(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point will hold auditions for its first musical of 2025, South Pacific, by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Artistic Director Phil Pallitto welcomes all to try out, as he looks to fill the musical with an exciting diverse cast. Auditions will take place March 29 and April 2, at the Gateway.
Based on James A. Michener's Pulitzer Prize-winning book Tales of the South Pacific, the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, written in 1949, centers on an American nurse stationed in the South Pacific during World War II who falls in love with a French expatriate, however, she struggles to accept his mixed-race children. Another romance transpires between a U.S. Marine lieutenant and a young Tonkinese woman. This relationship adds to the lieutenant’s own fears about societal consequences should he marry her. The issue of racial prejudice is explored throughout the musical, sending a strong progressive message on racism.
“As we prepare for auditions for South Pacific, we are committed to embracing the rich diversity of our community. This iconic musical carries themes of love, resilience and confronting prejudice—messages that still resonate today,” Pallitto said. “We encourage performers of all backgrounds, ethnicities and identities to audition as we seek to create a cast that authentically reflects both the story’s spirit and our dedication to inclusive storytelling. All are welcome—your voice, your talent and your unique perspective matter here."
Appointments are not required. Those auditioning should bring along sheet music to a song that best showcases their voice; an accompanist will be provided. There are two auditions dates: Saturday, March 29 from 10:00am to 1:00pm, and Wednesday, April 2 from 6:00pm-8:00pm. Dance call begins each audition. Those auditioning will potentially be asked to be there for the duration. A full list and breakdown of characters can be found at GatewayByTheBay.com.
“We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants,” Pallitto said. “Please join us at the Gateway as we celebrate the richness of diverse cultures through this iconic, thought-provoking Rodgers and Hammerstein musical.”
South Pacific will run May 30 to June 1, and June 6-8.
Gateway Playhouse is located at 537 Bay Ave., Somers Point.
Character Descriptions
Ensign Nellie Forbush Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano (G3 – B♭5). Personality Traits: Optimistic, energetic, bubbly, open-hearted but naive, impressionable, sincere, warm, and conflicted. Character Notes: Nellie is a small-town girl from Little Rock, Arkansas, whose enthusiasm and sunny disposition make her well-liked among her fellow nurses. However, her upbringing has instilled deep-seated prejudices that she must confront when she falls in love with Emile. She undergoes significant personal growth as she realizes the limitations of her past beliefs.
Audition Preparation: Actors should showcase both comedic charm and emotional depth. Nellie has a lot of physicality—she moves with enthusiasm and energy. She should also have strong chemistry with Emile, as their relationship is central to the show. Additional Notes: This role requires stamina, as Nellie is in many scenes and must transition between playful, romantic, and dramatic moments.
Emile de Becque Vocal Range: Baritone (A2 – G4). Personality Traits: Sophisticated, romantic, cultured, noble, dignified, mysterious, passionate, and courageous. Character Notes: Emile is a worldly French expatriate who has built a life on the island, raising his children after his Polynesian wife’s passing. He is deeply in love with Nellie and is willing to risk everything for love and for the cause of freedom. His past as a man who killed to protect his values weighs on him, but he is ultimately a man of integrity and great courage.
Audition Preparation: Actors must have a commanding stage presence, with an air of sophistication and depth. Emile requires strong acting ability to balance his romantic nature with his serious and brooding side.
Additional Notes: Emile must project both warmth and strength. His relationship with Nellie should feel tender yet passionate, and his bond with his children must be genuine and heartfelt.
Lieutenant Joseph Cable Vocal Range: Tenor (D3 – G4). Personality Traits: Brave, intelligent, idealistic but conflicted, serious, passionate, tormented. Character Notes: Cable is a Princeton-educated Marine officer with a strong sense of duty. He is sent on a dangerous mission behind enemy lines and falls in love with Liat, but his internalized prejudices prevent him from fully embracing their future together. His arc is tragic, as he realizes too late the cost of his decisions.
Audition Preparation: The actor should portray Cable’s confidence as a Marine while also revealing his vulnerability and internal struggles. A strong emotional connection to Liat is crucial, as their love story is central to his character’s conflict. Additional Notes: This role requires an actor who can shift between being a brave soldier and a man grappling with his own limitations. Physical fitness is a plus, as Cable is a Marine.
Bloody Mary Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano/Alto (G3 – F5). Personality Traits: Shrewd, humorous, cunning, manipulative but loving, fiercely protective of her daughter. Character Notes: Bloody Mary is a Tonkinese islander who makes money selling souvenirs to American sailors. Though she is often played for comedic effect, she is a deeply layered character. She is determined to find a better life for her daughter, which leads her to push Liat toward Cable. Her humor masks her desperation, and she is ultimately a tragic figure.
Audition Preparation: A great Bloody Mary must be larger than life, balancing humor and emotional depth. She should have strong comedic instincts but also be able to shift into moments of seriousness, especially regarding her daughter’s future. Additional Notes: This character is physically expressive, often using exaggerated movements and vocal inflections. She should have an imposing stage presence. Appearance should be Polynesian/East Asian/mixed ethnicity.
Liat Vocal Range: Non-singing role. Age: Late teens – early 20s. Personality Traits: Innocent, delicate, graceful, gentle, romantic, dreamy. Character Notes: Liat is Bloody Mary’s beautiful and quiet daughter. She does not speak much but must be expressive through movement, facial expressions, and body language. She falls deeply in love with Cable, and her heartbreak when he refuses to marry her is one of the show’s most poignant moments.
Audition Preparation: Liat must be played with grace and subtlety. A background in dance or strong physical acting is helpful. Actors should focus on using body language to convey deep emotions. Additional Notes: Liat’s presence should be ethereal and captivating. She represents purity and love, making her rejection by Cable all the more heartbreaking. Appearance should be Polynesian/East Asian/mixed ethnicity.
Luther Billis Vocal Range: Baritone (G2 – G4). Personality Traits: Mischievous, comedic, street-smart, self-serving yet likable, loud, scrappy. Character Notes: Billis is the comic relief—a Seabee always looking for an angle to make money or entertain himself. He has a big personality and often serves as a contrast to the more serious characters. However, beneath his scheming nature, he has a good heart and genuinely cares about Nellie.
Audition Preparation: This role requires excellent comedic timing and strong physicality. Billis should be brash but endearing, with a charismatic energy. Additional Notes: The role is very physical, often requiring exaggerated gestures and expressive body language.
Captain George Brackett Vocal Range: Spoken role (w/ ensemble singing). Personality Traits: Stern, authoritative, pragmatic, fair but no-nonsense. Character Notes: Brackett is the commanding officer on the island. He is strict but not without warmth, and he ultimately respects Emile’s bravery.
Audition Preparation: A strong speaking voice is key. Brackett should be commanding and serious, but with moments that reveal his underlying humanity. Additional Notes: The actor should exude authority without being one-dimensional. Brackett is not just a rule enforcer—he is a leader with real responsibility.
Commander William Harbison Vocal Range: Spoken role (with ensemble singing). Personality Traits: By-the-book, disciplined, professional, reserved. Character Notes: Harbison is Brackett’s right-hand man and follows military protocol closely. He upholds discipline and ensures order on the island.
Audition Preparation: As a supporting role, Harbison requires a clear, professional demeanor and a strong speaking presence. Additional Notes: Though a smaller role, Harbison should still feel like a key part of the military operation.
Ngana and Jerome (Emile’s Children) Vocal Range: Child soprano/alto. Personality Traits: Playful, innocent, affectionate, curious. Character Notes: Emile’s mixed-race children from his previous marriage. They represent his deep connection to the island and are central to Nellie’s internal conflict.
Audition Preparation: Children should be comfortable performing on stage and be expressive, even with limited dialogue. Additional Notes: The role requires natural chemistry with Emile. Their presence should be warm and endearing.
Ensemble: The ensemble of South Pacific plays a vital role in bringing the island community and military life to life. The ensemble includes U.S. military personnel, islanders, nurses, and various supporting characters who interact with the leads. These roles require strong character work, energy, and ensemble singing.
U.S. Navy Nurses Personality Traits: Youthful, optimistic, supportive, lively, and social. Description: The Navy nurses are stationed on the island and serve as Nellie’s friends and colleagues. They provide comedic and dramatic support in various scenes, particularly in musical numbers such as “I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair” and “I'm in Love with a Wonderful Guy.” These roles require strong movement skills and the ability to interact naturally as a close-knit group.
U.S. Sailors & Seabees Personality Traits: Boisterous, fun-loving, hardworking, rough around the edges, and full of energy. Description: The sailors and Seabees are the enlisted men stationed on the island, providing camaraderie and comic relief. They work hard but play harder, always scheming for ways to get what they want. They are featured prominently in songs like “There Is Nothin’ Like a Dame” and “Bloody Mary.” These roles require physicality, strong vocal presence, and comedic timing.
Since its reopening in 2017, Gateway Playhouse, a 501-(c)3 nonprofit, has provided quality and affordable year-round entertainment to residents and visitors, as well as offered educational opportunities to grammar and high school students, in the hopes of creating future generations of actors, directors and audiences. Aside from an annual mainstage season, the Gateway also produces a variety of comedy and cabaret shows throughout the year. As the saying goes, “see you at the Gateway!”
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