Dean Poling | The Valdosta Daily TimesCable (played by Bryce Mixon and Brandon Sharp) and Liat (Nikkena Umiat) fall in love while Bloody Mary (Madison Coleman) supervises in Lowndes High School Off-Broadway production of 'South Pacific' playing this month.

VALDOSTA – “South Pacific” comes to South Georgia.

Lowndes High School Off-Broadway presents the Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein World War II-era musical in a series of performances during the next two weekends.

Sheri Dorsett, LHS Off-Broadway director, said “South Pacific” introduces students to a classic American musical – something the school hasn’t produced in several years.

“As a director, it is a challenge to bring ‘South Pacific’ to modern audiences, keeping the themes fresh and honest,” Dorsett said in her director’s notes. “My students needed to perform and come to appreciate classical American musical theatre. For the look and design of this production, I have remained true to the original intent of Rodgers and Hammerstein, adapting scenes to fit our stage and technical abilities.”

The show resonates with Dorsett personally. She played female lead Nellie Forbush as a theatre student at Brigham Young University.

“South Pacific” follows the story of Nellie, an Arkansas nurse who falls for Emile, a French planter, on an island paradise framed by the world at war.

The musical’s two love stories tackle the dangers of prejudice and war. 

All set to familiar songs such as “Some Enchanted Evening,” “Bali Ha’i,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair,” etc.

The show is an official participant in the 2017 Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards / Shuler Hensley Awards.

Three LHS Off-Broadway students have been recognized by the Shuler panels. Grace Diamond and Blaise Lewis were selected as Shuler opening number representatives. Trevor Clayton was named to the STAR Council for tech.

The show features about 50-plus students, Dorsett said. The production team has created the cast wardrobe, set designs, etc.

THE CAST: Lawson Cribb, Collin Dorsett, Ka’Iulani Umiat, Kalani Russell, Isaiah Harris, Madison Coleman, Nikkena Umiat, Caleb Chaney, Victor Paz, Houston VanLandingham, Riley Davis, Bryce Mixon, Brandon Sharp, Caleb Blanton, Eli Beal, Thomas Falkenhausen, Ryan McGee, Jason Wiggins, Jarius Smith, Alex Cope, Aubree Crumley, Max Ahner, Warren Roark, Jordan Mendoza, Camden Burrous, Gracen Brantley, Maddi Robinson, Meredith Reitz, Kristen Broyles, Brittany Barrett, Cydia Walker, Ashley Robinson, Abby Gill, Rhyonna Dewey, Sarah Boutwell, Gabbie Bradford, Alayna McSwain, Liz Robinson, Kaylee Huff, Kaitlyn Dunaway, Grace Diamond, Blaise Lewis, Jaliyah Brantley, Samantha Calel, Jessena Toves-Mesa, Geunha Kim, Abbie Stewart, Sarah Lawson, Carissa Zaun, Miranda Hernandez, Victoria Warrick.

DIRECTION, PRODUCTION: Sheri Dorsett, director; John-Alan Gourdine, music director; Meredith Reitz, Gracen Brantley, Grace Diamond, choreographers; Bruce Cook, Collin Dorsett, Riley Davis, scenic construction; Sheri Dorsett, Kassandra Hertzog, Anabel Russell, Riley Davis, Maddi Robinson, Jordan Mendoza, Aalyna McSwain, scenic design; Sheri Dorsett, Megan Current, Margie Chatelain, Miriam Neill, Jaliyah Brantley, Nia Bussey, Jasmine Clark, Brittney Doughty, Chelsie Hodges, Quazay Johnson, P’Laura Odom, costume design; Will Burrous, sound technician; Samara Schindler, spotlight; Trevor Clayton, Kristy Carter, Jason Gramlick, Samantha Smith, lighting technicians; Joely Peterman, prop manager; Megan Current, stage manager.

  

  

 

 

SHOWTIME

Lowndes High School Off-Broadway presents “South Pacific.”

When: 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, March 9-11; March 16-18.

Where: Lecture Hall, Lowndes High School, off Norman Drive.

Reservations suggested. Email sheridorsett@lowndes.k12.ga.us.