CLC presents 'South Pacific' July 15-17 and 22-24

Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic "South Pacific" is the 2016 summer musical being presented by the College of Lake County departments of theatre, music and dance. Six performances will take place in the Mainstage Theatre of the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts over two weekends: July 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m.; July 17 at 2 p.m.; July 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m.; and July 24 at 2 p.m.

Set on an island paradise during World War II, the musical tells the sweeping romantic story of two couples and how their happiness is threatened by the realities of prejudice and war. Its portrayal of Americans stationed in an alien culture in wartime is as relevant today as when it first thrilled audiences in 1949.

Considered by many to be one of the finest musicals ever written, it includes such classic songs as "Some Enchanted Evening," "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair," "Bali Ha'i," "There Is Nothin' Like a Dame," "This Nearly Was Mine" and "A Wonderful Guy."

Director Thomas B. Mitchell said this is the first time CLC has produced the show. "Every so often we like to present a popular standard book musical from the golden age of American musicals," he said.

"The show revolves around WWII and the American fight against Japanese tyranny. But it's more about diversity and people coming to terms with those of different races and ethnic backgrounds," Mitchell said. "It includes the powerful song about prejudice, 'You've Got to be Carefully Taught,' which explains how hate can be passed from one generation to the next."

Mitchell said the diverse cast includes students from CLC and four-year colleges as well as community members of all ages.

Katie Hahn, in her first CLC production, plays Ensign Nellie Forbush, the Arkansas-born nurse who is charmed by Emile de Becque, a wealthy French landlord, played by David Lundholm. CLC students Haggai Simon and Jazmine Tamayo play Lt. Cable and Liat, the young couple from totally different backgrounds who fall in love. Kelley Combs plays Bloody Mary, the Tahitian mother who strikes bargains with U.S. sailors and offers her daughter, Liat, to Lt. Cable. Dustin Helvie, a Libertyville High School band director, plays the comic role of Luther Billis. Combs and Lundholm return to the CLC stage after their highly successful teaming in the 2012 production of "Sweeney Todd" as the title character and his scheming sidekick, Mrs. Lovett.

Tickets are $17 for the general public and $14 CLC/Teen/Seniors 65-plus (prices include $2 JLC facility fee). Performances on July 15 and 22 qualify for buy one, get one free tickets. For tickets, call the James Lumber Center Box Office at (847) 543-2300 or visit www.clcillinois.edu/tickets. The James Lumber Center Box Office is open Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

'South Pacific' Cast:

Ensign Nellie Forbush: Katie Hahn, Chicago

Emile de Becque: David Lundholm, Waukegan

Ngana, his daughter: Shalini Krishnaswamy, Lake Forest

Jerome, his son: Charlie Gill, Grayslake

Henry, his native servant: Juan Miguel Sedonio, Island Lake

Marine: Alex Poehlman, Grayslake

Bloody Mary: Kelley Combs, Mundelein

Liat, her daughter: Jazmine Tamayo, Antioch

O'Brien: Seth Tanner, Island Lake

Bloody Mary's assistant: Oscar Rodrigo Araiza Bravo, Mundelein

Sailor: Marc Malandrino, Wauconda

Luther Billis: Dustin Helvie, Grayslake

Abner: Alex Poehlman, Grayslake

Stewpot: Marc Malandrino, Wauconda

Professor: Avi Kritzman, Buffalo Grove

Lt. Joseph Cable, USMC: Haggai Simon, Mundelein

Capt. George Brackett, USN: Charles Pauley, Ingleside

Cmdr. William Harbison, USN: Patrick R. Yost, Wauconda

Lt. Buzz Adams: Avi Kritzman, Buffalo Grove

Yeoman Herbert Quale, USN: Bradley Laas, Lake Bluff

Radio Operator Bob MacCaffrey: Moisés Diaz, Waukegan

Lt. Genevieve Marshall, lead nurse: Emmalee Berger, Libertyville

Ensign Dinah Murphy: Kali Jankovich, Des Plaines

Ensign Janet MacGregor: Audrey Johnston, Libertyville

Native Kids: Eli and Avi Chaitman, Grayslake

Nun: Grace-Ann Gifford, Mundelein

Shore Patrolman: Oquzhan Ucak, Antioch

Nurses: Bianca Shofner, Gurnee; Hannah Jones, Libertyville; Grace-Ann Gifford, Mundelein; Marissa Barnette, Lake Villa; Sarah Gattone, Lindenhurst; Sofia Khwaja, Island Lake; Sandra Lew-Moll, Round Lake.

Native Polynesian Girls: Bianca Shofner, Jazmine Tamayo, Sofia Khwaja, Sandra Lew-Moll

Ensemble: Marissa Barnette, Sarah Gattone, Grace-Ann Gifford, Avi Kritzman, Emmalee Berger, Sofia Khwaja, Sandra Lew-Moll, Marissa Barnette, Alex Poehlman, Moisés Diaz.

Production team:

Director and Designer: Thomas B. Mitchell

Music Director: Jean Hersey

Orchestra Director: Paul Hefner

Dance Choreographer: Valerie Alpert

Lighting Designer: Jeffrey Weiss

Sound Designer: Matthew R. Godlewski

Property Designers: Nancy Krause and Jean Boylan

Costume Designer: Sally Gill

Hair and Makeup Designer: Beth Chaitman