Happy talk has graced Islander Loretta Ables Sayre; she is the newest darling on Broadway.

In her debut as Bloody Mary in "South Pacific" Thursday night at the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center, the Hawai'i actress-singer earned raves. The New York Daily News declared her "the find of the season."

The Associated Press dubbed her "marvelous ... (with) a rich, gutsy voice that brings an earthy warmth to 'Bali Ha'i.' "

"A terrific New York debut," said the New York Times, which added that her solo tunes, "Bali Ha'i" and "Happy Talk," "feel new because they're rendered as systematic acts of seduction."

The Times also was effusive elsewhere in the paper, headlining an Opinion piece with "Bloody Mary Is the Girl I Love," heaping praise on director Bartlett Sher (who has Hawai'i ties) and Ables Sayre.

Even New York magazine asked in an online posting, "Could 'South Pacific' dance away with the Tonys?"

Ables Sayre, a Diamond Head Theatre actor, endeared herself to Island theater fans when she starred as the fame-hungry mother in "You Somebody" at Diamond Head Theatre. A veteran Waikiki club performer, she also has played the recurring role of Aunty on Nickelodeon's "Beyond the Break" series filmed in the Islands.

The "South Pacific" revival was to close June 22 but has an open run now because of the high praise. Seats are being sold through Jan. 4, 2009.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.