Social Issues and South Pacific

Since its opening on Broadway in 1949, South Pacific was on the path to being a hit for many decades. Rodgers and Hammerstein could not have predicted the response to their musical, but after closing in 1954, it became the second-longest-running musical of its time. With a strong story and an equally strong cast, it was bound to be a success. Today, schools continue to choose South Pacific as their annual musical, paying tribute to the legendary work of Rodgers and Hammerstein. Apart from the music, there was a storyline that addressed some serious social issues of that time. With an underlying story that focuses on relationships and racism, South Pacific was addressing important and very sensitive issues through music and art. Having earned ten Tony awards, the musical was truly ahead of its time by focusing on war, race, and relationships. Today, there are a number of high dollar-producing musicals, but South Pacific was a hit of its time.

War 

The South Pacific storyline was familiar for society in 1949. On the tail of World War II, with war fresh on everyone’s mind, the impact of loss was still strong for so many. To watch a musical set in a real time increased the emotional response of the viewer. Even with a bit of comedy to lighten the musical, the impact of war was still at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Today, there is still a similar impact to watching South Pacific. With so many people affected by war, it is easy to relate to the situation, even 65 years later. War evokes the strongest memories and emotions, engaging the viewer in ways that no other topic can. With World War II as the backdrop, the viewer needs to keep in mind the era and the differences that existed more than 60 years ago.

 

Race 

Within the musical, several storylines exist. There are various instances of struggles that are rooted in race. The characters find themselves in situations where they find love, but their concern for what others will think and say, as well as their own bigotry, can get in the way of their happiness. Race is a central focus of this musical, making it an important piece for defining the characters of the time. As the years have passed, the impact on the audience continues to be a powerful one, as intolerance is addressed throughout the musical. The internal struggles faced by the characters are central and key to the musical, and they draw people into the emotions that are being experienced. Rodgers and Hammerstein present a very controversial and uncomfortable topic in such a way that draws in the viewer and forces you to examine your own beliefs. They also weave it into the storyline in a manner that challenges the characters throughout the musical. As you listen to the music, you will pick up on the issue of race and bigotry throughout the musical.

Relationships 

The third focus of South Pacific is that of relationships. The musical explores several different types of commitments and relationships. When you add in the stress factor of war and the racial factors, the relationships within the musical take on a completely different dimension. Rodgers and Hammerstein explore love on various levels, including that of romantic love and parent/child love. The external factors that the characters were faced with, specifically wartime, added to the existing stress. As a viewer, it is easy to get caught up in the relationships of the characters and the decisions they make throughout the musical. The love stories are extremely engaging and involve not only the couples, but also an outstanding cast of supporting characters.

Whether this is your first time experiencing South Pacific as a musical, or are already an avid fan, you will not be disappointed. Find yourself drawn into the music and the era, further drawn in by the love stories. Highly acclaimed, and the winner of ten Tony awards makes this a must-see musical. A great way to experience South Pacific is in a dinner theater. Visit Baltimore Actors’ Theatre and enjoy all of the dimensions of Rodgers and Hammerstein, experiencing what so many others have already enjoyed. You won’t be disappointed!