Maine State Music Theater’s 2024 season opener “South Pacific” brings the south seas to Maine, if only for a short while. Riding on the breezes that blow are themes of war, racial prejudice, uncertainty, and death. As the Theater’s press release stated “... the musical boldly confronts issues of racial discrimination and the complexities of war ... serving as a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and the enduring power of love.” The show runs through June 22.

The music of “South Pacific” is by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein and the book, by Joshua Logan. If we look at what is happening around the world today, it is clear: This musical, which had its premiere June 6, 1949, is as timely now as then. Many storylines are based on those in James Michener’s 1948 Pulitzer Prize winning “Tales of the South Pacific.” Several characters in the production are taken directly from some of them: the storyline following the love of Bloody Mary’s daughter Liat and Lt. Joe Cable are from “Fo’ Dolla;” and the principal love story of American Nellie Forbush and Frenchman Emile De Becque originate in “Our Heroine.”

Navy nurse Nellie Forbus, vibrantly portrayed by Carolyn Anne Miller, and Emile is played by William Michals, a baritone who absolutely nails every song, delivering each with just the right nuances and emotion. Not that this would be surprising: Michals, a seasoned Broadway actor, was the first American to portray this character – in France. 

The plot: Emile has been on Espiritu Santo island for 25 years when he meets Ensign Nellie. He arrived seeking sanctuary after killing a man. He tells Nellie the man was wicked, and a bully; everyone was glad he died. Emile asks her to believe him – and, Nellie does. Emile is now a successful, but lonely, plantation owner. He is father and sole parent of a son and a daughter; his partner and the children’s mother died several years ago. Emile has been living a full life since her passing, but not his best life. Nellie joined the Navy to get out of Small Rock, Arkansas to see the world and learn about how other people lived. She surely didn’t see love coming to town, er, to island. “Twin Soliloquies” is a song that blends dialogue with sung thoughts, which reminded me, briefly, of the balcony scene in “Annie Hall.”

So, given the fact that Nellie hails from Kentucky in the East South Central States and Jim Crow laws were in effect, she will be unable to accept Emile’s charming children – once he tells her about them. And he does so after she accepts his proposal of marriage and after she meets them by accident after the big party Emile throws to introduce Nellie to his friends and neighbors on the island. Her reaction is predictable.

Yes, there ain’t nothin like a baritone. When Michals began singing one of my all-time favorite songs, “Some Enchanted Evening,” I was mesmerized. It’s such a dreamy song. And thanks to my dear, departed (and deeply missed) friend (and MSMT Angel) Debbie Beam, I knew it was from this musical, which, until June 6, I had never seen before. It’s the perfect song for the die-hard romantics in the room, and I happen to be a card carrying one at that.

But, let’s take a break from the main romance of the show and talk about those Seabees (Navy Construction Battalion)! Every scene with these men was engaging, often humorous, and sometimes heartbreaking. I found myself admiring the humor in wartime they exhibited while facing uncertainty, danger, and death while building this platform and whatever else needed creating.

The actors portraying the Seabees are exceptional and all of them exude great energy. They’re portrayed by Mark Aldrich, Mathew Bautista (also plays Henry), Matthew Irani, Trevail Maurice, and Alexander Rios. But, by far the role of Luther Billis (Todd Lawson), the Seabee most desperately seeking passage to Bali Ha’i for R&R – in this case, romance and relaxation, with a pint or two of giggle water, is perfectly cast. Leading the Seabees, sailors, soldiers and Bloody Mary (more on this character soon) – was a highlight in the show for me. Just the right amount of bawdiness, great choreography, and energy whether we’re talking “Bloody Mary” or “There Is Nothin Like A Dame.”

Lydia Gaston is sheer perfection as Bloody Mary, bringing all the “tude,” sass, strength and survival skills to the fore; what else can she do? A Tonkinese woman experiencing prejudice on Bali Ha’i Island since the war came, she must support her daughter, Liat. So, she makes grass skirts and tries to hustle the soldiers and sailors, regardless of rank to survive. Gaston’s performance singing “Bali Ha’i,” a song filled with longing and mystery, is as haunting as the song. Yeah, that Bloody Mary is alright.

Her daughter Liat became romantically involved with Lt. Joseph Cable of Philadelphia, played by Jake Goz, since he and Billis’ first trip to Bali Ha’i. Now Lt. Cable was brought to Espiritu Santo island to lead a military action spying on the Japanese, but needs someone like Emile to execute it. But the day push comes to shove, Bloody Mary tells him Liat is to marry another, a well-off older man, unless Joe marries her. Then they could make love all day and all night. Cable realizes he cannot marry her because his children would be of “mixed race” and his well-to-do family would never accept Liat. And he, with great remorse, says he cannot. A confused and frightened Liat is led away from him by her mother. 

Back to Nellie’s reaction after Emile introduces his children to her. He had just proposed and Nellie, full of love and champagne, accepted. And then, quite by accident young Jerome and Ngana come out on to the terrace and Nellie thinks they are just adorable. Emile returns, and sees he must introduce them. At first Nellie is like a deer caught in headlights. And then she starts to freak out moving here and there on the stage trying to come to terms with the fact that Emile was involved with a woman of color. And she just can’t accept it. The wedding is off. Emile is devastated as he watches Nellie hurry away.

The song “You’ve Got To Be Carefully Taught” explains it all – yesterday, today, and sadly, tomorrow. Lt. Cable sings the song for Emile, trying to explain Nellie’s inability to accept his former Polynesian woman. Racial discrimination is not something we’re born with, it is learned …

“You've got to be taught to hate and fear - You've got to be taught from year to year -  It's got to be drummed in your dear little ear - You've got to be carefully taught. You've got to be taught to be afraid - Of people whose eyes are oddly made - And people whose skin is a diff'rent shade - You've got to be carefully taught. You've got to be taught before it's too late -  Before you are six or seven or eight - To hate all the people your relatives hate
You've got to be carefully taught.”

Now that both the Lieutenant and Emile are single, perhaps the Frenchman will be open to helping with that dangerous secret mission now. And I have to give a shout out to the lead military personnel characters – David Girolmo/Capt. George Brackett, James Patterson/Cmdr. William Habbison, Alexander Ríos/Lt. Buzz Addams – some of the most humorous dialogue happens at headquarters.

“This Nearly Was Mine.” The sorrow and longing produced by the words became powerful emotion. As Michals sings this song the theater is still, save for some tear-filled eyes, and sniffling here and there. I was totally mesmerized. This is the song that brought down the house. I’m getting goosebumps again just recalling it. The audience applause was thunderous with hoots and hollers thrown in. This is the song. I didn’t know it before, but I know it now.

“South Pacific” at MSMT’s Pickard Theater in Brunswick runs through June 22. For more details about the season and ticket info, visit https://msmt.org