ABIDDING war is being waged among Hong Kong's mainstream promoters eager to cash in on a sure-fire money spinner: the Eagles. Big in the 70s, the band has reformed and is set to do it all again with a world tour called Hell Freezes Over.
Born again is always big news for Hong Kong entertainment. Better the devil you know could also be the ethos for local promoters of music or theatre, just look at the ''safe'' line-up which has been presented over the past 12 months - a 10-year-old CATS, ''living legend'' Bob Dylan, karaoke kings Air Supply, dream time for baby-boomers Santana, bring back the good ol' days Gerry and the Pacemakers to name a few.
Next up we have South Pacific - at 46 years old, a decidedly middle-aged musical. Following a sell-out tour of Australia, it's making its debut in the territory on June 9 for a 20-show run. A New York production of the old favourite My Fair Lady is also hitting the Cultural Centre stage on June 22.
The executive producer, director and musical director of South Pacific were in town this week auditioning local youngsters for starring roles, as well as looking for some extras.
They promise Hong Kong will be getting something it has never seen before, saying that modern technology has allowed them to create a stage spectacle which would not have been possible 40 years ago.
But there's no getting away from the fact that South Pacific was penned in a different era and that songs such as Some Enchanted Evening, Bali Ha'i, Younger Than Springtime and I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out-a My Hair now fall into the ''classics'' category.
But it is not just mums and dads and their mums and dads who have been lining up for tickets to what is now the hottest show in Australia. Executive producer Walter Van Nieuwkuyk, director David Lynch and musical director Dobbs Franks said they have been taken aback by the number of young people flocking to the show and the reception they have given the wartime musical.