By Meghan McCormick
The Norman North High School drama department has tackled two sensitive subjects that stirred emotions decades ago and still do today. War and racism.
This week, the department will present "South Pacific" to the public.
NNHS drama teacher Tony Gonzalez said the show was based on James Michener's book "Tales of the South Pacific."
"It's about war," Gonzalez said.
The play is set in the early 1940s during World War II on Solomon Island in the South Pacific.
Gonzalez said WWII is not the sole conflict in the production. Two couples have obstacles to overcome.
French plantation owner Emile de Becque falls in love with U.S. Navy nurse Nellie Forbush. Navy Lt. Joseph Cable finds himself drawn to a young Polynesian girl named Liat. Both couples are challenged by race.
Also, the lead roles in "South Pacific" were double-cast.
Gonzalez said Nellie, played by NNHS senior Claudia Fain and junior Rebecca Ziegler, accepts Emile until she learns his two children are biracial. Their mother was Polynesian. Emile is played by NNHS junior Evan Robison and sophomore Chris Carbin.
"She grew up in Arkansas and grew up with a prejudicial background," he said.
Gonzalez said the situation is similar for Lt. Cable, played by NNHS seniors Riley Pierce and Matt Martin.
"He has a girlfriend back home and falls in love with Liat," Gonzalez said.
Liat is played by freshman Quinn Robinson and junior Hannah Robles.
Robison, 16, said the play required him to acquire the mannerisms of a middle-aged man and a French accent. The accent proved to be more of a challenge.
"It's a hard transition," Robison said.
Fain, 18, said she likes the opportunity to portray the young Navy nurse.
"She's fun," Fain said. "I like the way she talks with the Southern accent. She's goofy, but not overly goofy. She's got a lot of bubble in her, and I like it."
NNHS junior Amy Schones, who plays Liat's mother Bloody Mary, said the play brings up racism, an issue that is alive in society.
"As much as I hate to say that racism is still around today," Schones, 18, said. "This musical has a message people need to hear."
Martin, 18, and his fellow cast members agreed they favored Gonzalez's decision to double-cast roles.
"If you knew us, there wouldn't be a better cast to double," Martin said.
Pierce, 18, said Gonzalez discussed the possibility of bringing "South Pacific" to the NNHS stage before he made a decision.
"In the end it's his decision, but he runs it by us," Pierce said.
Gonzalez said he chose to double-cast the lead roles after finding it hard to pick one actor for a particular role.
"I have so much talent," he said. "It gives more people an opportunity where it is equal."
Forty-eight actors make up the "South Pacific" cast, Gonzalez said.
"We have to make sure they get equal time and all is covered and more costumes," he said.
Show times will be 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Nancy O'Brian Center for Performing Arts, 1809 Stubbeman Ave.
Tickets go on sale Monday at the PAC box office. For tickets, call 366-1063 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. Tickets prices range from $8 to $12.
Meghan McCormick
366-3539
mmccormick@normantranscript.com
