South Pacific in Concert from Carnegie Hall (2006)

South Pacific, concert version

This concert version of South Pacific was recently aired on PBS. Just happened to catch it and was captivated from the get go. The performances by Reba McEntire, Brian Stokes Mitchell and (would you believe) Alec Baldwin were outstanding. Reba embodied small town girl Nellie Forbush and if BSMitchell did not break your heart with his rendition of "This Nearly Was Mine" then I don't know what to say. The laughs you will get watching Alec Baldwin doing "Honey Bun" and a number of other funny lines are worth the price of the DVD alone.
Keep in mind that the decision to record this performance was a last minute one and the cast/crew really did themselves proud! October 14, 2008

Brian Stokes Mitchell ls great

The entire concert is excellent. I heard Brian Stokes Mitchell in person in March, so I'm especially interested in anything he does. Reba McIntire is very good too. I had seen this on PBS in the past. September 11, 2008

Absolutely delightful!

Just finished watching this concert and I can't wait to watch it again. I had a few small problems with it (the tempo of some songs felt a bit rushed) but that was probably done knowing this was going to air on TV and that the show *had* to fit within a certain timeframe. Plus, you knew there was going to be that much applause!

Great talent in this cast, but I'm especially blown away by Reba McEntire. I've only recently "discovered" Reba and as I find more of her work I'm constantly amazed. Every moment in this show she is totally engaging to watch and I can't tear my eyes away from her. September 11, 2008

Blown away!

I simply luvvved this production!! The only other version of South Pacific that I'd ever seen was the screen version starring Mitzi Gaynor & Rossano Brazzi, but I was completely blown away & enraptured by the performances of Reba McEntire & Brian Stokes Mitchell in the starring roles. There was such great chemistry between the two & the singing was fantastic. I am a huge fan of both now! The rest of the cast was great as well. Alec Baldwin was funny & cute as hell as Luther Billis, & what a beautiful, powerful, mesmerizing voice Lillias White has in her role as Bloody Mary. Her rendition of Bali Hi was spectacular. I am so grateful that PBS made the decision to record this performance because I so, so enjoyed it! I only just received my dvd a few days ago, but already I've watched it several times. Very highly recommended!!! August 19, 2008

Totally Superb!

Watched this for the second time on PBS last night and will shortly purchase my own copy right here. I never thought watching a Broadway musical without all the trappings could be a sublime experience, but this was! Reba is totally great and believable as Nelly, all the casting is right on, and Brian as Emile is awesome! The music is too good to be true and, by the end, I was practically in tears. Cannot wait to get my own DVD copy and watch and sing along (in private only) to my heart's content.
As a young person I took voice lessons and tried singing some of these songs. They're as difficult to sing, due to the complexity of the music, as some opera...more difficult than some, actually. Yet, the notes, intervals, chords, and combinations, combined with the lovely libretto, are always just right musically; even, if they aren't always what you expect or what is easily done vocally. It takes truly skilled professionals to do this music justice and these performers and musicians do just that.
If you want a really joyful treat, and the best example of American opera anywhere (this musical is just that), then this is for you. July 31, 2008

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