Lynbrook High School's ‘South Pacific’ Plays to a Packed House

The enchanting call of “Bali Ha’i” echoed through Lynbrook High School’s Branciforte Theater as the Drama Club presented the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic “South Pacific.” 

Sixty-five years after its acclaimed Broadway debut and five years after its Tony-winning revival, these young actors captured all the spirit and drama that won this beloved American musical the Pulitzer Prize in 1950.

Singing such classics as “Some Enchanted Evening,” “There Is Nothing Like a Dame,” “Bali Ha’i” and “Younger Than Springtime” with heartfelt feeling and exacting style, the performers delivered the kind of professional theater experience that their audiences have come to expect.

The story, set during World War II, revolves around an American nurse named Nellie Forbush, played by Leah Elefante. While stationed on a South Pacific Island, Nellie falls in love with French plantation owner Emile De Becque (Zack Zaromatidis), but she finds she cannot accept his mixed-race children, who are played by South Middle seventh-graders Kaylie Hausknecht and Nelson Mei.

The actors were inspired to theatrical greatness through the guidance of director Kevin Harrington, vocal director Barry Wyner, orchestral director Joseph Pallotta and choreographer Jessica Bedson. Audiences were transported to the South Pacific through the creative set design of Michael Kunz, set construction of Tom Wolber, costume design of Barbara Kirby and lighting design of Glen Davis.

Annie Pasqua was the rehearsal pianist and Tara Bridges was the costume assistant. Sound designs were handled by Wireless Sounds.