(Charity Apple, The Times-News) Every now and then, there’s a show so good that even the most critical reviewer will pause for a moment and be lost in the magic taking place on stage. The Gallery Players’ upcoming presentation of “South Pacific” is that kind of production.

During Tuesday night’s rehearsal at the Paramount Theater, it was easy to see the joy and smiles on the faces of those in attendance. Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classic musical is, after all, hard to resist. But it was the vocal talent of Ardan O’Brien as Emile De Becque and Chelsea de la Cuadra as Nellie Forbush that left the audience in awe.

O’Brien has appeared in a number of community theater performances locally, mostly comedic roles, but as Emile de Becque, he is charming and his vocal delivery on the timeless love song “Some Enchanted Evening” is incredible. When paired with de la Cuadra, a newcomer, the two create a vocal powerhouse worthy of the Gallery Players’ 40th anniversary celebration. This musical was selected by patrons as the one they most wanted to see this season and the community theater group doesn’t disappoint.