The Akron Beacon Journal from Akron, Ohio • Page 64

STEVEN SEAGAL II PER Si EG Eg Goulet still working magic A lmuTlffiWrf 1 fTfmVffffifri alLtidiH mi I GENERAL CINEMA the PLAZA 8 1 CHAPf I Hill HOW I AVINUt 923-9093 REGAL CINEMAS INTERSTATE PARK 14 UUMTONIO MHI1M at IMTIISUII KWT 644-0414 Mon. 731 All Star Feature Pete George, Bill GENERAL CINEMA A O.Oft WEST MARKET PLAZA 7 666-1311 lev I r.Y.1 LUl STARTS I noil TvmwKKOW 1 666-9373 I NO lor tuic reilsl EoiLr 1 Dan SlOthYr-Y wtth Terry o'JIJ: Mon. 731 li 8 I All Star Feature ft imp I I I i PASSISjljUPtRSAViHS Robert Goulet stars in the Kenley Players' production of South Pacific. rr uccur a 7 FOR 170 His singing lights up 'South Pacific'; rest of the cast is strong, too By Riss musarra Btaccm Jonnui aunur South Pacific is a showcase for fine voices, and John Kenlev found them for his production of the Rodgers and Hammer-stein musical classic. which opened Tuesday at the Akron Civic Theatre.

Robert Goulet is a ov en. He looked and sounded as fresh as he did 35 years ago in his career-launching role in Cameht. At the same time he brought the maturity of his 61 years to the role of Emile DeBecque, the older Frenchman who falls in love with Navy nurse Nellie Forbush. He also performed the role in a 1987-89 production of South Pacific. Goulet's singing was breathtaking and could have been intimidating to a lesser talent than Paige O'Hara, the show's Nellie, who is most widelv known as the voice nf Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast.

O'Hara was at home as Nellie, a role she sang on tour in Australia and Hong Kong just before starring on Broadway as Fan tine in Les Miserables. She and Goulet made beautiful music together in Twin Soliloquies, the character-revealing song that leads up to Goulet's love ballad. Some Enchanted Evening. O'Hara sparkled in A Cockeyed Optimist, I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair and I'm In Love With A Wonderful Guy. The show's musical highlight was Goulet's goose bump-provoking This Nearly Was Mine in the second act South Pacific has a more substantial story line than many musicals no surprise when one considers the source is James A Michener's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Tales of the South Pacific.

Racial and cultural prejudice are at the heart of the tale that unfolds on stage. One couple could not overcome their differences. The other could, and it spelled the beginning of their relationship. Tina Fabrique was superb as Bloody Mary, the Polynesian matchmaker who chooses a Marine lieutenant for her daughter. Fabrique has played the role many times before, and it shows.

Her rich voice, showcased in the song Bali Hai, would be familiar to parents whose children watch Reading Rainbow. She sings the TV show's theme song. Steve Bianchard, who for two years played Lancelot to Goulet's King Arthur in a recent revival of mission! i Chopin lmMl Muffoy ft Sat. 85 Comedv Wek M. Sat.

85 Comedy Week 1 lL Piper Herb Rong KAROAKE Following the 7:30 show Monday and NOW WEDNESDAY after the 8:30 show. It's your turn to be on stogel If Details Musical: Kenley Players' South Pacific Where: Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St. When: 8 tonight and tomorrow, 2:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 and 7 p.m.

Sunday Onstage: Robert Goulet, Paige O'Hara, Steve Bianchard, Tina Fabrique, William Bourquin, Dale Young, Sabrina Gregory, Michael Goulet, David Jendre, Don Bradford, Robert Lydiard and a 12-member ensemble Offstage: Richard Rodgers, music; Oscar Hammerstein II, lyrics and book, adapted from James A. Michener's Tales of the South Pacific; Leslie B. Cutler; director; Joe Vispi, associate producer; John Visser, musical director; Leo Muller, choreographer; Vicki Baral and Gerry Hanton, scenery; Pat Donovan, lighting design; Randy Hill, sound design; Sandi Bambic, wardrobe supervisor; Knsten Garver, production stage manager Cost: $19 $27.50 Information: 762 7224 quin as Capl George Brackett and Dale Young as Cmdr. William Harbison and Canton residents Jacqi Loewy and Rass Costanzo as ensemble members. Michael Goulet, the star's 29-year-old son, has a small speaking role and also sings in the chorus.

He's a dead ringer for liis father, right down to the killer blue eyes. Set designers Vicki Band and Gerry Hanton worked magic to create a tropical paradise onstage. Paige O'Hara is Nellie Forbush, a Navy nurse, in South Pacific. Camelol, gives a strong performance as LL Cable, who loves and loses Bloody Mary's daughter, Liat, played by Sabrina Gregory of Cleveland. Younger Than Springtime is his showcase number.

Clown prince of the show was Robert Lydiard as the scheming sailor Luther Billis, whose frequent reminders of the wartime sailors' celibate lifestyle are best illustrated by the male ensemble number There's Nothing Like a Dame. David Jendre and Don Bradford gave comic support as his henchmen, Professor and Stewpot. Local talent in the show includes Clev elanders William Bour- 1. JtafeS, CTTmTiG TOIVlOEinOW! E6 ENJOY! The Beacon Journal.