CENTERVILLE – The island magic is so strong it reaches right off the stage.

Though it’s geography that lures the characters, CenterPoint Legacy Theatre’s current production of “South Pacific,” running now through May 19, won my own heart over with a stunning emotional honesty and subtle grace. Carried along by classic songs and a bevy of wonderful voices, I felt the magic just as strongly as any of the characters.

The show, based on a book by James A. Michener, follows a nurse and soldier stationed in the South Pacific during WWII as they find love and confront their own prejudices. There’s plenty of comedy and several nicely splashy rally-the-troops musical numbers, but it’s love that gives the show its heart.

Fortunately for this production, it’s the actors that give the love stories their own heart. Lindsea Garside is fantastic as Nellie, brimming with enthusiasm and innocence that’s both sweet and believable (all actors were in the opening night cast). Kevin Burtenshaw gives Emile both dignity and warmth, and both actors get points for maintaining their accents so beautifully throughout.

For more information check out the Apr 26 addition of the Davis Clipper.