By Genevieve Miller, PR Manager, Denver Center Attractions

Last week, we got a first glimpse of the new touring cast of Lincoln Center’s hit production of SOUTH PACIFIC, as members went into their first day of rehearsal. Check out the photo coverage here.

I saw this production in New York last year and I absolutely loved it. The book and score have long since earned their place as classic musical theatre, but this production does the classic justice and then some. It has outstanding scenic design, and the cast I saw in NY was fabulous, so I’m thrilled to see original Broadway cast member Genson Blimline will be in the tour, along with original ensemble members Eric L. Christian and Mike Evairste. One of the reasons I think this show has been so successful is because it was produced by Lincoln Center Theatre, a non-profit theatre with a reputation for excellence. Here at The Denver Center we really appreciate the work of our non-profit theatre colleagues and celebrate when their shows see commercial success like this one.

The touring cast includes opera singer Rod Gilfry  (who has performed in operas all over the world and earned a Grammy nomination) as Emile de Becque and Carmen Cusack (who has been seen in the leading roles of Phantom, Les Mis and Wicked) as Nellie Forbush. One of our favorite Denver actresses, Jodi Kimura, is also on the tour in the ensemble and as the Bloody Mary understudy.

Other cast members include:
• Anderson Davis (Lt. Cable)
• Matthew Saldivar (Luther Billis)
• Keala Settle (Bloody Mary)
• Gerry Becker (Capt. Brackett)
• Peter Rini (Cmdr. Harbison)
• Sumie Maeda (Liat)
• Rusty Ross (Professor)
• Genson Blimline (Stewpot)
The show hits Denver July 20-August 1, 2010, and you can learn more about the new cast at the SOUTH PACIFIC website. (link to www.SouthPacificOnTour.com)