The American musical began as purely light-hearted and escapist entertainment that was transformed by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s groundbreaking works. Their musicals often told believable stories about plausible (often real-life) characters, with songs that enhanced the narrative and a message that was sometimes political and nearly always inspirational. Oscar Hammerstein II was committed to use his creative talents to raise the social consciousness of audiences all over the world. Together with Richard Rodgers, who wrote a seemingly endless flow of wonderfully singable, danceable melodies, they transformed the American musical comedy into an art form of stature, in which plot, music and dancing were closely integrated and frequently employed to explore serious, even tragic, themes.

In South Pacific, with its controversial stance on prejudice, Rodgers and Hammerstein took a bold stand on the issue of civil rights. The musical explores the theme of racial prejudice, with lead character Nellie Furbush struggling to accept Emile de Becque’s (her French expatriate love interest) mixed-race children. Another American serviceman, Lieutenant Cable, also struggles with the prejudice that he would face if he were to marry an Asian woman. These issues expressed in the song “You’ve Got To Be Carefully Taught,” were criticized as too controversial for the musical stage and called indecent and pro-communist by some critics. Rodgers and Hammerstein defended their work strongly. James Michener recalled, "The authors replied stubbornly that this number represented why they had wanted to do this play, and that even if it meant the failure of the production, it was going to stay in.”

American author, James Michener wrote the original novel, “Tales of the South Pacific,” a series of short stories based on his personal experiences when stationed in the South Pacific during World War II. When Michener returned home, he published the book, which went on to great success and began his career as one of America’s leading authors. “Tales of the South Pacific” won Michener the 1948 Pulitzer Prize for Literature.

South Pacific was conceived by the director Joshua Logan. He was working on the play Mr. Rogers, which is set on a Navy ship in the South Pacific during WWII. To get more insight on the time period he read “Tales of the South Pacific.” Logan decided to buy the rights to the book and adapt one of the stories “Fo’ Doll,” for the stage. This was the story of the doomed romance between an American officer and a young Tonkinese woman that eventually inspired the story of Lieutenant Joe Cable and Liat in South Pacific. He brought the idea to Oscar Hammerstein, who eventually used elements of all 18 stories from the Michener collection as inspiration for the musical. Joshua Logan, who was the original director on both the stage musical and the later film, was brought on by Hammerstein to help with the characterization of the military personnel and to make sure the military details in his book were correct, drawing from his experiences in WWII. Logan had expected to work on the project for a day, however, he ended up collaborating with Hammerstein on the entire script – something that took them ten days to complete! Hammerstein wrote all the lyrics himself and Richard Rodgers collaborated by writing the classic score.

South Pacific opened on Broadway on April 7, 1949 and was an immediate sensation. The reviews were raves, the show was a smash hit and it ran for 1,925 performances, finally closing in 1954. The original Broadway production featured Mary Martin as Ensign Nellie Forbush and opera star Ezio Pinza, as Emile de Becque. It won ten Tony Awards and many of its songs went on to have a life of their own outside of the musical, including "Some Enchanted Evening," "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair," "Happy Talk," "Bali Ha'i," "Younger Than Springtime" and "I'm in Love with a Wonderful Guy." In 1950 in was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It inspired a 1958 film adaptation and has enjoyed numerous successful revivals, including a Broadway revival in 2008, and West End revivals in 1988 and 2001. The 2008 Lincoln Center Theater revival, on which the Ogunquit production is based, went on to win 7 Tony Awards. South Pacific is still considered by audiences and critics alike to be among the greatest musicals of the twentieth century.

BRANCH FIELDS (Emile de Becque) joined the cast of SOUTH PACIFIC on Broadway in 2008, understudying the role of Emile de Becque in the Lincoln Center Theater production, which won 7 Tony Awards. This marked Mr. Fields’ Broadway debut, sharing the stage with Matthew Morrison, Kelli O’Hara and Skipp Sudduth. Mr. Fields has strong emotional ties to this role. His voice teacher in graduate school was Giorgio Tozzi, whose singing voice was dubbed for Rossano Brazzi in the 1958 movie of South Pacific. Opera America describes him as "a bass of resonant richness," and The New York Times declared him to be "a gifted young bass." He has sung with Santa Fe Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, Opera Carolina, Michigan Opera Theatre, Utah Symphony/ Utah Opera, Opera San Jose, and many other regional companies throughout the U.S. He made his debut at New York City Opera in 2005 as the 5th servant in CAPRICCIO, remaining on their roster for the next 5 seasons. As a house bass there, he sang Zuniga in CARMEN, Angelotti in TOSCA, Major Domo in VANESSA, and Gravedigger in ESTHER. Branch covered roles in productions of IL BARBIERE DI SIVIGLIA, LA BOHÈME, TURANDOT, MADAME BUTTERFLY, CAPRICCIO, ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA and LYSISTRATA. In concert, Branch has performed with the Munich Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra, Santa Fe Symphony, Colorado Springs Philharmonic, and most recently with the American Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall. This spring, Mr. Fields has bowed as Méphistophélès in FAUST at Opera San Jose, and Palémon in THAÏS for Opera Company of Middlebury, as well as performing with the Williamsburg Symphonia in their Opera Night concert. Last season, he took on the role of Varlaam in BORIS GODUNOV at Utah Festival, Pistola in FALSTAFF with Utah Opera, Don Basilio in IL BARBIERE DI SIVIGLIA with Opera on the James, and toured as Colline in LA BOHÈME with DiCapo Opera Theater. Other recent performances include Raimondo in LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR, Alidoro in CENERENTOLA, Marco in A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE, Simone in GIANNI SCHICCHI, Commendatore in DON GIOVANNI, Samuel in PIRATES OF PENZANCE, and Hosie “Roach” McClendon in COLD SASSY TREE. He has performed Un Moine in DON CARLO, The Foreman in Tod Machover's RESURRECTION, and Gremin in EVGENY ONEGIN. Mr. Fields has portrayed Auguste Colline in 10 productions of LA BOHÈME. Branch is a Virginian, from Williamsburg, whose aspirations for a singing career were humbly born at Virginia Tech while doing undergraduate work in chemistry. While there, he sang in the chorus at Opera Roanoke, and came back to perform principal roles while earning a Master of Music degree at Indiana University. At Indiana, Mr. Fields was an honored recipient of the Cole and Kate Porter Memorial Scholarship. He was a member of The Singing Hoosiers, through which he garnered the attention of the late Maestro Erich Kunzel during their concerts and recordings with the Cincinnati Pops. He can be heard on the Cincinnati Pops' album Puttin’ On the Ritz (Telarc). Mr. Fields was later granted a coveted spot at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, a full scholarship institution, where he studied with Met baritone Louis Quilico, and participated in summer opera programs in Chiari, Lucca, and Rome, Italy. In New York City, he was placed in the studio of bass specialist Armen Boyajian, voice teacher of Samuel Ramey and Paul Plishka, during which time Mr. Fields won 1st prize in the Saritelli-DiPanni Bel Canto Competition, 2nd in the NJAPA Vocal Competition, and was a prize winner in the Liederkranz Foundation Competition. He currently resides in Virginia with his wife and their 3 children.

JENNIE SOPHIA (Ensign Nellie Forbush) is thrilled to be making her Ogunquit debut and reprising her role as "Knucklehead"! National Tour: South Pacific (Nellie Forbush). Favorite Regional Credits: Sound of Music (Maria), Brigadoon (Fiona), Oklahoma! (Laurey), Fiddler on The Roof (Hodel), Beauty and The Beast (Belle), Cinderella (Cinderella), Guys and Dolls (Sarah Brown), Nunsense (Amnesia), Passion (Mistress), Picnic (Madge), Camelot (Guenevere), Anything Goes (Hope), Secret Garden (Lily) and Kiss Me Kate! (Kate) to name a few. She would like to thank her wonderful guy, Dan, for his constant love and support and all of you for making live theatre possible!

JOHN BOLGER (Capt. George Brackett, United States Navy) National Tours: Dirty Dancing and South Pacific; Twelve Angry Men and Lips Together Teeth Apart at George Street; Richard III at Hartford Stage; The Real Thing and Anthony and Cleopatra at The Old Globe; Light Up the Sky at The Roundabout; Safe Sex at La Mama; Midsummer Night's Dream, Macbeth, Twelfth Night, As You Like It, The Sea Plays with Willow Cabin; TV: Person of Interest, Royal Pains, The Black Donnelly's, Sex and the City, Law and Order, General Hospital; Film: Parting Glances, Black and White, Just Looking.

JOE COOTS(Stewpot (Carpenter's Mate Second Class, George Watts)) is thrilled to be back at the Playhouse. Ogunquit credits: Full Monty (Dave), Crazy for You! (Moose) Appeared regionally: Paper Mill Playhouse, Arden Theater, John Engeman, Marriott Lincolnshire, Riverside Theater, North Carolina Theater, Stage Door Theater. TV: Royal Pains, Castle, 30 Rock, White Collar, Rescue Me, Onion Sports Dome, Law & Order SVU. Film: Damsels in Distress, Somebody's Hero, Bert and Arnie's Guide to Friendship, Friends and Strangers, Mothers Day Massacre, Inside Man. Various Commercials and Voiceovers. Joe is originally from Winnebago, IL, thanks Brad and Jayme!

BEN CRAWFORD (Luther Billis - a sailor) Broadway/New York: Shrek The Musical (Shrek) Les Miserables (u/s Valjean, Javert), Encores' Merrily We Roll Along, 35MM. Everything Else: Guys and Dolls (Sky Masterson), Next to Normal (Dr. Madden), Titanic (Barrett), Oklahoma! (Jud Fry), Assassins (John Wilkes Booth), Carousel (Billy Bigelow) and more. In addition, Ben has performed with the Indianapolis Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Rochester Philharmonic, Naples (FL) Philharmonic, and The National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa. Love & many thanks to the Crawford Clan, DGRW, and the Ginger, his new fiancée.

ANTHONY CHRISTIAN DANIEL (Professor) makes his OPH debut straight from playing J. Pierrepont Finch in the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina's production of How To Succeed... He has been seen around the globe with tours of Disney's Mary Poppins and High School Musical, Grease, and the 40th Anniversary Tour of Fiddler on the Roof. Other favorites include: Oklahoma! (Will Parker), Gypsy (Tulsa), YAGMCB (Charlie Brown), and Joseph... (Zebulun). Special thanks to Jayme, Alicia, and Seth.

ROBERT IERARDI (Cmdr. William Harbison, United States Navy) played Lt. Schrank in The West End, in the 2008 Olivier Award nominated London production of West Side Story at Sadler’s Wells Theatre. Last year he played Claudius & The Ghost in Hamlet in The Virginia Shakespeare Festival. His favorite stage roles include: Woyzeck at AXIS Theater, Eddie Carbone in A View From the Bridge at Theatre South Carolina, Macbeth, Claudius, & Creon at CSC in Dallas, Agamemnon at La Mama, & Serge in Art, in Hilton Head, SC. He’s performed with Ann Jackson, Kim Hunter, Alvin Epstein, Tammy Grimes, Sandy Duncan and Laurence Luckinbill. Robert appeared in the recurring role of the Police Dispatcher on Guiding Light.

CHRISTINE TOY JOHNSON (Bloody Mary) Highlights: Broadway - The Music Man, Grease!, Chu Chem, Off-Broadway – Crane Story, Merrily We Roll Along, Pacific Overtures, Falsettoland, National Tours - Flower Drum Song, Bombay Dreams, Cats; leading roles at theatres including NY Shakespeare Festival, Williamstown, Huntington, Yale Rep, Denver Center Theatre Company, Minnesota Opera and New York City Opera. Nearly 100 film/television appearances include: 30 Rock, The Big C, Royal Pains, Ugly Betty, Fringe, many Law and Order, Nunsense 1&2, One Life to Live (2 years). Also an award-winning playwright and filmmaker, a collection of her plays is included in the Library of Congress Asian Pacific American Performing Arts Collection and she is the producer and co-director with her husband, Bruce Johnson, of the documentary feature, Transending – The Wat Misaka Story. Honored by the JACL (the nation’s largest and oldest Asian American civil rights organization) for “exemplary leadership and dedication.”

CHRISTOPHER JOHNSTONE (Lt. Joseph Cable, United States Marine Corps) is excited to be on the Maine coast to enjoy three of his favorite things: the beach, lobster and South Pacific. A native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Christopher now resides in New York City. An artist of both opera and music theater, Christopher has sung with the Mark Morris Dance Group, Glimmerglass Opera, Theatre Cedar Rapids, the Pacific Symphony, Grand Rapids Symphony, the Cincinnati Pops, the Boston Pops and the Long Beach Symphony among others. A graduate of the Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music, Christopher has spent summers alongside some of the world’s top artists at Tanglewood and Castleton and has played TV roles on “All My Children” and TLC’s “Personal Justice.” He recently toured with the 1st National Lincoln Center Tour of South Pacific.

HSIN-YU LIAO (Liat) is originally from Taiwan and holds a BFA in Dance from SUNY Purchase College. She was most recently seen as Liat in the National Tour of South Pacific. She has also appeared in both the Asian Tour and regional productions of The King and I (Eliza, Little Eva, Fan Dancer, u/s Tuptim).

SAMANTHA BERMAN (Ensign Connie Walewska, Dance Captain, Associate Director) is so excited to be helping create the magic of the South Pacific! Nat/InNat Tour: R&H South Pacific (NetWORKS), A Chorus Line (NetWORKS). Other fav: All Shook Up (Natalie), West Side Story (Anybodies), Cats (Rumpleteazer), Producers (Old Lady). Thanks to Jayme, Brad, the whole Ogunquit team, Mom, Dad, and Brandon for always believing.

DAKOTA COX (Lt. Buzz Adams - Morton Wise, Seabee) is excited to be making his Ogunquit debut with South Pacific! Previous credits include: Speed tapper in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Lt. Buzz Adams in South Pacific, Kenickie in Grease, and King Simon of Legree in The King and I. Lots of love to all of his family, close friends, and Amanda for their love and support.

JAMES ERICKSON (Johnny Noonan, Seabee) is so proud to be a part of the tradition that is Ogunquit Playhouse! James is fresh off the boat from the National Tour of South Pacific. Off Broadway: Booth! The Musical Metropolitan Opera: Aida Regional: Damn Yankees (U.S. Joe Hardy), A Christmas Carol (Young Ebenezer), My Fair Lady, Forever Plaid (Frankie), The Producers (Tenor Storm Trooper), Blood Brothers, High School Musical. NYU: The Light in the Piazza (Fabrizio), Hotel for Criminals (Max), and countless forums and concerts. All my love to Mom, Papa, Gma, and the Family! For Laura.

JAY FRISBY (Tom O'Brien, Sailor) Originally from Columbia, Maryland, Jay recently completed the National Tour of South Pacific (Tom O’Brien) and is thrilled to be performing here in Ogunquit. Past credits include NYC: Jurassic Parq the Musical (Dilophosaurus), Phish 2010 Tour Madison Square Garden (featured dancer). Regional: Smokey Joe’s Café (Adrian), West Side Story (Chino), Seussical… (Wickersham). Other credits: Ragtime (Coalhouse), The Last Five Years (Jamie), Big River (Huck), Bat Boy (Dr. Parker), Angels in America (Belize), Tick, Tick, Boom (Michael), Pippin (Leading Player). Jay toured internationally with The Yale Whiffenpoofs and received his BA from Yale University. Love to his family and friends.

KRISTIN KELLEHER (Ensign Sue Yaeger) is thrilled to be making her Ogunquit Playhouse debut in South Pacific! Previous credits include Gloria in Damn Yankees and Judy Turner in A Chorus Line at the Mt. Washington Valley Theatre Co in NH, Patti in Smokey Joe's Cafe at Syracuse University, and Rosalind in As You Like It at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London. She is a graduate of the Department of Drama at Syracuse University and has also studied at the Arielle Tepper Semester in NYC and Shakespeare's Globe in London, UK. Thank you to my wonderful family and friends for their endless support!

COLBY KINGSTON (Bloody Mary's Assistant) is thrilled to be returning to the Ogunquit Playhouse after performing in The Music Man last summer. Other favorite credits include I Remember Mama, HONK!, The Miser and Into the Woods. She will also be seen on the OP stage in August playing Teacher Jane in The Berenstain Bears on Stage. Colby would like to thank Brad and Jayme for this amazing opportunity, Paul for his understanding and her parents and sisters for their support.

ALEJANDRA LOPEZ (Lt. Genevieve Marshall, lead nurse) is honored to be joining Ogunquit Playhouse for its 80th season. Previous credits include Lucy in Jekyll and Hyde and a sassy Sour Kangaroo in Seussical the Musical. She’d like to thank her friends for unconditional love and support. “I love you guys!” This performance is dedicated to Mom, Dad and B.D.Gale.

ANDREW MAUNEY (Yeoman Herbert Quale - Sailor) is excited to be making his Ogunquit debut! He continues his stay on the island, having come directly from the national tour of South Pacific (Wise, Buzz & Billis u/s). Regional: My Fair Lady, Christmas on Broadway. New York: Tristan & Isolde (Tristan - World Premiere), Up in Central Park. He has also toured nationally and internationally with the MUCC, performing at St. Peter's (Vatican City) and St. Patrick's (NYC). Andrew is a Pittsburgh native and proud AMDA (NY) and Miami (OH) grad. Love to God, Family, my A's, PAC crew, friends, and Morgana. Phil. 4:13. More at www.andrewmauney.com

BEN MAYNE (Marine Staff Sgt. Thomas Hassinger, Shore Patrolman) a graduate of Texas State's Musical Theatre Dept. is very thrilled to be working again with such a wonderful cast. Recent credits: South Pacific Nat'l Tour (Buzz Adams), Wild Party (Black), Noises Off (Garry/Roger), All Shook Up (Chad), Drowsy Chaperone (Super), Bat Boy: The Musical (Dr. Parker), Sweeney Todd (Anthony), Company (Harry). Thanks to friends and family for their endless love and support.

JESSICA NAIMY (Ensign Cora MacRae, Bloody Mary Assistant) is thrilled to be making her Ogunquit Playhouse debut after recently coming off the South Pacific national tour. A Detroit native, she now calls New York City her home. Regional credits include: A Chorus Line (Diana Morales) at San Diego Musical Theatre and The Armory Theatre; The 25th Annual Putnam…(Marcy Park) at Rocky Mountain Repertory Theater; Jesus Christ Superstar (Mary Magdalene) at the Lost Colony Theatre. TV credits include: Are We There Yet?; Celebrity Apprentice. She graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Emerson College. Love and thanks to family and friends for their support!

ARIEL PADILLA (Kenneth Johnson, Sailor) is very excited to be continuing his journey with South Pacific! He just recently wrapped up the National Tour of the Lincoln Center production. A native New Yorker from Park Slope, Brooklyn, Ariel is a proud alumni of LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts and The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC. Recent credits include a contract with Disney Cruiseline (Simba), Fame (Tyrone), Ragtime (Coalhouse) Hi Mom, I love you!

MATT PATRICK (Lt. Eustis Carmichael) Hailing from Chicago, IL, Matt is very excited to be working with Ogunquit Playhouse for the first time! He holds a BA in Musical Theatre from Catawba College, and has been working professionally for 6 years. National Tour Credits: The Lincoln Center Production of South Pacific (Ensemble/Shore Patrolman/DeBecque, Billis, and Harbison U/S) NYC Credits: The Ballad of Johnny15 (Johnny15), Vampure (Ryker) Regional Credits: The Lost Colony (Simon Fernando), Beauty and the Beast (Gaston), and The Last 5 Years (Jamie) to name a few. Special thanks to Ogunquit Playhouse, Mom, Dad, Leah, and Scott Macleod. For my Grandfather.

LAURA PAVLES (Ensign Dinah Murphy) is thrilled to be a part of South Pacific at Ogunquit Playhouse and performing so close to her home town of Manchester, Massachusetts... and so is her mother. National tours include the Lincoln Center production of South Pacific, and A Year With Frog and Toad (Turtle). Regional: Xanadu (Calliope) at Revision Theatre, Joseph and the Amazing... (Narrator), How to Succeed... (Rosemary). BFA from the Boston Conservatory. Endless love and thanks to her friends and family. For Papa.

YAMILAH SARAVONG (Island Girl) currently attends kindergarten at Wells Elementary School. Yamilah has appeared on numerous product and toy packaging and was featured in Disney’s Family Fun magazine. She also dances with Sharon Arnold Lux School of Dance and is signed with The Cameo Agency. Her performances to date include Tam in Miss Saigon (Ogunquit Playhouse). In her spare time she enjoys singing, dancing and spending time at the beach.

KIRK SIMPSON (Radio Operator Bob McCaffrey - Sailor) is thrilled to be back at the Ogunquit Playhouse where he was last seen as Coach Bolton in both the '08 and '09 Disney High School Musical and as understudy in The Producers. Formerly the Marketing Production Manager (08-12) here at the Ogunquit Playhouse, Kirk is ecstatic to once again return to the "acting" end of things! Favorite regional roles include Rutledge in 1776, Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, Pirate King in The Pirates of Penzance and Starbuck in 110 in the Shade. Thanks for the call Jayme!! It's great to be home! Couldn't do it without you Jim and Brad!

GREGORY L. WILLIAMS (Henry - James Hayes, Sailor) is making his debut at the Olgunquit Playhouse! Tours: Hair, South Pacific (Lincoln Center Production). NYC credits: Broadway’s Rising Stars III (Town Hall), The Wake (York Theatre). Regional: RENT (Pioneer Theatre Company), A Funny Thing... (Triarts Playhouse).

SHAUN KERRISON (Director) Shaun is honored to back at the Ogunquit Playhouse for its historic 80th Season. He has most recently directed The Magic of Disney in Concert for the Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee in London, an open air concert for 100,000 people in Hyde Park. He is soon to direct My Fair Lady for the BBC at the legendary Royal Albert Hall in London and the Scandinavian Premiere of Shrek for Varmland Opera in Sweden. He recently directed the Swedish Premiere of Crazy For You for Varmland Opera and two separate productions of Sunset Boulevard, for both Goteborg Opera and the show's US Regional Premiere here in beautiful Ogunquit, starring Stefanie Powers {BroadwayWorld and IRNE Award Nominations for Best Director}, where he also had the pleasure of directing new productions of both Les Miserables and My Fair Lady (IRNE Award Nomination Best Director). On Broadway, Shaun was the Resident Director of Mary Poppins at the New Amsterdam Theatre, Associate Director for the Broadway revival of Les Miserables at the Broadhurst Theatre and directed the National Theatres of Great Britains production of My Fair Lady for its 50th Anniversary US National Tour. In the UK, Shaun directed Super Alice Smith- a new musical for Perfect Pitch at the Trafalgar Studios in London. He was the Associate Director of Les Miserables at the Palace Theatre London and its UK National Tour, My Fair Lady at the National Theatre, Theatre Royal Drury Lane and UK Tour, Martin Guerre at the Prince Edward Theatre, Peter Pan and The Pirates of Penzance both at the Savoy Theatre, Resident Director of The Lion King at the Lyceum and Assisted Trevor Nunn on Acorn Antiques the Musical at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. Shaun directed Baby at Mountview and The Life for GSA and Merrily We Roll Along at the RWCMD. His Concert Staging includes Assisting on the Les Miserables-10th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall, later restaging this event in Chelmsford, Cardiff Castle, Tokyo and Japanese Tour and for a Gala to celebrate 100 years of the Entente Cordiale at Windsor Castle for Queen Elizabeth and President Chirac. Other Concert work includes Hey Mr. Producer!, The Hired Man, and Cavalcade of Coward all in the West End and many cabaret and concert performances in London, New York and nationally as both director and performer. He has toured internationally with the musical group The West Enders. As an actor Shaun played the title role in Candide - Riverside Studios, London, Pirates of Penzance - London Palladium, Marry Me a Little - Water Rats Theatre London, Chicago - Leicester Haymarket, Sweeney Todd - Oldham Coloseum, Rodgers and Hammersteins Cinderella - Tokyo, and Les Miserables - Palace Theatre London.

VICTOR WISEHART (Choreographer) is honored to bring the brilliant musical staging of Christopher Gattelli to the Ogunquit Stage. A native of San Diego, Victor began his training at age 11 with film, tv, and stage choreographer Tom Hansen (of the Tom Hansen Dancers on the Red Skelton Show) and The Southern California Ballet. Pursuing a career in ballet, he graduated with honors from the Boston Conservatory with a BFA in Dance. After dancing principal roles with the New York Theatre Ballet, Victor joined the 50th Anniversary World Tour of West Side Story playing to sold out opera houses in Paris, Vienna, Zurich, Athens, and the West End. After returning home to America Victor had the honor of being part of the original cast of the 1st National Tour of Lincoln Center's 7 Tony Award winning production of South Pacific. While in school Victor began working with his mentor, Agnes DeMille's protege, Gemze DeLappe. For the past 7 years he has assisted Gemze and performed and Associate Choreographed many productions of Oklahoma! and Carousel all over the United States. Victor continues to perform as well as choreograph for ballet companies and various workshops for new musicals. Special thanks to Robert Duva and Christopher Gattelli.

KEN CLIFTON (Musical Director) is no stranger to the Ogunquit Playhouse and is currently celebrating his seventh season. He has music directed such hits as Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, The Producers, Chicago, Sunset Blvd., La Cage aux Folles, Guys and Dolls, and many others. After 12 years in New York City, he now divides his time between The Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach, FL and Ogunquit. He has taught at NYU. He has written music for Kristin Chenoweth and John Tartaglia, has had four musicals produced, and has had the opportunity to coach Ms. Jennifer Hudson on her audition for Dreamgirls. He’s so grateful to tell another story with Shaun Kerrison.

JEFFREY CAMPOS (Conductor 7/8-7/15) – Ogunquit Playhouse: Legally Blonde, Summer of Love, Sunset Boulevard (AMD). National Tours: The Wizard of Oz (MD), Oklahoma (MD), Annie (AMD), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Regional: Mame(Cohoes Music Hall). Off-Broadway: A Stoop on Orchard Street. New York: NYC Mayor's Awards for Arts and Culture, Jack Perry is Alive (and Dating) (Ars Nova), Show Choir (NYC Fringe), A New Generation of Song (NYMF), The Secret Garden, Human Comedy, Lucky Stiff, Triumph of Love, A New Brain, Forever Plaid, Proof (incidental music)(Astoria Performing Arts Center),Violet, The Wild Party, Like You Like It, City of Angels (Gallery Players), Jesus Christ Superstar (Producer's Club), Bat Boy, Seussical, How to Succeed... Orch/arr. for Broadway Backwards. Assisted Andrew Lippa with music for Asphalt Beach. Recipient of a developmental grant from the Queens Council for the Arts for his musical, The Man in the Iron Mask.

BRADFORD T. KENNEY (Executive Artistic Director) now in his seventh season in stewardship of “America’s Foremost Summer Theatre,” Mr. Kenney is proud to include many wonderful theatrical productions and the guidance of some of New England’s beloved theatre companies as part of his career. Some Ogunquit highlights include last season’s Miss Saigon, Sunset Blvd starring Stefanie Powers, Charles Shaughnessy and Rachel York in Monty Python’s Spamalot, as well as My Fair Lady, Les Misérables, Rex Smith in The Sound of Music, Lorenzo Lamas in The King and I, Rue McClanahan in Crazy for You, Sally Struthers in Hello, Dolly! and Always Patsy Cline, Andrea McArdle in Cabaret, and Leslie Uggams in Cinderella. While at Foothills Theatre in Worcester, MA, he produced many shows including: Miss Saigon, Disney’s Beauty and The Beast, Proof, Cabaret (National Regional Premiere), Dick and Jimmy Van Patten in The Sunshine Boys, Titanic The Musical, Macbeth, Ten Little Indians, Our Town, Ragtime and others. He is also founder of the Wachusett Theatre Company with shows such as Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Disney/Elton John’s AIDA (Northeast Regional Premiere) and Eddie Mekka in Fiddler on the Roof, among others. In addition to his producing credits, Brad has appeared on stage in Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Sorcerer and Iolanthe as well as Carousel, Titanic, An Inspector Calls, The Mousetrap, Company, Guys and Dolls, The King and I, Hello, Dolly! andMidsummer Night’s Dream, as well as many other shows throughout New England. He is a fourth generation plein air artist, having studied with Beth Ellis, Rhode Island School of Design, Heartwood College of Art, and Maine College of Art. For Tucker, Max, Beth Ellis and Ryan Francis Curtis.

JAYME MCDANIEL (Associate Producer) Jayme is enjoying his 2nd season as Associate Producer with Ogunquit Playhouse. His history with the playhouse commenced in 2001 when he appeared in 42nd Street, then in 2009 he directed and choreographed Singin' in the Rain and received an IRNE nomination for his efforts. Previously he acted as the Associate Artistic Director at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in St. Paul, MN where he had the fortunate opportunity to produce and direct several highly acclaimed and commercially successful productions. As a Stage Director he directed/choreographed Joseph… at North Shore Music Theatre, Singin’ in the Rain, Grey Gardens, Yankee Doodle and The Rocky Horror Show at the Ordway; The Student Prince at Paper Mill Playhouse; Zorba & H.M.S. Pinafore for the Berkshire Theatre Festival, Violet, Candide & Drood with Connecticut Repertory; It’s a Fabulous Life, Chicago, Zombie Prom, The Merry Widow, People Like Us, They’re Playing Our Song and many others. As an Associate Director and/or Choreographer: Laughing Room Only (Broadway), White Christmas, Wonderful Town, Sound of Music (5th Ave Theatre), Yankee Doodle Dandy (5th Ave), Dallas Summer Musicals (Theatre of the Stars) Camelot and Rags (Paper Mill), Nefertiti (Parker Playhouse), Crazy for You (Musical Theatre West) and The Music Man (CLOSBC). He’s also enjoyed a career on the stage as well, most notably in the final national tour of Hello, Dolly! with Carol Channing. In 2007 the Minneapolis Star Tribune lauded him as the Outstanding Director of a Musical.

PAUL BREWSTER (Children's Director) Paul is humbled to be working with this creative team and company of South Pacific, and is proud of the young actors in this production. As the Playhouse's Education Director, Paul will oversee all children's programs for the season, and will direct Pinkalicious, Willy Wonka Jr., and The Little Mermaid Jr. He directed last year's “Professional Experience” collaboration with the award winning production of The Music Man. A director, stage manager, and teaching artist, Paul’s favorite credits include: Ogunquit Playhouse: Pippi Longstocking, Miss Saigon, Avenue Q, Chicago, Jack and the Beanstalk, The Sound of Music, All Shook Up. NYC: Look Back in Anger (Roundabout Theatre Company), La Barberia (New World Stages), The Orphan's Home Cycle (Signature Theatre Company/Hartford Stage). Paul holds a BFA from Tisch School of the Arts, and will enter NYU Steinhardt’s Graduate Program for Educational Theatre in the fall.

MICHAEL YEARGAN (Original Set Designer) LCT: Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (Tony nom), South Pacific (Tony and Drama Desk Awards), Cymbeline, Awake and Sing! (Drama Desk Award, Tony nomination), Edward Albee’s Seascape, The Light in the Piazza (Tony and Drama Desk Awards, Outer Critic Circle Award nom.). Broadway: The Ritz (original production); Hay Fever with Rosemary Harris; Ah, Wilderness! with Jason Robards and Colleen Dewhurst; A Lesson From Aloes; as well as many credits Off-Broadway and in regional theatre. London: Becket, Cyranode Bergerac. Opera: Metropolitan Opera (Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Otello, Ariadne auf Naxos, Così fan Tutte, Don Giovanni,Susanna, The Great Gatsby), NY City Opera (Norma, Madama Butterfly, Tosca, La Finta Giardiniera, Central Park) as well as work at major opera companies throughout the United States, Europe and Australia.

CATHERINE ZUBER (Costume Designer) How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Born Yesterday (Tony Award nominations), Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, The Royal Family (Tony Award), Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, (Lincoln Center Theater) Richard III, As You Like It, The Tempest, The Cherry Orchard, The Winter’s Tale for BAM’s Bridge Project; South Pacific (Tony Award), The Coast of Utopia, (Tony Award, Outer Critics Circle Award): Awake and Sing (Tony Award) Edward Albee’s Seascape (Tony Award nomination), The Light in the Piazza (Tony Award, Outer Critics Circle Award nomination), Dinner at Eight, Twelfth Night (Tony Award nominations), Ivanov, all at Lincoln Center Theater. Other Broadway credits include: A Man for All Seasons, Cry-Baby, Doubt, Frozen, Dracula, The Sound of Music, Triumph of Love among others. Recipient: 2003, 2004 and 2007 Henry Hewes Award for Design, 2004, 2005 Lucille Lortel Award, 2004 Ovation Award, 1997 and 2005 Obie Award for Sustained Achievement. Other projects include the 1999 Fete des Vignerons, Vevey, Switzerland. Opera credits include Two Boys for English National Opera, The Ring Cycle for San Francisco Opera, Romeo et Juliette for the Salzburg Festival, La Scala, Le Compte Ory, Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Dr. Atomic, The 125 Gala and The Tales of Hoffmann for The Metropolitan Opera.

RICHARD LATTA (Lighting Designer) has worked in lighting and related fields in the New York area since the mid 80s, working on Off-Broadway shows, fashion shows, and events of many kinds around NYC. He quickly began designing lighting on his own- and as an associate to other designers. He spent five years with Hasbro as a Lighting Director for their 23rd Street showroom (the current Home Depot). For the past 25 years he has designed countless musicals and plays for both Off-Broadway and Regional theatres. In 1987 he became resident designer for the Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine, a position he continues with the present 2012 season, which is the theatres’ 80th. In the 1990s he balanced theatre work with a ton of corporate events and industry shows as a Lighting Designer, Production Manager and Producer on shows for IBM, General Motors, Apple, Dannon, Kraft General Foods, Merril Lynch, Union Carbide and more. He also enjoys assisting Projection Designer Elaine McCarthy on the recent productions of Thurgood (Broadway, Kennedy Center, Mark Taper), Distracted (Mark Taper) The People In The Picture (Bway 2011), and the hit opera Moby Dick (debut 2009) currently appearing around the world. As an instructor, he has worked with ABT at the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts and Newark Arts High on dance programs since 2003. And his leadership position at Ogunquit Playhouse has allowed him the chance to help train a generation of technicians and designers working on Broadway and beyond. Recently lit productions: Ogunquit 2011 season, Cabaret at Maltz Jupiter in FL, The Snow Queen in MA, Truman Capote's Holiday Memories in PA, Smokey Joes’ Café in Waterbury CT.

STEVE WELDON (Costume Shop Supervisor) costumes have been his game from Barbara Mattera’s in NYC to the high seas for Royal Caribbean and just about everything in between. He had a custom design costume studio in Fort Lauderdale where he created original costumes for professional wrestlers to custom-made gowns for private clients. He now calls Tampa his home. He’s looking forward to exploring the wonders of Ogunquit, Maine between shows.

JEREMY OLEKSA (Sound Designer) is extremely excited to return to the Ogunquit Playhouse for his 4th season. His show credits include: Man of La Mancha, Damn Yankees, Spamalot, Sunset Boulevard, Chicago, Sound of Music, Music Man, and Miss Saigon. On his most recent production, he was the Engineer on the National Tour of The Color Purple. Jeremy would like to thank all his friends and family for their continued support, especially his wife Becky Oleksa.

LEAH MUNSEY-KONOPS (Wig Designer/Wig Master) is thrilled to be joining the Ogunquit Playhouse for their 80th season. Ms. Munsey is a Chicago based freelance artist. Credits including Candide, The Seagull, A Christmas Carol (Goodman Theater, stitcher), The Madness of King George III (Chicago Shakespeare Theater, wigs), and White Noise (Royal George Theater, wardrobe). Most recently, she worked as Wig Supervisor on the national tour of South Pacific, for which she styled the Nellie wig at least 235 times. Many thanks to her mentors, friends, family, and to her own wonderful guy, much love.

TRACEY WOOLLEY (Production Stage Manager) Tracey has an eclectic career… Some of her favorite highlights include performance art (Blue Man Group), circus (Cirque Du Soleil’s Mystere), Shakespeare (ARTE/LA’s Theatricum Botanicum) musicals (1st National Tour of Lincoln Center’s South Pacific, The Wizard of Oz, The King and I), and ballet (Utah Regional Ballet). Her passion for theatre has led her to some interesting locations and venues…however, this is her first visit to New England! Thanks to my family who give me continuous love and support…

CORY BOULIERIS (Assistant Stage Manager) from Dallas, TX. National Tour: South Pacific (ASM/ACM). International/Regional Credits: The Telephone and Il Signor Bruschino (Stage Manager) with the CCM Spoleto Opera Festival; The Mikado (Assistant Director) with Fort Worth Opera; Altar Boyz, Zanna, Don’t!, BENT (Stage Manager) with UptownPlayers. BFA in Stage Management from University of Cincinnati College – Conservatory of Music. Much love to Mom and Dad. To Angel –YMBFILY.

GEOF DOLAN (Technical Director/ Scenic Coordinator) returns for his sixth season supervising the wonderful sets that grace the Ogunquit stage. In addition to his management skills, Geof brings a hands-on knowledge of the workings of stage scenery and mechanics, carpentry and welding, and adds Scenic Coordination to his role here at the Playhouse. Geof also serves as the Technical Supervisor for our Children’s Theatre shows. Prior to coming to Maine, he was a production carpenter at Sierra Repertory Theatre in California, and then Technical Director at Foothills Theatrein Massachusetts. He spent four winters as the Assistant Technical Director at the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre in Florida before making the seacoast his home. Having grown up in a theatrical family (his mother a Theater educator, his father a professional actor/director) he continues the tradition here: His wife, Cheryl, is the Charge Scenic Artist and his daughter Ashlynn is an active participant in the Children’s Theatre.

RICHARD RODGERS & OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II (music, lyrics and co-author) After distinguished careers with other collaborators, composer Richard Rodgers (1902-79) and lyricist/librettist Oscar Hammerstein II (1895-1960) joined forces in 1942 to create the most successful partnership in the American musical theatre. Their output included Oklahoma! (1943), Carousel (1945), the movie State Fair (1945; remade 1962; Broadway premiere, 1996), Allegro (1947), South Pacific (1949), The King and I (1951), Me and Juliet (1953), Pipe Dream (1955), the TV musical Cinderella (1957; remade 1965, 1997); Flower Drum Song (1958) and The Sound of Music (1959). To date, the Rodgers & Hammerstein musicals have received several dozen major awards, including Pulitzers, Tonys, Oscars, Grammys and Emmys.

JOSHUA LOGAN (co-author) Born in Texarkana, Texas, Joshua Logan (1908-88) was a director, writer, and producer. His stage directorial credits included I Married An Angel, Knickerbocker Holiday, Morning’s At Seven, Higher And Higher, Charley’s Aunt, By Jupiter, This Is The Army, Annie Get Your Gun, Mister Roberts, Wish You Were Here (also co-author and co-producer), and Mr. President, as well as South Pacific, for which he was co-author, co-producer and director of the original production. His film directorial credits include Picnic, Bus Stop, South Pacific, Sayonara, Tall Story and Fanny.

R&H THEATRICALS As the theatrical licensing division of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization, R&H Theatricals serves both our customers, representing over 50,000 theatre organizations worldwide, and the copyright owners, comprised of the authors and rightsholders of our musicals. We are the liaison between those who own the musicals we control and those who wish to present them. On behalf of the copyright owners, we issue performance licenses to our customers granting the live stage production rights. We also provide, on a rental basis, the authorized printed materials required to rehearse and present these musicals. Our extremely wide range of customers includes elementary, middle and high schools; Broadway producers, summer stock and dinner theatres; colleges and universities; regional theatres and opera companies; community, civic and religious organizations; youth theatres, cruise ships, casinos, hotels and producers of touring and Off-Broadway productions. In addition to the U.S. and Canada, our catalogue of musicals is represented by agents around the world. As you can see, our customers encompass anyone and everyone who desires, anywhere in the world, to experience and share the joy of live musical theatre.

Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), founded in 1913, represents more than 45,000 actors and stage managers in the United States. Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions, providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. AEA is a member of the AFL-CIO, and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. The Equity emblem is our mark of excellence. www.actorsequity.org

Ogunquit Playhouse Announces Cast of Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific

For Immediate Release:

June 11, 2012

Ogunquit, Maine–The Ogunquit Playhouse, America’s Foremost Summer Theatre, is set to open one of the most enchanting musicals of all time, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific, on stage June 20 – July 15. This all-new production is based on the lavish and breathtaking 2008 Tony Award winning Lincoln Center Theater production. Set on a tropical island during World War II, the musical tells the sweeping romantic story of two couples and how their happiness is threatened by the realities of war and by their own prejudices. Beloved songs include “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” “This Nearly Was Mine” and “There is Nothin’ Like a Dame.” Don’t miss this American classic that critics hailed as “Flawless,” “Simply Wonderful” and “Gorgeous!”

The Ogunquit Playhouse is thrilled to announce that Branch Fields will headline as Emile deBecque. Mr. Fields has been hailed by Opera America as "a bass of resonant richness," and The New York Times declared him to be "a gifted bass.”In 2008, Mr. Fields joined the cast of South Pacific on Broadway, understudying the role of Emile deBecque in the Lincoln Center Theater production, which won seven Tony Awards. This marked Mr. Fields’ Broadway debut, sharing the stage with Matthew Morrison, Kelli O’Hara and Skipp Sudduth.

Branch Fields made his debut at New York City Opera in 2005 in Capriccio,and since has performed many roles including Zuniga in Carmen,Angelotti in Tosca and Gravedigger in Esther. He has sung with many regional companies throughout the U.S.including Santa Fe Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, Opera Carolina, Michigan Opera Theatre and Utah Symphony/ Utah Opera. In concert, Mr. Fields has performed with the Munich Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra and most recently with the American Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall.

Jennie Sophia will reprise her role from the National Tour as the perky Nellie Forbush in the Ogunquit production. She is aChicago native and has performed many roles in regional theatres throughout the US including, Guys and Dolls (Sarah Brown), Brigadoon (Fiona), Oklahoma! (Laurey), Fiddler on the Roof (Hodel), Picnic (Madge), Cinderella (Cinderella), Circle of Friends (Aunt Cornelia), Passion (Mistress), Anything Goes (Hope), Kiss Me Kate (Lilli) and The Sound of Music (Maria).

Christopher Johnstone will portray Lieutenant Joseph Cable in the Ogunquit production. He recently toured with the 1stNational Lincoln Center Tour ofSouth Pacific.He has sung with the Mark Morris Dance Group, the Cincinnati Pops, the Boston Pops and the Long Beach Symphony among others. A graduate of the Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music, Mr. Johnstone has spent summers alongside some of the world’s top artists at Tanglewood and Castleton and has played TV roles on “All My Children” and TLC’s “Personal Justice.” Hsin-Yu Liao joins the cast as Liat, the role she most recently performed in the Broadway National Tour of South Pacific.

Shaun Kerrison, returns to the Ogunquit Playhouse to direct Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific. He has most recently directed "The Magic of Disney in Concert" for Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee in London, an open air concert for 100,000 people in Hyde Park. He is soon to direct My Fair Lady for the BBC at the legendary Royal Albert Hall in London. Mr. Kerrison recently directed two separate productions of Sunset Boulevard, for both Goteborg Opera and for the U.S. Regional Theatre Premiere at the Ogunquit Playhouse, starring Stefanie Powers. He also directed both Les Miserables and My Fair Lady for Ogunquit. On Broadway, Shaun was the Resident Director of Mary Poppins, Associate Director for the Broadway revival of Les Miserables and directed the National Theatres of Great Britain’s production of My Fair Lady for its 50th Anniversary US National Tour. In the UK, Shaun was the Associate Director of Les Miserables at the Palace Theatre London and its UK National Tour, My Fair Lady at the National Theatre, Theatre Royal Drury Lane and UK Tour, Peter Pan and The Pirates of Penzance both at the Savoy Theatre, Resident Director of The Lion King at the Lyceum and assisted Trevor Nunn on Acorn Antiques the Musical at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.

Choreographer for the Ogunquit production is Victor Wisehart who will bring the original musical staging of Christopher Gattelli to the Ogunquit Stage. He has danced principal roles with the New York Theatre Ballet, joined the 50th Anniversary World Tour of West Side Story playing to sold out opera houses in Paris, Vienna, Zurich, Athens, and the West End. After returning home to America Mr. Wisehart had the honor of being part of the original cast of the 1st National Tour of Lincoln Center’s Tony Award winning production of South Pacific. He has performed and Associate Choreographed many productions of Oklahoma! and Carousel all over the United States, as well as for ballet companies and various workshops for new musicals.

Musical Direction will be under Ken Clifton was last seen at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Always Patsy Cline with Sally Struthers. Ken has been the Musical Director for many Ogunquit Playhouse productions including 2011’s critically acclaimed production of Miss Saigon and the award winning, The Music Man and in 2010 for Sunset Blvd. and Chicago. Ken is the resident music director for the Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach, Florida, and in addition also works as a vocal coach and composer/lyricist.

Up next is the devilishly sexy Damn Yankees (the new Boston Red Sox version!) on stage from July 25 – August 18. A bewitching seductress, America's favorite pastime and Satan himself mix it up in this popular Adler and Ross musical comedy, starring Carson Kressley.Sally Struthers will return in the Broadway musical from multiple Grammy Award-winning song writer Dolly Parton, 9 To 5: The Musical, on stage fromAugust 22 through September 15. Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story rocks the 80thAnniversary season to a close from September 19 – October 21. This joyous celebration of a musical legend will have you dancing in the aisles!

Get your ticket today! Prices range from $39-$74 per show. Purchase tickets, subscriptions and gift certificates online at www.ogunquitplayhouse.org, or through the Box Office at 207-646-5511.

South Pacific is a musical composed by Richard Rodgers, with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and book by Hammerstein and Joshua Logan. The work, which premiered April 7, 1949 at Broadway's Majestic Theatre, is based on James A. Michener's Pulitzer Prize-winning 1947 book Tales of the South Pacific, combining elements of several of the stories in that book. Rodgers and Hammerstein believed that they could write a work based on Michener's stories that would be financially successful and, at the same time, send a strong social message on racism. Due to his lack of knowledge of the military, Hammerstein had difficulty in writing some details of the text; the director of the original production, Logan, assisted him and received credit as co-writer of the book, for which Logan always felt he was underpaid.

The plot centers on an American nurse stationed at a U.S. Naval base on a South Pacific island during World War II who falls in love with an expatriate French plantation owner but struggles to accept his mixed-race children. A second romance, between a U.S. lieutenant and a young Tonkinese woman, explores his fears of the social consequences should he wed his Asian sweetheart. The issue of racial prejudice is candidly explored throughout the musical, most controversially in the lieutenant's song, "You've Got to Be Carefully Taught." Supporting characters, including a comic petty officer and the Tonkinese girl's mother, tie the stories together.

The musical opened on Broadway on April 7, 1949 and was an immense critical and box-office hit, enjoying what was then the second-longest Broadway run for a musical, and has remained popular ever since. The writers were able to sign Ezio Pinza and Mary Martin as the leads, and wrote several of the songs with them in mind. The piece won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1950. Its racial themes provoked controversy, especially in the Southern U.S., for which its authors were unapologetic. Several of its songs, including "Bali Ha'i," "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair," "Some Enchanted Evening," "Happy Talk," "Younger Than Springtime" and "I'm in Love with a Wonderful Guy," have become popular standards.

The original Broadway production won ten Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Libretto, and it is the only musical production to win Tony Awards in all four acting categories. The show has since enjoyed many successful revivals and tours, spawning a 1958 film and other adaptations. The 2008 Broadway revival was a strong success, winning seven Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival.

Adapted from Wikipedia