Canopy of Stars: ”South Pacific” at the Sumtur Amphitheatre (Preview)
“I’m a person who loves summer more than anything in the world and it’s always been a bummer for me to be indoors all season when I do community theater,” explained Leann Hill Carlson. “This is my way to have both – summer and theater!”
Quickly becoming synonymous with both ‘summer’ and ‘theatre,’ the Papillion - La Vista Community Theatre is set to launch the rousing Rodgers and Hammerstein classic “South Pacific” at the pastoral Sumtur Amphitheatre. And like she did last season as Ado Annie in the company’s crowd-pleasing production of “Oklahoma,” the vivacious Hill Carlson is set to shine once again, this time as the “Cockeyed Optimist” who’ll “Wash that man right outa my hair” in the World War II tale of love and longing set on a remote navy beachhead in the shadows of the mysterious “Bali Ha’i.”
The company is only in its third season, but has already established a stable of players that have propelled the theater’s sudden éclat. Chris Thackery, who knocked ‘em dead as Jud in last year’s “Oklahoma,” leaves the sinister sneer behind to take on the silly role of Luther Billis. Mark Thornburg, who along with Thackery has been nominated for a supporting actor award for his work on the PLCT stage, plays Emile, the regal plantation owner who steals the heart of the naive girl from Arkansas. And Rebecca Noble takes a break from the cabaret circuit to play the fast-talking huckster, Bloody Mary, whose stash of grass skirts and shrunken heads makes easy marks of the sea dogs.
The cast is certainly of some note, but one of the biggest stars of any PLCT work is the venue itself. A true palace of the plains, the Sumtur’s grounds are equal parts majestic and idyllic in their big sky beauty.
“There’s nothing like an open air performance,” Hill Carlson said, “especially when it comes to a show like ‘South Pacific’ where you can really feel - instead of just imagine - the warm breezes” that waft through this palm-dotted delight.
Jeff Nienhueser, the company’s founder and artistic director who is also directing this year’s offering, agreed. “Our actors and audiences tell us that it’s just a wonderful feeling to experience that under-the-stars stage,” he said of the house that has played to audiences of as many as 900 during runs that have eclipsed the 3,000 mark in each of the first two seasons. “The Sumtur is a truly unique space among Omaha theatre venues.
And ‘South Pacific’ is timeless,” he continued. “Here we are, involved in two wars…tough economic times…a historic presidency…themes that we all can relate to that are still so very relevant to today.”
The company has also played a key role in expanding the accessibility of theatre opportunities to the far reaches of the metro. Attracting a number of younger actors who may have not yet crossed the Rubicon of 72nd Street, you’re sure to agree that there’s fresh-faced talent simmering out there in the suburbs.
“South Pacific”
July 9 through 18
Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m.
Tickets $9.99 reserved, $5 general admission
But online at www.plvcommtheatre.org
Papillion - La Vista Community Theatre
11691 S 108th Street
Just south of Papillion La Vista South High School
- City Weekly
