South Pacific (Royal National Theatre Production - 2001 London Cast) [IMPORT] [SOUNDTRACK]

Well if you were lucky enough to actually see the stunning RNT production you will know that there are at least two good reasons for buying this one: Lauren Kennedy and Philip Quast. Lauren is simply her loveable, sparkling, effervescent self playing Nellie Forbush, singing and acting the part so naturally and to utter perfection - an absolute joy to listen to. As Emile de Becque, Philip produces another wonderful performance as we have come to expect following "Les Miserables" and "The Secret Garden" - as one newspaper critic said, 'he has a superb baritone which he uses like a master'. But everyone shines here: Sheila Francisco as Bloody Mary, Nick Holder as Luther Billis and John Shrapnel as Captain Brackett in particular.
And there's more. Director Trevor Nunn, Matthew Bourne and their team have given the work a subtle overhaul - the 'in/out' number "My Girl Back Home" is most definitely in, and is beautifully sung by Lauren and Edward Baker Duly as Lt. Cable, and for the very first time a lost vocal version (duet for Emile and Lt. Cable) of the "Operation Alligator" music (featured on the 1997 Studio Recording) is also included, entitled "Now Is The Time". The lyrics for Emile's part in "You've Got To Be Carefully Taught" have been completely revised, and the "Act II Opening" features a wonderfully fresh 'doo-wop' arrangement of "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair".
Then there's the complete reworking of the opening of the first half: a totally different "Overture" features "Bali Ha'i", "Now Is The Time" and "Twin Soliloquies", and marches straight into the opening number "Bloody Mary" with tremendous effect. "There Is Nothin' Like A Dame" immediately follows, and only then is it on to the original opening sequence which introduces the growing close relationship between Nellie and Emile, featuring "A Cockeyed Optimist" and "Some Enchanted Evening".
And finally there's the liberal sprinkling of dialogue. The "Act One Finale" and "Communication Discontinued" will probably require a packet of tissues each. I just wish that the duet reprise of "A Wonderful Guy" (the champagne scene!), which acts a prelude to "This Is How It Feels", had been included, as it was played so superbly on stage.
Overall though an outstanding souvenir of what was a truly wonderful show - all concerned must be congratulated. I don't quite know how many times I have listened to Lauren sing "I'm Gonna Wash That Man ..." and "A Wonderful Guy", but it must be getting close to a four digit number.
Certainly the best of all the "South Pacific" recordings in my opinion.
Five stars? More like fifty five!

Well, I definitely agree that Philip Quast is spectacular in this cast. He achieves a convincing, gentle French accent without once being caricatured, and strikes a wonderful balance between shy charm and determination in a time of need.

But that's where we part in opinion. I liked this CD, a lot ! The overall recording captures well both the ingenuousness and desperation of a time when the US's world was being jolted shockingly out of its innocence. And Trevor Nunn's liner notes point out the value of the text and score's optimistic stance to a world this side of the attack on the WTC.

Simply, the cast and production are great. The orchestrations are rich and clear, and lush where they need to be. Lauren Kennedy has a great voice and makes a spunky, feisty and fallible Nellie Forbush; Sheila Francisco is quite moving, and captures well the pluck and learned opportunism of Bloody Mary; and Edward Baker-Duly soars as Joseph Cable.

Strongly recommended. For me, the most satisfying recording of South Pacific I've yet heard.