“South Pacific” Begins March 19

The Music Department production of “South Pacific” will run March 19-22.

Set in an island paradise during World War II, two parallel love stories are threatened by the dangers of prejudice and war. Nellie, a spunky nurse from Arkansas, falls in love with a mature French planter, Emile. Nellie learns that the mother of his children was an island native and, unable to turn her back on the prejudices with which she was raised, refuses Emile’s proposal of marriage.

Meanwhile, the strapping Lt. Joe Cable denies himself the fulfillment of a future with an innocent Tonkinese girl with whom he’s fallen in love, out of the same fears that haunt Nellie. When Emile is recruited to accompany Joe on a dangerous mission that claims Joe’s life, Nellie realizes that life is too short not to seize her own chance for happiness, thus confronting and conquering her prejudices.

Performances will take place at 8 p.m. March 19-21 in the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall. There will be a matinee at 3 p.m. March 22.

Admission is $3 for students, $5 general admission and free of charge for military veterans. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door and at select times throughout the week in the lobby of Ophelia Parrish.