II. Written by Rodgers and Hammerstein in the 1940s, the musical is based on the book “Tales of the South Pacific” by James Michener.
Reuss has been a part of the Waimea theater scene for several years now, and she is excited to work alongside well-known talent such as Adams. Director Chuck Gessert had previously worked with Adams in Chicago, and asked him to come to the Big Island to fill the lead role. Coming from a big city to a small island to perform doesn’t phase Adams, however.
“Each experience is a new experience. You get to work with different people, a different director and a different music director so I just usually approach shows on an individual basis,” Adams said. “I don’t really compare. I just arrive, and know what my job is, and try to enjoy the experience as an experience and not so much as it is compared to something else.”
This will be Gessert’s third time directing a production of “South Pacific,” but its his first play as director at Kahilu Theatre. Gessert said the mix of new and veteran actors makes this production his most diverse cast for the musical yet.
A new actor, but a familiar name, to the Kahilu stage is Hawaiian music artist Makana. Makana was asked by Gessert to play the role of Lieutenant Joe Cable, and said the transition to acting has been a natural process for him.
“Even though it was a really big commitment of time — two weeks is like a year in my life — I am composing and writing a musical of my own and I thought it would be helpful for me to see the process from an actor’s point of view,” Makana said.
The music is another big star for the play, and the Kahilu Theatre will have its orchestra pit open and filled with local musicians during the performances to accompany the actors’ singing.
And while the characters are surrounded by lighthearted music that theater lovers can sing along to, the musical isn’t afraid to take on heavy subjects. A key plot point in the play is the character of Nellie overcoming her prejudice against Emile’s children, who are half-Polynesian.
“I think it’s very timeless, and the message is pretty strong in it, particularly prejudice and how to get over it,” Adams said. “It’s a love story but it’s set in a very tumultuous time. It’s exotic because where it’s happening. With all these elements in the show, not to mention the Rodgers and Hammerstein score, which is one of the great scores written, there’s a whole lot to love about the show.”
Reuss said her character’s struggle with racism was the most difficult part of playing Nellie, but she hopes the message will still translate to modern audiences.
“I always thought that we had passed this chapter in our history in this country,” Reuss said. “This racist ugliness. And the events of the last several years has shown me that we aren’t, collectively anyway. I think the majority of us are, but knowing that it’s still there, that it still exists and that we can get past it is super important. And that people can change and people can grow and none of that crap matters.”
Makana said audiences will have to view the plot from a 1940s-era lens to fully understand the characters and the message of the musical.
“My only hope is that people would suspend their orientation and really allow themselves to be taken into that era so that they can get the full experience of these characters overcoming their prejudices,” Makana said. “Because that’s the beauty of this story.”
The musical’s take on heavy subjects is a reason why Gessert has returned to it to direct again and again. He hopes the audience at the Kahilu Theatre this weekend can see it the same way.
“I think it’s one of the best musical scores ever written and I think the subject of racial intolerance is as pertinent today as it was when the show was written 70 years ago,” Gessert said.
“I think the reason I’m doing this show is to help build community here and make sure that we have dialog going between people who are different shades, and that’s what’s talked about in the show. And really the fundamental thing is love, so I want to bring the community together both on stage and in our theater.”
Info: Performances of “South Pacific” are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday at Kahilu Theatre. Tickets are $68/$38/$28 and can be purchased at kahilutheatre.org, by calling 885-6868 or at the Kahilu Theatre box office.