“South Pacific” is coming to south Brooklyn and the Narrows Community Theater (NCT).
Although this production marks a departure for NCT from recent shows such as lighthearted comedies, “The Wedding Singer,” and “Seussical,” director Michael Chase Gosselin is excited to mix things up with the once-controversial Rodgers & Hammerstein musical.
“In 1949, it had a potent anti-racist message,” he said. “There’s a climactic moment you are taught that racism isn’t born in people, it is taught when they were kids.”
Gosselin believes that NCT chose the play due to its relevance. “It’s a popular show. Lots of people have loved it for years. It’s something the family can go see,” he said. “It was recently revived on Broadway and the fact is, with everything going on such as same sex marriage and people living their own lives, it’s a very relevant issue. And so it’s about people falling in love and having others accept that.”
The director also describes the timeless show as a ballad driven piece as well as a moving show with a high production value. “The audiences are going to enjoy it. There’s lots of work going into making it a grand experience,” he said. “There are large sets. I’m impressed with the work that’s gone into production.
“The writers had their fingers on the pulse of core issues that humans struggle with for a long time,” he added. “The show will never go out of style. It feels like something that was written today.”
Gosselin said he looks forward to audiences seeing the production. “We had great talent across the board. We have a great chorus full of actors who can dance,” he said. “We also want to keep the pace moving forward. We never want it to be boring.”
“South Pacific” will make its debut on Friday, November 6 at 8 p.m. at the Theater at the Fort Hamilton Army Base. Additional shows will be held on Saturdays, November 7 and 14, Sundays November 8 and 15 and Friday, November 13. For tickets, visit www.narrowscommunitytheater.com.