Lakeport >> Wise men say that the course of true love and art never runs smooth. Lake County Theatre Company’s production of Rogers and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific” seems to be destined to prove that saying to be true. In the midst of major wind and rain, the cast and crew managed to move 20 4-by-10 foot “flats,” props, furniture, paints and construction materials from temporary housing at Skycatch Gymnasium to the Little Theatre at the Lake County Fairgrounds, the eventual performance location for the show.
“The weather was horrific” said producer Sue Garrett with a grin. “We would stack things up by the doorway, wait for a minute or two break in the storm, and then load up and drive like crazy to the fairgrounds. We needed to keep the work that had already been done on the set from being ruined. It was a huge operation with over 20 members of the cast … and family and friends, all chipping in. It was pretty amazing.”
Director Suna Flores said early use of the space is essential to the production of a show like South Pacific.
“It really make a difference in the overall quality of the show when we are able to be in our production space for an entire month before the show,” Flores said. “With this early entry, we can set up lighting and sound and complete construction and painting on site. The performers can see exactly where and how they can best do their performances. It is a real gift. We could not have afforded to do this without the help of the Lake County Fair staff.”
The classical musical takes places during World War Two.
“The music is so iconic that many young people today don’t even realize it is the root of the music they a currently listening to,” said music director Cathy O’Connell. “The subject matter is as current as today’s headlines. Love, war, racism, learning to understand … It’s all in this show. Today’s version will be a new classic.”
South Pacific is due to open in March and run the first three weekends of that month.
Tickets will go on sale in February.
