"Most of the principals, veterans of many national tours, haven’t worked at Paramount before and they’re all excellent singers, especially Allsun O’Malley, whose Nellie has all of the requisite charm and optimism. O’Malley also is a strong enough actress not to demand her character be liked and to let her Nellie be who she was written to be and learn what she has to learn. Devin Archer richly interprets Emile’s romantic ballads, French accent and all, while Cindy Chang brings some honest dignity to Bloody Mary and Anthony Maggio’s Cabel goes far beyond the standard-issue tenor. All of these characters come off as fighting powerful impulses within themselves, which is a credit to the directing team of Devon Hayakawa and Trent Stork." - Chicago Tribune

"I did not enter South Pacific completely at ease. I carried some trepidation about the show's dated racial attitudes, which led to fascinating conversations with my two teenage sons who attended with me–and initially looked horrified when the usher reminded us the runtime was nearly three hours (though it never felt that long). Together, we wrestled with the prejudices embedded in the story: Nellie Forbush's (Allsun O'Malley) hesitation to marry Emile after learning about his previous marriage and biracial children; and Lt. Cable's fear of building a future with Liat (Louisa Darr). My sons were particularly struck by "You've Got to Be Carefully Taught" and how boldly progressive it must have felt in 1949 to argue that racism is learned behavior. Even the production's casting choices sparked discussion, including the thoughtful decision to cast Joshua L. Green as Captain George Brackett despite the historical reality of military segregation during World War II. And then there were the moments that revealed just how much social expectations have changed over eighty years: Emile despairing he has "nothing to live for" without Nellie while seemingly forgetting the existence of his two children. Watching the show became less about judging the past and more about examining how culture evolves. The fact that a three-hour long, 80-year-old show led me and two teens into such deep conversations is a testament to directors Devon Hayakawa and Trent Stork, who hope in their directors note that the audience takes more away from the show then just the beautiful music. That is a gift, too." - Talkin' Broadway

"Co-directors Devon Hayakawa and Trent Stork guide this Rodgers and Hammerstein masterpiece with a confident, contemporary touch, shaping a presentation that honors the show’s sweeping romance while sharpening its sincere and thematic edges. Their staging is purposeful and fluid, allowing humor, heart, and tension to coexist without competing." - Buzz Center Stage