Broadway Legends Reunite: 'South Pacific' Cast Returns for Charity
In a heartwarming reunion that brought tears to both performers and audience members alike, the principal cast of the 2008 Tony Award-winning revival of 'South Pacific' gathered for a special one-night-only benefit performance at Lincoln Center's Vivian Beaumont Theater.
Led by Kelli O'Hara and Paulo Szot, who won critical acclaim for their portrayals of Nellie Forbush and Emile de Becque respectively, the reunion performance featured beloved numbers including 'Some Enchanted Evening' and 'I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair.' The event raised funds for theater education programs in underserved communities.
The emotional evening marked the first time in nearly 15 years that the original revival cast performed together on stage. Matthew Morrison, who played Lieutenant Cable in the original revival, flew in specially from Los Angeles to participate in the benefit. The performance also included a touching tribute to several cast members who have passed away since the 2008 production.
Director Bartlett Sher, who helmed the original revival, returned to oversee the benefit performance. 'The themes of love, prejudice, and war in 'South Pacific' remain as relevant today as they were when Rodgers and Hammerstein first wrote them,' Sher remarked during the post-show discussion.
The benefit raised over $500,000 for arts education initiatives, with all proceeds going to programs that bring musical theater to schools across the country. The evening concluded with a standing ovation that lasted nearly ten minutes, highlighting the enduring impact of both the show and its performers on Broadway history.
