Plaza Theatrical’s SOUTH PACIFIC given raves by BroadwayWorld Long Island

Read BroadwayWorld Long Island’s review of Plaza Theatricals production of SOUTH PACIFIC.

“The other scene stealer of the evening was Lydia Gaston as Bloody Mary, an island wheeler-dealer and Liat's mother. Ms. Gaston brought new depth to her character. She not only mystifies Lt. Cable, but the whole audience with her performance of "Bali Hai." I was ready to book a flight to Hawaii myself. What was particularly haunting was her performance of "Happy Talk" in the beginning of Act II. Normally, that song is viewed as a song to sway Lt. Cable to fall even more in love with Liat. If you truly analyze the lyrics and, in this case, how the song is performed, it's truly about a mother's desperation. All Bloody Mary wants is a truly happy life for her daughter. At the time this number is performed, Liat is "promised" to a rich, much older, French plantation owner (Not Emile). Deep down, Bloody Mary knows Liat would be happier with the much younger, strapping Lt. Cable. The song essentially involves Bloody Mary "pimping", for lack of a better word, her daughter out to Cable. Sadly, the relationship is never meant to be due to Lt. Cable's "carefully taught" racist upbringing. The depth Ms. Gaston was able to exhibit with this role is a true indicator of what a great actress she is.”