South Bay Musical Theatre

Music by RICHARD RODGERS

Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II

Book by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II and JOSHUA LOGAN

Adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “Tales of the South Pacific” by James A. Michener

Director: Vinh G. Nguyen

Choreographer: Nicole Tung

Vocal Director: Anita Hsiung Carey

Music Director: Joseph Kelly

Stage Manager: Quentin Tepliuk

Initial auditions will be held Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 4 – 10 pm and Monday, November 2, 2026, from 6 – 10 pm

Please schedule a vocal audition slot at:

https://sbmt.ivolunteer.com/sbmt_southpacific_002    

Please prepare 32 bars of a song in the style of the show with sheet music in the correct key. No recordings or a capella, please. An accompanist will be provided. Bring a headshot, résumé, conflict calendar through June 12, and comfortable clothes and shoes for moving. Auditioners must attend a dance call, but may choose to do so before or after their vocal audition time if available.

Auditions will be held at 761 Mabury Rd, Suite 20, in San Jose.

Callbacks, by invitation only: Saturday, Nov 7, 2026.

The rehearsal calendar is compact and fast-paced. Therefore, conflict calendars will be a primary consideration for casting. Only minor conflict schedules will be considered, if any.

No conflicts during tech week accepted.

Director's Note: In approaching this seminal Rodgers and Hammerstein masterpiece, I want to reexamine South Pacific’s historical context by deepening our exploration of the cultural clashes and relationships among the American, French, and Native characters in the show. I strive to create an inclusive production grounded in care, sensitivity, and respect for the Native characters, while still honoring the show’s powerful themes of love and overcoming prejudice. I am excited to welcome back longtime fans and introduce a new generation of musical theatre lovers to this beloved classic. Actors of all backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to audition. I hope you will come and help us bring this fresh and lush production to life.

- Vinh G. Nguyen, Director

ENSIGN NELLIE FORBUSH (Female-presenting) An optimistic and simple Navy nurse from Little Rock, Arkansas, who falls in love with Emile; with subtle comedic timing, undeniable charms, and strong mezzo vocals.

EMILE DE BECQUE (Male-presenting) A wealthy, cultured, and dignified French leading man with grit and glamour who falls in love with Nellie; Strong baritone vocals.

LIEUTENANT JOSEPH CABLE (Male-presenting) A young, formal, and charming officer who falls in love with Liat; Strong soaring tenor vocals.

LIAT (Female-presenting) Bloody Mary’s daughter, A young Tonkinese girl who falls in love with Cable. Heartbreakingly delicate, beautiful, and innocent; Must move well.

BLOODY MARY (Female-presenting) A bold Tonkinese souvenir dealer who connects Cable to her daughter Liat; witty, brassy, and full of character; with excellent comedic timing and strong mezzo vocals.

LUTHER BILLIS (Male-presenting) A schlubby, mediocre entrepreneur; a friend to all and a man with a lust for the ladies; with strong comedic abilities and baritone vocals.

CAPTAIN GEORGE BRACKETT (Male-presenting) A pompous yet competent officer who hides a heart of gold; with baritone vocals.

COMMANDER HARBISON (Male-presenting) Officious Navy man; Brackett’s second-in-command and right-hand man; with baritone vocals.

NGANA and JEROME (Pre-teen children) Emile’s son and daughter by his late Polynesian wife. Walk on roles with some light singing. 

HENRY/ENSEMBLE (Male-presenting) A native of the island, he works as Emile’s butler.

STEWPOT/ENSEMBLE (Male-presenting) A funny, schlubby character man with strong tenor vocals; one of the sailors and Luther Billis’ cohorts.

PROFESSOR/ENSEMBLE (Male-presenting) A funny character man of the studious type; strong singer; one of the sailors and Luther Billis’ cohorts.

ROB MCCAFFREY/ENSEMBLE (Male-presenting) A sailor and radio operator who communicates with Lt. Cable during his mission. 

ENSEMBLE: (Any gender) A company of strong singers and movers to play Sailors, Marines, Seabeas, Patrolman, Ensigns, Islanders, Nuns, Officers, Soldiers, Pilots.