William Michals to Take the Lead in South Pacific for Five Weeks

William Michals will assume the role of Emile de Becque in Lincoln Center Theater’s Tony-winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific from June 1 through July 4 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. Original cast member Paulo Szot will depart on May 30 for an opera engagement in Europe, returning on July 6. South Pacific is scheduled to close on August 22.

Michals has been the Emile understudy since the show opened and has performed the role many times. He appeared on Broadway in Beauty and the Beast and toured in The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Music Man, Les Misérables, Man of La Mancha and The Phantom of the Opera. He has also released a CD William Michals: Broadway in Concert.

Directed by Bartlett Sher, South Pacific opened on April 3, 2008, and won seven Tony Awards, including Best Revival. The current cast also includes Laura Osnes as Ensign Nellie Forbush along with Andrew Samonsky as Lt. Cable and original cast members Danny Burstein as Luther Billis and Loretta Ables Sayre as Bloody Mary.