Movie spotlight
South Pacific: In Concert from Carnegie Hall
“SOUTH PACIFIC” IN CONCERT FROM CARNEGIE HALL premiered on April 26, 2006 on PBS. Based on James Michener’s Pulitzer Prize-winning collection of short stories TALES OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s own Pulitzer Prize-winning blockbuster was a landmark of post-World War II Broadway, a provocative romantic drama that beguiled audiences with a hit parade of instant standards. “South Pacific” reached new heights when, for one enchanted evening, Carnegie Hall presented a magnificent concert production with a dream cast headed by Reba McEntire, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Jason Danieley, Lillias White, and Alec Baldwin. Directed for the concert stage by Walter Bobbie, with musical director Paul Gemignani conducting the Orchestra of St. Luke’s.
Insights
Plot Summary
This is a filmed performance of Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic musical "South Pacific" as presented in concert at Carnegie Hall. The production features a star-studded cast performing the beloved songs and story set on a tropical island during World War II. It explores themes of love, prejudice, and the impact of war through iconic musical numbers.
Critical Reception
The concert version of 'South Pacific' was widely praised for its stellar cast, the grandeur of the Carnegie Hall setting, and its faithful rendition of the Rodgers and Hammerstein score. Critics highlighted the powerful vocal performances and the ambition of staging such a large-scale musical event in a concert format.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its exceptional cast and faithful musical rendition.
Celebrated the high-quality production values and Carnegie Hall's acoustics.
Acknowledged as a significant event for musical theater enthusiasts.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this concert film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The concert featured an orchestra of over 50 musicians and a chorus of 80 voices, amplifying the epic scale of the musical.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources