By Geoffrey Wertime, Staff Writer
BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP — Over the next few nights, residents will have the chance to experience “some enchanted evening(s)” at one of Bordentown Regional High School’s performances of the musical, “South Pacific.”
Starting tonight, Thursday and running through Saturday, the cast will give three 7:30 p.m. shows at the Bordentown Performing Arts Center at the high school, 318 Ward Ave.
With more than 80 students working on the production, director Stacie Morano said this year has “the biggest cast we’ve had in a long time.”
A love story set on an island in the South Pacific during World War II, the show was a groundbreaking examination of racism when it debuted in 1949. In 1950, the original production, with music and lyrics by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, won the Pulitzer Prize for drama.
Ms. Morano said the historical aspect of the musical presented an interesting challenge to the young cast, many of whom were not well-versed in the era in which it takes place.
“They’re playing characters older than themselves, which is always a challenge,” she said. “A lot of these kids are completely unfamiliar with World War II, and it was really interesting having them do a little research, especially for girls with the role of women in this era.
“Some of them didn’t believe me,” she said, laughing. “You had to explain women being in the Navy was a whole new thing… So there was a lot of discussion about the time period.”
Junior Adam Edwards, 16, plays Luther Billis, a role Ms. Morano called “the con man of our little show.”
Adam said he enjoys the range his part allows him.
“I play a lot of different parts,” he said. “I’m kind of comedic relief, and then at some parts I’m serious so it’s a little bit of a challenge. I interact with everyone in the cast at different points so it’s a fun experience because some characters only interact with a few others.”
Ben Walker, a 17-year-old junior, takes on the role of Lt. Joe Cable. He said he appreciates the progression of his character.
“He’s very by the book in the beginning,” he said. “He doesn’t likely to stray from the rules or anything, but then he meets a very beautiful girl, and he kind of loosens up a little.”
He added, “It was a little difficult for me because I don’t normally play serious roles — I’m more of a comedic actor — but it was an interesting role to play.”
Ben said he’s a big fan of this musical, his third show at the school.
“It’s a big cast,” he said, “with lots of people dancing around and singing and having lots of fun. It’s a great show.”
Ms. Morano said she is proud of the cast, the crew and the all-student orchestra as she noted there is music throughout most of the show.
“Overall,” she said, “it’s a really challenging show, especially for this age group. It’s very intense emotionally, and they’ve definitely risen to challenge.”
Tickets for “South Pacific” are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors and can be bought at the door, via phone at 609-496-1452 or online at www.bordentown.k12.nj.us.

