The poignant story of love affairs set in the background of World War II through the words and music of Rogers and Hammerstein comes alive later this month as the St. Aidan Summer Stage produces “South Pacific.”
It’s a large ensemble of a cast that includes 23 boys and 30 girls in the summer stage that local director John Hayes revived for high school and college students two years ago. But managing the large cast is just part of the challenge that Hayes faces in directing the legendary musical.
“The challenge is making the kids realize the severity of World War II,” Hayes said. “They really do a wonderful job. They’re lovely, lovely kids.”
The origin of “South Pacific” was World War II veteran James Michener’s 1947 story collection “Tales of the South Pacific.”
Hayes has prior experience with show, having directed the Herricks Community Theater Players in “South Pacific” 17 years ago.
Recent Chaminade High School graduate Billy Marango faces perhaps the biggest challenge of the cast members in portraying Emile de Becque, the French expatriate plantation owner who falls in love with Ensign Nellie Forbush.
“It’s a little different. It’s the first role I’ve had that I’m playing a mature man. I’m enjoying the challenge of it,” Marango said.
That challenge includes singing one of the most compelling musical theater ballads ever penned in “Some Enchanted Evening.” He’s drawing on his experience from playing in Chaminade productions of “Guys and Dolls” and “Les Miserables” to carry him through.
Caitlin Calio, who was in the Wheatley School’s production of “Les Miserables” last year as a sophomore, plays Nellie Forbush in St. Aidan’s “South Pacific.”
“It challenges me more as an actress because it’s out of my comfort zone. I’m usually in a comedic role,” Calio said. “It’s a big role and a big responsibility.”
She brings energy and athleticism to the ensemble scenes with the nurses in the cast singing “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair” and “I’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy.”
Andrew Greich, plays U.S. Marine Lt. Joseph Cable, who deals with deep personal conflicts when he falls in love with a native Polynesian girl. Greich sings “You’ve Got to be Carefully Taught,” with its sharp lyrics on the nature of racial prejudice. Greich said he likes the complexity of Cable.
“He’s not one set character. His life gives him something new and he bounces off of it,” Greich said. “But he dies knowing he loves this girl.”
Griech, who’s going into his sophomore year at Herricks High School, said his “dream” is a Broadway acting career.
Jonathan Ghandforoush, a recent Herricks High School graduate, is going to Hunter College to major in secondary education and biology this fall and considered working this summer. But he said he relishes the experience of working with John Hayes on the St. Aidan show.
“I just love the environment. I love the people,” he said, adding that he also enjoys performing classic tunes like “There Is Nothing Like a Dame.”
James Agolia, who graduated from Chaminade this year, has been the accompanist for the St. Aidan Summer Stage company since its revival, but said he’s particularly excited to be working on this show because of the music.
“It’s definitely the best score I’ve every played,” he said.
Joe Boccia, a sophomore at the University of Hartford who graduated from the Long Island School for the Arts, has acted in every other Rogers and Hammerstein play and relishes his role as the crafty seaman Luther Billis.
“I’ve always wanted to do ‘South Pacific.’ Billis is a legendary character and ‘South Pacific’ is a terrific show.
Gabrielle Georgescu, a senior in drama and media studies at Queens College, heard about the production from her vocal instructor, Regan Stone. Georgescu performs one of the show’s signature tunes, “Bali Ha’i” as the memorable native merchant Bloody Mary.
“It’s a stretch,” she said about portraying the character. “It’ll be fun. It’s a beautiful show.”
The co-producers of the show are Carol Hayes, also a veteran of the Herricks players with her husband John, and Father Thomas Tassone of St. Aidan.
Regan Stone isthe musical director and the choreographer for “South Pacific” is Barbara Tromba-Murphy, a Herricks Community Players veteran who played Nellie Forbush in the Herricks production.
The curtain goes up on the production on Friday, Aug. 17 and Saturday, Aug. 18 at 8 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18 in Monsignor Kirwin Hall at St. Aidan Church on the corner of Pembrook Street and Willis Avenue. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and children.
