A New York Times profile described Bartlett Sher as "one of the most original and exciting directors, not only in the American theatre but also in the international world of opera". He's directed a string of operas but had his biggest success on Broadway, reviving Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific to significant acclaim and armfulls of Tony Awards.
Last year Opera Australia brought his South Pacific to the South Pacific, transplanting the production for seasons in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne with real-life lovebirds Lisa McCune and Teddy Tahu Rhodes as "small-town hick" Nellie and her French suitor Emile. By popular demand its back at the Sydney Opera House, ahead of a season in Perth from November 10 and Adelaide from December 19 (tickets on the show website).