 For the part of bordello-keeper Fauna, the duo fixed on the famous diva, Helen Traubel.There was precedent for such casting—former opera star Ezio Pinza had starred as suave Frenchman Emile de Becque in "South Pacific", and had received rave reviews for his performance.Traubel, in addition to being well known for her Wagnerian roles, was also noted for her nightclub singing.