'South Pacific' Works Its Magic In Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- Considered to be one of the greatest Broadway musicals of all time, Rodgers and Hammerstein's "South Pacific" debuted Tuesday night at the Hippodrome.

Monique Griego sat down with two of the show's stars and has more on what makes this play so magical.

Soulful sailors are only part of what you'll get in "South Pacific."

"Just covers life and love in war time," Katie Reid, who plays Nellie Forbush in the play, said.

On stage, Reid and Marcelo Guzzo transform into Nellie Forbush and Emile De Becque, a U.S. navy nurse and French plantation owner, who fall in love in "South Pacific."

The broadway musical is set during World War II. While love is a major part of the show, it also tackles the topic of war and racial prejudice. It's those themes and the messages behind them that cast members say keep the play current.

"I think in that way it's never outdated," Guzzo said.

"There's still racial tensions, there's still this idea of becoming bigger than yourself and questioning what you've been taught," Reid said.

While the play is based on the Lincoln Center production, cast members say they make the performance into their own.

"This is a version that's never been done before," Reid said.

It's the costumes, set designs, and of course, the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein that pay tribute to the original and take you back to that era.

"Very dramatic, big pulsing music," Reid said.

"We have an incredible ensemble and an incredible cast that really bring to life all these beautiful songs," said Guzzo.

So if you're looking to get lost in another time, or be swept away by a song, the "South Pacific" is waiting.

"South Pacific" runs through Oct. 9. For more information on how to buy tickets, click here.