'South Pacific' returns to Yuma

  Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical "South Pacific" was revived on Broadway in 2008 and won seven Tony awards. When it was first on Broadway in 1950, it was given nine Tony awards.

  Yuma Community Theater is presenting the play running from the weekends of Jan. 9-11 through Jan. 22-25. This revival will be presented in the same locale as it was 20 years ago: the Historic Yuma Theatre.

  All seats are reserved. Tickets are $15 per adult, $12 for ages 12 and younger, available at the Yuma Art Center, 373-5202, and the Yuma Civic Center, 373-5040, or online at www.yumacommunitytheater.org. 

  Five of the cast will be back on stage, telling the story adapted from "Tales of the South Pacific," a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by James A. Michener.

  Frederic Brown was one of the sailors two decades ago, and now has stepped into the role as director.

  Wendy C. Turner is reviving her role as "Bloody Mary."

  Lynn Vaughn and John Herrera were in the 1988 chorus. This time, John Herrera is cast in two parts: first as the native servant to Emile de Becque (Mark Henrikson) and as Lt. Buzz Adams. His now-wife, Lynn, will be back in nurse's uniform and is the choreographer for this version.

  Henrikson was in the former chorus and is now the lead character, playing opposite Adriana Tansey as Ensign Nellie Bush.

  Director Brown explained the reasons for reviving the play.

  "'South Pacific' is a way to teach about history of events that happened during World War II on a small island, and it is a tribute to veterans of that time and all wars since. It's a love story and one that gives a lesson on prejudice.

  "It's revealed with music that is memorable, such as 'Some Enchanted Evening' and 'Bali Ha'i' - hints about the play," Brown added. "We had only a small, local band 20 years ago."

  Reminiscing about the YCT, Lynn Herrera, a retired teacher, said, "We have the Rodgers and Hammerstein's music computer-generated by the full orchestra.

  "This revival promises to be outstanding. It was fun in the first play,  and this will be more pleasure for the cast and audience."

  John Herrera added, "The cast enjoys the play, and the enthusiasm spills into the audience. Some may have never been involved in live theater, so this is a good opportunity to watch neighbors on stage. It's been a great experience for me." Herrera is a retired postal worker.

  Members of YCT are students, business people, musicians, singers, retirees and professionals.

  Brown said, "For this production, there are 29 on stage, with at least a dozen backstage. Twelve are military and three are on active duty.

  "My assistant director is Ingrid Burton, who is also backstage manager. She's a Wal-Mart/Avenue B Teacher of the Year from Rancho Viejo. Her daughter, Amber Hudson, plays Liat."

  Because this production is three hours long, it is imperative the audience be at the theater at least 15 minutes prior to the opening. Curtain time is exactly 7 p.m., and latecomers will not be seated until a break.

  Music will be played before the opening act and during intermission.

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Pam M. Smith can be reached at psmith@yumasun.com or 539-6856.