Which novel inspired the Broadway musical South Pacific?

Tales of the South Pacific inspired the Broadway musical South Pacific.

The novel was written by James A. Michener and published in 1947 from his experiences serving in the United States Navy during World War II. Rodgers and Hammerstein adapted several of its stories into a connected stage narrative.

The musical opened on Broadway in 1949, with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and a book by Hammerstein and Joshua Logan. Its plot follows American service members and civilians on Pacific islands during the war.

South Pacific is especially remembered for confronting racism through songs such as “You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught.” The original production starred Mary Martin as Nellie Forbush and Ezio Pinza as Emile de Becque. It won the Tony Award for Best Musical and became one of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s major successes.