Love transcends the harsh realities of war and prejudice in this sweeping Pulitzer Prize-winning tale centered around two unlikely love affairs. Set on a tropical island during World War II, this timeless Rodgers & Hammerstein classic features some of the most beautiful music ever composed woven into an inspiring story cherished the world over.

Now in 2022, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC roars back onto the stages of America and speaks directly to the realities of this generation. Winner of ten Tony Awards, the beloved score includes “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” “There is Nothin’ Like a Dame,” and “You’ve Got To Be Carefully Taught.” Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC is a unique contemporary theatrical experience about all the dreamers among us who are searching for our own Bali-ha’i.

One of the redeeming values of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC is that it confronts prejudices that still provoke our society to this day.

From an exotic Pacific Island locale, amidst the turmoil of World War Two, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC is remembered for its lively and romantic musical score. However, it also has a serious side with an important message of tolerance.

After Pearl Harbor, discrimination against Japanese Americans was rampant. Oscar Hammerstein’s niece was half Japanese. Upon helping to enroll her in a public school, he asked if she would suffer discrimination? The principal told him “She would have to pay the price for what Japan did to America.” Hammerstein was outraged at such hate, and found a private school where she would be treated better. It was then, that he and his collaborator, the great composer Richard Rogers, wrote SOUTH PACIFIC.

The story of two love affairs thwarted by prejudice, one being nurse Nelly and French planter Emiel Dubuc. When Nelly finds out Emiel has two Polynesian children, the bile of prejudice surfaces. In the other love story, American Naval officer Lt. Cable falls for a young native girl and worries he could never bring her home to Philadelphia.

In a 1960 interview Hammerstein said he was criticized for including an anti-prejudice message in the musical, but Hammerstein held steadfast to his principles and continued throughout his life to be an activist against racial intolerance. But Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC is only part and parcel of Hammerstein’s vision for equality as he tirelessly fought against prejudice in all its guises.

In addition to the clear message he advocates in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC, Oscar Hammerstein was a champion of human rights and supported or contributed to numerous causes and organizations. An avid baseball fan, Hammerstein vigorously called for the integration of Major League Baseball, and as an ASCAP board member he was dedicated to protecting African American songwriters and lyricists. He also helped found “Welcome House”, an adoption program that matched orphans and children from around the world with adoptive families in the U.S. Hammerstein’s own daughter adopted two mixed-race children from Welcome House.

Hammerstein’s words and work have been a huge influence on society. It has been suggested that his influence globally is among the broadest and deepest reach of an American writer in any genre.

“You’ve Got to Be Taught” from Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC sums up Hammerstein’s view of racism – in his own words ” YOU’VE GOT TO BE TAUGHT TO HATE AND FEAR… IT’S GOT TO BE DRUMMED IN YOUR DEAR LITTLE EAR”

Racial prejudice – however it manifests – infects and obscures the oneness of humanity. The lesson that Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC teaches is not only our oneness, but the immense diversity within the oneness.

Big League Theatrical proudly presents Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC, and its message of unity, fellowship and mutual respect.