PASADENA, CA -- The 50th anniversary of Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific will be celebrated July 6 when the Pasadena Civic Musical Series mounts a production of the celebrated musical.

Two-time Tony Award winner John Cullum and Jodi Benson star in the show, which is presented by PCMS in a new partnership between the Pasadena Civic Auditorium Foundation and Dallas Summer Musicals. The run is for eight performances only, with a closing date of July 11.

The production is directed and choreographed by Norb Joerder. The cast also features Michael Gerhart and Armelia McQueen, who was in the original production of Ain't Misbehavin as Bloody Mary.

Cullum won Tonys for his work in Shenandoah and On the Twentieth Century. His last New York appearance was in a Roundabout revival of All My Sons.

Benson is best known to audiences as the voice of Ariel, in the Disney animated feature "The Little Mermaid." She has appeared on Broadway in Smile and Welcome to the Club The Pasadena Civic Auditorium is at 300 E. Green St. Call or visit Ticketmaster.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent