“South Pacific,” the musical and geographical location, may seem a long way from the Lehigh Valley.

Several regional connections bring it close to home.

“South Pacific” continues through July 9, Northampton College Summer Theatre. The July 2 matinee performance was seen for this review.

The musical is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “Tales of the South Pacific” (1947), by Doylestown native and Bucks County resident James A. Michener (1907-1997). Michener based the short stories collection on his experiences in the United States Navy during World War II (1941-1945).

Michener ran unsuccessfully for the U.S Congress in 1962. My father held a Michener campaign rally in the barn on the Center Valley farm where I grew up. My father enlisted my Lanark Elementary School buddy and neighbor, Jimmy Berghold, and me to distribute James Michener campaign flyers door to door in Reading.

The Michener legacy lives on. He and his wife, Mari Yoriko Sabusawa, endowed the Michener Center for Writers, University of Texas at Austin. The James A. Michener Art Museum, which opened in 1988 in Doylestown, received a $5.5-million pledge from Michener in 1996.

“South Pacific,” with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and book by Hammerstein and Joshua Logan, premiered on Broadway in 1949. Hammerstein lived on Highland Farm, Doylestown Township, Bucks County. Hammerstein mentored Stephen Sondheim, who attended George School, a prep school in Bucks County. Sondheim met Hal Prince, who directed Sondheim shows, at the opening of “South Pacific.” The original production received 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1950.

Another regional connection to “South Pacific” is stage and screen legend, Odette Myrtil (1898 - 1978), who portrayed Bloody Mary in the early 1950s during the original run of “South Pacific,” succeeding Juanita Hall in the role. Myrtil operated New Hope restaurant Chez Odette (1961 - 1976), later Odette’s Restaurant under different ownership until closing in 2006. It was where I saw the likes of Ann Hampton Callaway perform in the cabaret series. Afterward, many gathered around the piano bar at Odette’s to sing show tunes as Bob Egan tickled the ivories. River House at Odette’s, a hotel, meeting facility, restaurant and cabaret, opened at the location in 2020.

“South Pacific” stirs memories, bringing a tide of emotions for me. An opportunity to see “South Pacific” is always worthwhile. The Northampton Community College Summer Theatre production has much to recommend it.

First of all, there is the self-proclaimed intent of Rodgers and Hammerstein to address racism, a theme that undergirds the show.

The NCC production, directed by Bill Mutimer, Northampton Community College Summer Theatre Artistic Producing Director and Northampton Community College Theatre Department Head, devised an interesting concept for the production.

Instead of an accompanying orchestra off-stage, dual grand pianos, with a thrilling overture by pianists Lucille Kincaid and Patricia O’Connell, are at stage-front in the arena-style Lipkin Theatre. This showcases the voices of the leads and the chorus. It’s a clever idea by Mutimer, especially because the show has several strong lead vocalists. Music Director is Chad Miller.

Chief among the leads is Jennifer Brady (Nellie Forbush), whose charming stage presence brightens the entire show, as does the smile in her voice, from her opening solo number, “A Cockeyed Optimist,” as well as the rousing “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair” and the exuberant “A Wonderful Guy,” the latter two numbers accompanied by the Nurses chorus.

As if Brady’s voice isn’t enough to make you sit up and listen, Kenneth McMullen (Emille de Beque) will absolutely astound you in the show’s signature song, “Some Enchanted Evening,” delivered full-throttle such that his voice reverberates throughout the theater.

You can’t wait for these two to get together and Brady and McMullen don’t disappoint in several duets, “Twin Soliloquies,” “Some Enchanting Evening” reprise and “This Is How It Feels.”

Another soaring classic, “Bali Ha’i,” is sung beautifully by Shuga Henry (Bloody Mary).

“South Pacific” has several comedic numbers, including “Bloody Mary,” by the Seabees; “There is Nothin’ Like A Dame,” by Daniel L. Melo (Luther Billis) and the Seabees; “Happy Talk” by Shuga Henry with interpretive movement by Jane Lui (Liat), and “Honey Bun,” by Brady and Melo.

Jacob Greening (Lt. Joseph Cable), in wistfully sweet voice, is the third standout lead, memorable in “Younger Than Springtime” and “You’ve Got To Be Carefully Taught,” the latter directly confronting societal racism and hatred.

Choreographer Tina Williams keeps the enthusiastic young cast moving. The Set Design by Brett Oliveira is ingenious. Costumer Brenda McGuire convincingly conveys 1940s’ era styles.

The cast includes: Justin Ferguson (Henry), Amaya Annum (Ngana), Ilan Annum (Jazmine), Aidan King (Abner), Max Wetherhold (Stewpot), Mason Wold (Professor), Michael Sheridan (Captain George Brackett), Jim Long (Commander William Harbison), Josh Crowley (Yeoman Herbert Quale), Cade Kocher (Radio Operator Bob McCaffrey), Janae Gray (Ensign Janet MacGregor, Lydia Walker (Ensign Dinah Murphy);

Andy van Antwerp, Connor Sternberg, Isaiah Elleby, Marcell McKenzie (Sailors), and

Tessa DeJesus, Denise Long, Sieanna Rahatt, Myriam Zamy, Jordan Gold, Mina-Will Price, Nikki Cohen and Faith Stack (Nurses).

The Northampton Community College Summer Theatre production of “South Pacific” returns us to a time of yesteryear with a theme that is relevant today.

“South Pacific,” 7:30 p.m. June 28-30, July 1, 5-8; 2 p.m. July 2, 9. 5:30 p.m. July 4, Lipkin Theater, Northampton Community College, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township. Tickets: 484-484-3412, https://www.northampton.edu