Mary Martin as Nellie Forbush

Ever wonder how the original South Pacific looked? Well here’s your chance to have a look at the original staging and design. These are some excerpts of the original London production starring Mary Martin and Wilbur Evans. The musical opened in late 1951, running for two years at the Theater Royal, Drury Lane. The video quality isn’t spectacular, it looks like an old kinescope, but I believe it was shot on 16mm film. However, it offers a truly rare glimpse into musical theatre history. Enjoy. (Note: Mitzi Gaynor completely stole Mary Martin’s “Wonderful Guy” dance!)

Opening scene – “Dites Moi,” “A Cockeyed Optimist” & “Twin Soliloquies”

“I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair”

“Some Enchanted Evening – reprise” & “A Wonderful Guy”