Representations of Juanita Hall as Bloody Mary in South Pacific

African American actress and singer Juanita Hall won a 1950 Tony Award for her portrayal of Bloody Mary, the Vietnamese mother in the South Pacific musical who seeks a better life for her mixed-race daughter than what is possible on a French-controlled island in Melanesia during World War II. But the American Marine officer chosen by Bloody Mary to partner with her daughter is conditioned by his racism and prejudice against interracial relationships. Debuting in 1949, the character’s attitudes align with those of the segregated United States. Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II intended to promote racial tolerance through this Broadway production, which is evidenced by their casting of Juanita Hall, among other gestures. The actress’ portrayal in 1949 becomes the benchmark for comparison for later productions. The musical’s success prompted a plethora of images featuring Hall as Bloody Mary; the character’s military jacket and capri pants would become iconic. The intent of the musical is racial tolerance, yet what are the implications of an African American actress portraying a Vietnamese character who lives on a Melanesian island during World War II? Utilizing Black Pacific theory, this article addresses the visibility and invisibility of Black, Pacific and Asian lived experience in the musical and the resulting visual imagery that becomes the paradigm for ensuing productions onstage and in film.