Preview: South Pacific

Making a triumphant return to Toronto, this time at the Toronto Centre for the Arts, is South Pacific. The classic Rogers and Hamerstein musical was hailed by audiences and critics alike when it came to town last summer. That short run of South Pacific was sold out nearly every performance. So it was no surprise when dancap announced it was bringing the smash hit back to kick off their 2011 season. South Pacific is one of the most well known musicals of all time, and the only musical to ever win all four acting Tony Awards in the same year. It was also popularized in the mainstream, by the 1958 film version. The film was the top grossing film of that year and was also nominated for an Academy Award. South Pacific explores themes of racial prejudice and issues of discrimination, in a way other musicals of Its time would not have dared.

The 2008 Broadway revival, on which this tour is based was a critical sensation. It won the year's Tony Award for best revival, along with six additional Tonys. Last year's tour was extremely popular here, and considered by many to be the best show of the 2010 season. When dancap brought the show up last year It ran at the Four Seasons Centre. It will be interesting to see if the venue makes a difference now that it's being put on at the uptown Toronto Centre for the Arts. We have no doubts that audiences, new and returning will be flocking to see South Pacific.

South Pacific is on at the Toronto Centre for the Arts until April 10th. Click the header for ticket information. EAP is going to see the show tonight, and we expect to be in love, in love, in love with a wonderful show.

*updated on Feb. 20th