by Cari Lynn Pace *

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific, now running at 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa through Sep. 20, debuted 75 years ago. Even though it harkens back to a simpler and more sanitized time, it still resonates today with romantic songs and a powerful message. Its strengths leads one to forgive the show’s dated use of terms such as when the rowdy sailors sing “There is Nothing Like a Dame.”

Set on an imaginary Polynesian island during WWII, the nurses and sailors have more fun than military duties would seem to require as they sing and dance away their days. Yet it’s not all fun and games. South Pacific endures as a cherished musical because it weaves two love stories ripped apart by cultural prejudices. Characters from opposite sides of the world have much to figure out in this world at societal war.

The show’s live band is a treat under Janis Dunson Wilson’s baton. There’s a beautiful harp that plucks at the heartstrings for “Some Enchanted Evening” and “This Nearly Was Mine.” Marc Assad as Emile de Becque has a phenomenal baritone voice to sing these enduring classics. “Younger Than Springtime”, another lovely ballad, is a pleasure as sung by Andrew Cedeño as Lt. Cable.

6th Street Playhouse is a community theatre, and this huge cast of 24 of various ages and experience has many standouts, including double cast Alanna Weatherby and Bethany Cox as Nellie Forbush. Eiko Moon-Yamamoto does an outstanding job singing and channeling her bossy Bloody Mary role.

Dancers in the chorus, both sailors and nurses, clearly master their moves and make South Pacific really zing. They take full measure with their kicks and jumps off the crates and onstage scenery, designed by THTR Productions.

Special kudos to director and choreographer Malia Abayon for bringing in hula choreographer and instructor Misha Miki to give authenticity to the dances performed by the natives. Kylee Fernandez’s hula as Bloody Mary’s daughter Liat is particularly stunning and brought sustained applause from the audience.

Escape to South Pacific for joyful fun, romantic songs, and soft breezes right here in Santa Rosa.

Playing through September 20, 2026 in the GK Hardt Theatre at 6th Street Playhouse, 52 W. 6th St., Santa Rosa.

Click HERE for more information and tickets.

Photos by Eric Chazankin

Cari Lynn Pace is a long-time Bay Area theatre critic whose reviews were regularly featured in the Marinscope Community Newspapers and a member of the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle.