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Summer is here again, which for thousands of San Diego families means another season of musicals at the Starlight Bowl in Balboa Park. The year 2000 marks the 54th year of Starlight Musical Theatre. This summer the historic theatre group is putting on South Pacific, Peter Pan, and Evita. On what was truly an "enchanted evening," an enthusiastic crowd welcomed the opening weekend of South Pacific. Of course, it's hard to go wrong with this Rodgers and Hammerstein musical classic. Based on the James Michener novel Tales of the South Pacific, it is a story of love and romance threatened by prejudice and war, with a rich blend of comedy, drama, and a terrific musical score. Some Enchanted Evening, Bali Hai, I'm Gonna Wash that Man Right Out of My Hair, and There Ain't Nothin' Like a Dame are just some of the songs you are likely to recognize and sure to enjoy. Laurel Peterson energized the stage throughout the evening with her entrancing portrayal of Ensign Nellie Forbush. Her strong presence and acting could take the audience from joy to despair in a moment. Just recently arrived in Irvine from the state of Wisconsin, Laurel is new to Starlight and San Diego but hopes to become a regular in the area. We hope she does, too. Laurel was complimented well by P. M. Howard who played the French plantation owner (Emile De Becque) with a tremendous and sincere voice. Rob Johnston also put in a good performance as Lieutenant Joe Cable. His vocal talents really had a chance to shine in the ballad Younger Than Springtime. Stealing the stage in all of her scenes was Bloody Mary, played by Katie Wilson. She is a Starlight veteran, and this was one of her biggest roles thus far. Katie's hilarious facial expressions and magnificent voice kept the audience enthralled, and her beautiful rendition of Bali Hai had the entire theatre mesmerized. Katie is a graduate from the USD Choral Scholars program, a music teacher at St. Therese Academy, and both a teacher and director at Christian Youth Theater. You'll be able to catch her again this summer as Jan at the Moonlight Amphitheater's production of Grease. The entire play was buoyed with a terrific supporting cast. Rick Stevens was hysterical as Luther Billis. All the sailors and nurses were terrific singers and had a knack for the comedic. And special mentions are in order for the many child actors. Especially Tiffany Scarritt (an island singer) and little Ariana Afsar (the Frenchman's daughter Ngana) who have lovely voices and seem destined to become part of the future generation of Starlight's quality actors. Ariana has already begun building herself quite a resume. She played the Narrator in Broadway Bound Youth's production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and has starred at the Coronado Playhouse and in several television commercials for the likes of Buick, Showtime, and Lands' End. Performances of South Pacific began on Thursday, July 6th and will run until the 16th of July. We urge you not to miss it! Rob Hopper San Diego Playbill ~ Cast ~
Nellie Forbush: Laurel Peterson Emile De Becque: P.M. Howard Lt. Joe Cable: Rob Johnston Bloody Mary: Katie Wilson Luther Billis: Rick Stevens Capt. George Brackett: Ed Hollingsworth Cmdr. William Harbison: Arne Christiansen Liat: Francine Antoinette Maigue Ngana: Ariana Afsar Jerome: Nathan August Henry: Michael Madrid Stewpot: Gregg Osborn Professor: Matt Harrington Lt. Buzz Adams: Greg Tankersley Yeoman Herbert Quale: Frank Remiatte Srgt. Kenneth Johnson: Joe Fitzpatrick Seabee James Hayes: Jayson Coleman Seabee Richard West: L. Michael Johns Seabee Morton Wise Sam Cavanaugh Seabee Tom O'Brien: Aaron Campbell Radio Operator Bob McCafferty: Trevor Hollingsworth Marine Cpl. Hamilton Steeves: Phil Golden Ensign Janet MacGregor: Erin Cronican Ensign Genevieve Marshall: Lee Lampard Ensign Dinah Murphy: Megan Cain Ensign Cora MacRae: Annette Nixon Ensign Sue Yaeger: Kimberly Morin Ensign Connie Walewska: Kelli Sides Ensign Pamela Whitmore: Jessica Sherr Ensign Bessie Noonan Melinda Blake Ensign Roberta Hassinger: Adina Di Fede Ceremonial Dance Chief: Joaquin Gamboa Islander: Tiffany Scarritt Islander: Kevin Morin Producing Artistic Director: Brian Wells Director/Choreographer: Dee Ann Johnston Musical Director/Conductor: Parmer Fuller Production Manager: Jeannette Thomas Stage Manager: K. Aaron Blokker Costume Designer: Kathy Auckland Sound Designer: Steve Stopper Lighting Designer: Andrea Housh Plane Spotter: Kevin Larson |