Theatre Play: South Pacific

I was never a huge fan of theatrical plays, let alone musicals. Even though I find them interesting, I never really had a certain musical that I truly love. Maybe that was when I haven’t yet found the beauty of such plays. Since I am studying Theatre Arts as one of my majors this semester, I was given the chance to watch a live theatre play. The play, entitled South Pacific was a project from the people of St. Francis of Assisi School to earn proceeds for the victims of the destruction of the recent Typhoon Yolanda in the country. The entry ticket which cost Php200 for its last show might be a little expensive but then, these are for own countrymen.  It’s a good thing actually, to have these kinds of programs in order to help. We can enjoy a good show and at the same time help those in need especially now that our country is currently facing a calamity.

The show started exactly on time and unfortunately I came late by just 5 minutes. As soon as I entered the auditorium, the lights were already beaming, and the actors’ were already saying their dialogues to one another. Though I wasn’t seated super near to the stage, I could still see the actors’ faces very clearly because of their thick make ups. I learned before that stage actors always have their make ups thick so that even at far, their facial expressions are still comprehensible. Boys are no exception to this rule. It is effective actually. I could also see the well-prepared props on stage. There were lots of green since the setting mostly takes place in an island. Their costumes, however, had me confused. I couldn’t make out if the main girl is an officer or a nurse or a flight attendant but I guess the problem is mine because of my limited knowledge regarding the story. Later I found out, the story is set during the World War II and tackles about the racism issues during those times.

I know nothing about acting but at least, the actors never had me cringing on my seat. They delivered their roles decently in my opinion. I could also say that they really prepared a lot. They memorized their lines and stated them with proper emotions. There were both fun and sad scenes so it was very enjoyable to watch. Their singing was good as well but then I’m not an expert in music so I don’t know if they went out of pitch or something. As long as I hear them good, then for me it’s fine. The only problem I had with the show was that sometimes, they were inaudible. I am not sure if it was because their lapels were not loud enough and the auditorium makes echoes or the background music that was too loud. I suspect it was the latter. I think the instrumentals loudness didn’t match up with the actors’ singing so their voices oftentimes got overpowered, making them hard to hear.

The musical run for almost 3 hours and I salute the actors for being in character for that long. Overall, it was a good watch. The portrayal was good and the feeling was there. Indeed, theatre plays are different. There is something alive while seeing the actors role play right in front of you.