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I am pleased once again to be directing the summer production for the Raytown Arts Council after CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG  in 2017.

During the directing process for this show, I found three interesting things that stood out and found worthy of commenting on.

First, having directed 70 shows and performed in another 120 plus over the years in six states, SOUTH PACIFIC was never in my artistic orbit, and never presented an opportunity for me to be a part. I found that odd having been in eight Rodgers and Hammerstein's musicals. And now SOUTH PACIFIC finally crosses my path and it is a thrill to help bring this show to life.

Second, I like to create a family atmosphere when I cast and direct a show as it takes everyone to create a professional and artistic experience for the audience. Since SOUTH PACIFIC is also about family and those special relationships, I find it interesting and exciting to see we have three sets of "Family" in the show from mother and son and daughter to two father-daughter relationships. Now what are the odds of that happening in one cast? And they have added so much to our "cast family."

And third, some think SOUTH PACIFIC is outdated and politically incorrect for the current times but, in truth, I respectfully disagree, and feel the show couldn't be more timely for these exact times even though it is set in 1942. The big picture issues are wrapped up in pretty music and soul-searching lyrics on two South Sea islands so far from home where cultures, politics, social mores and love come into focus to touch our hearts and lives and make us think.

Through this production of SOUTH PACIFIC we hope you experience a labor of love as your Raytown Arts Council strives to present you, our audience, with quality entertainment.