EAST HADDAM — Seventy five years after its debut, Rogers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific remains the only Broadway show to win all five of the major Tony Award categories, including Best Musical. This classic musical is currently enjoying a solid and enchanting production at Goodspeed Opera House under the direction of Chay Yew.

Set against the backdrop of the South Pacific islands during World War II, the show intertwines themes of prejudice, social responsibility and romance to tell a story both entertaining and important. For its time, South Pacific was controversial. It tackled topics which were not talked about openly.

When many people think of Rogers & Hammerstein musicals they think light fluff, when in reality they were using theater to tackle difficult subjects such as racism, abuse and suicide. That is why their work endures all these years later. Many of the topics they confronted through their musicals are still topics we struggle to talk about today.

South Pacific is based on James Michener’s 1947 book of short stories Tales of the South Pacific. Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein, with the help of Joshua Logan, took those stories and wove them together to create this iconic musical. The linear story tells the tale of an American nurse from Little Rock, Ark., named Nellie Forbush, who falls in love with a French expatriate plantation owner Emile de Becque. Nellie struggles to accept de Becque’s mixed race children, while the US Marines attempt to recruit de Becque for a secret mission.

The show’s beautiful score, which includes songs such as “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair” and “This Nearly Was Mine,” is instantly recognizable. Music Director Adam Souza does an impeccable job leading the Goodspeed orchestra. Listening to that beautiful score played by the orchestra is worth the price of admission alone.

The wonderful performances are an added bonus. Returning to the Goodspeed stage after headlining last year’s production of Summer Stock is Danielle Wade. Her incredible voice and plucky enthusiasm make her a perfect Nellie Forbush. From the minute she bursts onto the stage the audience knows this classic heroine is in very capable hands. Her chemistry with Omar Lopez-Cepero as Emile is palpable.

Lopez-Cepero holds his own with such an iconic character as Emile. His silky-smooth voice and tender demeanor bring layers to Emile that audiences may not have seen before. No matter how many times you may have seen South Pacific, Lopez-Cepero’s Emile is a new take that deserves applause.

Keven Quillon steals every scene he is in. Quillon’s effortless charm and humor bring to life the larger-than-life Luther Billis, the loveable Seabee always looking to make a buck. The stage lights up whenever he enters and he leaves the audience wanting more Luther Billis.

Top to bottom this cast is filled with beautiful voices and major talents. Also worth mentioning are Joan Almedilla, who brings humor and heart to the character of Bloody Mary; and James Michael Reilly, whose commanding presence as Capt George Brackett is a delight to watch.

Whether or not you have seen South Pacific before, Goodspeed’s production is worth a visit. Performances continue to August 11. Tickets and more information can be found at goodspeed.org.