South Pacific in Concert from Carnegie Hall (2006)

Brian Stokes Mitchell ls great

The entire concert is excellent. I heard Brian Stokes Mitchell in person in March, so I'm especially interested in anything he does. Reba McIntire is very good too. I had seen this on PBS in the past. September 11, 2008

Absolutely delightful!

Just finished watching this concert and I can't wait to watch it again. I had a few small problems with it (the tempo of some songs felt a bit rushed) but that was probably done knowing this was going to air on TV and that the show *had* to fit within a certain timeframe. Plus, you knew there was going to be that much applause!

Great talent in this cast, but I'm especially blown away by Reba McEntire. I've only recently "discovered" Reba and as I find more of her work I'm constantly amazed. Every moment in this show she is totally engaging to watch and I can't tear my eyes away from her. September 11, 2008

Blown away!

I simply luvvved this production!! The only other version of South Pacific that I'd ever seen was the screen version starring Mitzi Gaynor & Rossano Brazzi, but I was completely blown away & enraptured by the performances of Reba McEntire & Brian Stokes Mitchell in the starring roles. There was such great chemistry between the two & the singing was fantastic. I am a huge fan of both now! The rest of the cast was great as well. Alec Baldwin was funny & cute as hell as Luther Billis, & what a beautiful, powerful, mesmerizing voice Lillias White has in her role as Bloody Mary. Her rendition of Bali Hi was spectacular. I am so grateful that PBS made the decision to record this performance because I so, so enjoyed it! I only just received my dvd a few days ago, but already I've watched it several times. Very highly recommended!!! August 19, 2008

Totally Superb!

Watched this for the second time on PBS last night and will shortly purchase my own copy right here. I never thought watching a Broadway musical without all the trappings could be a sublime experience, but this was! Reba is totally great and believable as Nelly, all the casting is right on, and Brian as Emile is awesome! The music is too good to be true and, by the end, I was practically in tears. Cannot wait to get my own DVD copy and watch and sing along (in private only) to my heart's content.
As a young person I took voice lessons and tried singing some of these songs. They're as difficult to sing, due to the complexity of the music, as some opera...more difficult than some, actually. Yet, the notes, intervals, chords, and combinations, combined with the lovely libretto, are always just right musically; even, if they aren't always what you expect or what is easily done vocally. It takes truly skilled professionals to do this music justice and these performers and musicians do just that.
If you want a really joyful treat, and the best example of American opera anywhere (this musical is just that), then this is for you. July 31, 2008

Truly A Hundred and One Pounds of Fun

South Pacific in Concert at Carnegie Hall has a very special energy to it, you feel the connection of the audience with the artists, you feel the fun everyone is having. It seems that all artists are knowing of the special moment they are part of, and you watching this are going to wish to have been there.

I always was a fan of Reba McEntire, but even more so now, the gal can belt out a tune. So Reba, seeing how much fun you had with this, I hope you will do more musicals, your voice is absolutely suitable for it, I see why you were brilliant in Annie Get Your Gun.

Sometimes I get upset with living here in Switzerland, only for the reason that I miss out on most of the great shows on Broadway and these very special shows being performed in New York. But thanks to the producers allowing these shows to be taped for the networks, we get to see them on DVD.

To anyone loving a great musical or just very good music, this is a must- have. Only thing better than this, having been there for the show.
Truly A GREAT PERFORMANCE.
July 13, 2008

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