The Gary-The Olivia Theater Presents SOUTH PACIFIC, 8/2-8/12

The Gary-The Olivia Performing Arts Center will present "South Pacific," the award-winning Rodgers and Hammerstein musical based on James Michener's Pulitzer Prize winning book, "Tales of the South Pacific," in six performances over the first three weekends in August.

Featuring Katie Keough, Thomas Camm, Alika Hope, Ryan Pipke, T. Abram Lee, Joseph Stofko, Brother Kevin McElroy and Julia Sun, the play will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, August 2, 3, 4 and 9, 10, 11, and 2 p.m. Sundays, August 5 and 12, at The Gary-The Olivia Theater at the Abbey of Regina Laudis on Flanders Road.

Sally Camm is the director/choreographer with musical direction provided by Craig Hartley.

First staged in 1949, many consider Rodgers and Hammerstein's "South Pacific" to be one of the greatest musicals of the 20th century.

The original Broadway production won 10 Tony Awards, including all four acting awards, and many of its songs went on to have a life of their own, including "Some Enchanted Evening," "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair," "Happy Talk," "Bali Ha'i," "Younger than Springtime" and "I'm in Love with a Wonderful Guy."

The original production featured Mary Martin as Ensign Nellie Forbush and opera star Enzio Pinza as Emile de Becque. The 2008 Broadway revival of the musical won seven Tony Awards and played to sold-out houses for more than two years.

Built in 1982 through the generous support of Academy Award-winning actress Patricia Neal, the open-air theater seats approximately 300 people.

Tickets, $18, can be purchased online at www.thegarytheolivia.com or at the box office one hour before each scheduled performance.

Children ages 11 years and younger have free admission this year.

Those seeking additional information about the production of "South Pacific" may e-mail boxoffice@thegarytheolivia.com.