DANVILLE - The underlying message of tolerance and acceptance of people's differences in "South Pacific" remains as relevant today as it was when the musical premiered more than 50 years ago.

Many of the show's cast and crew have worked together in past productions and consider themselves part of the community theater family.

In "South Pacific," members of several bona fide families take center stage together.

Four members of one family have parts in the production. Jennifer and David Woodrow, Jennifer's brother Creighton Cole and his daughter Emily will all appear in "South Pacific."

Cast as Bloody Mary in "South Pacific," Jennifer Woodrow said, "It's a part that I've always wanted to play."

Woodrow teaches music at North Ridge Middle School and directs Redcoats, the school's show choir. She also has appeared in Beef House productions, starring as Rose in "Gypsy," Nettie in "Carousel" and Meg Rockie in "Brigadoon." Another favorite role was Eulalie in DLO's "The Music Man."

Woodrow served as musical director for many productions directed by her husband David, banquet manager at the Beef House. The couple teamed for "Gypsy," "1776," "The King and I" and the recent "Little Shop of Horrors."

David Woodrow appears as Lt. Joseph Cable in "South Pacific." His onstage credits include the title roles in DLO's "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" and "Pippin" and as Edward Rutledge in the Beef House production of "1776."

In addition to performing in "South Pacific," Woodrow handled publicity and set design.

Creighton Cole, Jennifer's brother, plays a Navy seebee nicknamed "the professor" in the show.

Cole began performing with the Danville High School Orchestra and played with Danville Symphony Orchestra for seven years during his teens and early 20s. He has appeared with Danville Light Opera and the Beef House, most recently in the latter's "Pump Boys and Dinettes."

Describing how he juggles his job as a workman's compensation adjuster for Brentwood Services in Champaign, his family obligations and the show's schedule, Cole explained that he's delighted to spend the quality time with his 8-year-old daughter Emily.

"It's a chance for us to bond," he said. Cole also coaches his daughter's soccer team.

The duo will appear on stage together for the first time in "South Pacific," but Emily already had stage experience. A third-grader at Catlin Grade School, she performed in DLO's "Kilroy Was Here" this past summer. In "South Pacific," she plays one of two children of plantation owner Emil de Becque (Tom Harrigan).

This youngest member of the family can't wait for the actual show.

"I love the singing and the dancing and the talking French," Emily said. "But I love the acting the best. When I grow up, I want to be a teacher, a writer of kids' books and an actress."

She and Abby Benzing, who plays de Becque's other daughter, sing "Dites Moi" several times in the musical. The 12-year-old Benzing appeared in "Kilroy Was Here" and "The King and I" for DLO.

"It's fun meeting new people and then seeing them again in other shows," said the Fairmount resident.

Her 15-year-old sister Emily plays Liat, Bloody Mary's daughter and Lt. Cable's love interest. The girls, who are home-schooled, reported that they get along well both onstage and off.

"I've never done a part like this," Emily said. "It's fun playing the pretty girl."

Colette and Colin Ramage are another family duo appearing in "South Pacific." Grandmother and grandson share a love of theater and last were seen in "The King and I." Both play island natives in this production and also are involved with other shows at the same time.

Colin is in rehearsal for "Assassins" at Parkland College, where he will play Squeaky Fromm's son.

"I'm the only child in that show," he said. "I play a spoiled brat and get to stick my tongue out at my own mother. I also have a gun pointed at my head."

Colette Ramage currently is producing "Barefoot in the Park" for Red Mask as well as helping chauffeur Colin to his dual rehearsals.

Nancy and Lon Henderson of Danville once again share their talent and love of theater in "South Pacific."

Lon serves as president of Danville Light Opera and works as box office manager. Wife Nancy is directing the musical, after working as a producer, costume designer and actress for both DLO and Red Mask.

Coming up

Danville Light Opera will present Rodgers and Hammerstein's "South Pacific" at 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Danville High School auditorium. Season subscribers may call the box office at 431-1660 for reservations. Tickets are available from 7-9 p.m. today through Wednesday at the new Center Stage in the Village Mall or at First Savings Bank during regular business hours. Tickets also will be available at the door one hour before show time. Adult tickets are $14 and student tickets (18 and under) are $12. All seats are reserved.