FAYETTEVILLE, Pa. — Totem Pole Playhouse is proud to announce the cast and creative team for its upcoming production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “South Pacific,” running July 31 through Aug. 16 as part of the 2026 Broadway Series.
One of the most beloved musicals ever written, “South Pacific” features an unforgettable score including “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” “Bali Ha’i” and “Younger Than Springtime.” Set on a South Pacific island during World War II, the timeless classic weaves together romance, humor and powerful themes of love, courage and acceptance.
Leading the cast as Nellie Forbush is Amy Decker, whose credits include the National Tour of “The Phantom of the Opera.” Starring opposite her as Emile de Becque is Spencer Plachy, whose career includes Broadway’s “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” and the National Tour of “The Lion King.” The company also features Caitlin Burke as Bloody Mary (National Tour: “The Sound of Music”), Riri Kuroki as Liat (Penn State), Dennis Setteducati as Luther Billis (National Tour: “The Drowsy Chaperone” and content creator with Crafty Lumberjacks), John Vessels as Captain Brackett (National Tour: “Snoopy”), Luke Reed as Commander Harbison (“Shakespeare & Company”), and Sage Spiker as Lt. Joseph Cable (“Million Dollar Quartet” aboard Norwegian Cruise Line).
Portraying the children, Ngana will be shared by Aurora Esiel and Holland Patterson, while Troyli Fan Santiago and Theo Santiago will alternate as Jerome.
The ensemble features Gabriel Hobbs as Stewpot (Gateway Theatre), Andrew Boza as Buzz Adams (National Tour: “Fiddler on the Roof” and Crafty Lumberjacks), Oren Korenblum (Off-Broadway: “Sugar”), Jackson Manning (Penn State), Isaac Walker (Servant Stage), Alex Moss (Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre), Adam Shank (Totem Pole Playhouse’s “Jersey Boys”), Michael Krikorian (Totem Pole Playhouse’s “A Christmas Carol”), Kelley Alejos (National Tour: “The Great American Mousical”), Jenn Reed as Dinah (Cruise Line productions), Madeline Falco (National Tour: “Pete the Cat”), Maria Albani (Totem Pole Playhouse’s “9 to 5”), and Bailey Wennick (Totem Pole Playhouse’s “Beautiful”).
The production is directed by Ryan B. Gibbs, whose credits include the National Tour of “RENT 20th Anniversary” and numerous productions at Totem Pole Playhouse. Choreography is by Jenn Reed, whose work includes performances with “Steps” on Broadway NYC and cruise line productions. Music direction is by Darren Server, a Totem Pole favorite with more than 25 productions to his credit, alongside Associate Musical Director Steve Zumbrun, whose credits include the National Tour of “A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline.”
The creative team also includes Scenic and Video Designer Maggie Jackson (Forestburgh Playhouse), Lighting Designer Corey Goulden-Naitove (“Million Dollar Quartet” and “A Christmas Carol” at Totem Pole Playhouse), Sound Designer Kate Wecker (National Tour: “Menopause the Musical”), Props Designer Rachel Landon (Theatre Harrisburg), Production Stage Manager Bethany Sortman (Broadway: “Chicago”), Assistant Stage Manager Hope Rohrbaugh (National Tour: “Pete the Cat”), Costume Designer Elizabeth Angelozzi (Totem Pole Playhouse’s “9 to 5”), Hair and Wig Designer Brandon Miller (National Tours of “Memphis” and “Pippin”), Intimacy Coordinator Gené Fouché (McDaniel College), and Associate Lighting and Video Designer Sam Sims (Fulton Theatre).
Bringing Rodgers & Hammerstein’s iconic score to life is a live orchestra featuring Darren Server (Keyboard 1), Steve Zumbrun (Keyboard 2), Aaron Patterson (Reeds), Mark Hartman (Violin), Silvia Perbetsky and Oliver Paris (French Horn), and Mark Gray (Drums).
“South Pacific remains one of the most powerful and beloved musicals ever written,” said Totem Pole Playhouse leadership. “Its unforgettable music, compelling story and timeless themes continue to resonate with audiences of all generations. We are excited to bring together such an accomplished company of artists to share this American classic with our community.”
Tickets for Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “South Pacific” are on sale now. This production is sponsored by Valley Agency Insurance and Walker and Spang LLC.
For more information or to purchase tickets, readers may visit totempoleplayhouse.org or call the box office at 717-352-2164.
