CATS presents “South Pacific” in Nevada City on April 12-May 5

COMMUNITY ASIAN THEATRE OF THE SIERRA presents Rogers and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific” April 12-May 5 at the historic Nevada Theatre in Nevada City, kicking off its 23rd season of theater and cultural enrichment programs in the foothills.

“South Pacific” premiered in 1949 on Broadway. It won ten Tony Awards and resulted in a 1958 film and a popular soundtrack, with songs such as “Bali Ha’i” and “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair.” The plot is based on James A. Michener’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book Tales of the South Pacific. It now is performed all over the world.

For CATS production of this timeless musical, Jeffrey Mason and Susan Mason are sharing the helm as directors and music directors, with Jeff also serving as the music conductor and Susan as the choreographer. The production is cast and rehearsals begin in February.

Set in an island paradise during World War II, two parallel love stories are threatened by the dangers of prejudice and war. Nellie, a spunky nurse from Arkansas, falls in love with an expat French plantation owner, Emile.

Nellie learns that the mother of Emile’s children was an island native and, unable to turn her back on the prejudices she experienced in youth, refuses Emile’s proposal of marriage.

Meanwhile, the strapping Lt. Joe Cable denies himself the fulfillment of a future with an innocent Tonkinese girl he loves out of the same fears that haunt Nellie.

When Emile is recruited to accompany Joe on a mission that claims Joe’s life, Nellie realizes that life is too short not to seize her chance for happiness — confronting and conquering her prejudices.

The cast includes Terry Brown as Emile DeBecque, Angela Williams as Nellie Forbush, Austin Nunn as Lt. Joe Cable, Bernadette Garcia as Bloody Mary, Mica Cone as Luther Bills; Michele Nesbit as Liat, Bill Gentes as Captain Brackett, Frank Swaringen as Harbison, and Jick Icasiano as Henri and Marcel.

Tim Brown, Miles Mason, Tom Ogden, Kris Meadows and Anthony Pritchett are sailors; and Laura Cornell, Tina Marie Kelley, Olivia Pritchett, Kimberly Shepard and Grace Stubbs are nurses. Sarah McBride and Sadhira Williams are children, Amora Williams is Bloody Mary’s assistant.

New this year is all-reserved seating. Tickets are available at CATS website at catsweb.org, and at the BriarPatch Co-op in Grass Valley.

CHINESE LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL

CATS begins its 2018 cultural enrichment programs with the 7th annual Nevada City Chinese New Year Festival and Parade Sunday, February 25, from noon-4 p.m. on Commercial St. – site of the old Chinese Quarter – and at the Three Forks Bakery & Brewery parking lot.

CATS welcomes the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Dog, with Chinese dragons, lions, music, dance, martial arts, food and more. The Festival and Parade honor Chinese pioneers of the Sierra.