The Lincoln Center Theater announced today that opera veteran David Pittsinger will temporarily replace Paulo Szot as Emile de Becque in the Tony Award-winning production of South Pacific starting Dec. 2.
Szot, who won a Tony for his performance in the musical this year, will leave South Pacific twice to fulfill prior opera commitments in France: The Merry Widow at Opera Marseille, Dec. 2 - Jan. 25, and Carmen at Opera Toulouse, March 12 - April 12. Pittsinger will perform the Broadway role for the duration of Szot's absences.
Szot will perform the role from Jan. 27 through March 8, and will return for good on April 15.
Bass-baritone Pittsinger has performed in four productions at the Metropolitan Opera, including The Rake's Progress and Don Carlo. After his Broadway debut, he will perform in the New York City Opera's Anthony and Cleopatra concert performance at Carnegie Hall.
The Lincoln Center Theater production of South Pacific at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre won seven Tony Awards this year, including best musical revival.