Warm sandy beaches provide a bright setting for the death and drama that embodies “South Pacific.” Funny, dramatic, serious, and dark are all words that have been used to describe the musical that RHS students will be putting on this winter.

Choir director Donna Crews and drama coordinator Sarah Kaplan decided on “South Pacific” because they liked both the music and the plot. Orchestra director Fred Patterson was pleased with the music for the orchestra as well.

The story takes place during World War II on a random island in the South Pacific. U.S. soldiers are stationed there, waiting for battle. The plot is laced with romance between the soldiers, nurses, and locals. Much of the drama that occurs is centered around the complicated relationships that exist between the characters as a result of race and other differences.

“Overcoming racism is an important theme and [the question] are we really all that different,” Kaplan said.

The lead parts are played by senior Alison Matas, a nurse who falls in love with a French plantation owner exiled on the island, played by sophomore Max Nolin.

Of his character, Nolin says Emile De Becque is a “good guy with good intentions wrapped up in his own world.”

Senior Tiffany Stoker is Bloody Mary, a native woman who tries to run a black market on the island.

“She’s the heart of the show. She’s the most real character. She doesn’t hold back,” Stoker said.

Other prominent members of the cast include senior LaTeefah Burns, junior Bo Reinker, and sophomore Mike Ullinger.

There are 38 students total on cast, all of whom were chosen based on auditions. Because it is a musical, singing ability is just as important as acting ability when choosing parts. Many students had to be cut.

“Even the chorus is highly competitive,” Kaplan said.



The actors not only have to master their lines and sing on key, but they have to learn to dance as well. The dancing is choreographed by math teacher Carla Ferrell. All of the adults involved in the musical are RHS staff member, with the exception of parent Lisa DuBois who manages costumes.

There are lots of costume changes and all of the set pieces are movable, causing the number of crew members to reach 25 total, including costume, crew, and make-up. In addition to these volunteers, the play production class this semester has the responsibility of building and putting together the sets.

Kaplan says that things are in good shape and all will be ready on time. Practice takes place every day after school so Kaplan tries to make things less overwhelming for the cast by organizing it so that everyone doesn’t have to come in every day.

“Writing the schedule is the most hectic part,” Kaplan said.

The total finances for “South Pacific” add up to close to $4000, all of which comes out of the Drama Guild account. The cost of simply producing the show is $1600.

“South Pacific” runs from March 1 through 4 and will cost $6 for students and $7 for adults.

“Brilliant cast along with beautiful sets and the action-packed plot combine to make a stunning musical worth every penny,” senior cast member Meagan Longanecker said.