By Liz Eichler
CCM’s production of Once on This Island is a joyous and uplifting rendition of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty’s musical, showcasing exuberant singing, dancing, visuals, and heartfelt performances.
Based upon the novel “My Love, My Love” By Rosa Guy, Once on This Island ran on Broadway from 1990 to 1991, and has been a highly anticipated staple of college, regional and community theatres ever since. University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music will likely be one of the best versions you’ll ever see.
The Story
Once on This Island literally tells the story (“Why We Tell the Story”) of the people and gods on a tiny French Caribbean island. Deeply connected to the spirits of the earth, the people are divided into two groups: the peasants and the Beauxhomme. After a storm, an orphan is found in a tree and is raised by a kind elderly peasant couple. She grows and all she seeks is love, asking the gods to provide. They do, but there is always a catch.
Mark LyonsTop Notch Performances
Audiences are treated to jubilant singing and dancing with many spine-tingling vocal performances. Erin Morton as Ti Moune and Ranease Brown as the Storyteller Moune are just two. Morton’s Ti Moune shines. We see–and feel–how she loves her parents Mama Euralie (Indya Lincicome) and Tonton Julian (Anargha Pal) as well as Beauxhomme Daniel (Peter Neureuther). “Waiting for Life” and “Forever Yours” is just two of her many moving numbers. She simply beams–and we bask in her reflection, just soak up her rays.
Brown as the Storyteller fills the Corbett Theatre with her voice, yet also has quiet moments with young Ti Moune, (an adorable but uncredited performer).
Indya Lincicome as Mama Euralie delivers not just one amazing performance as the caring and giving mature mother, but she switches to a youthful ensemble member with speed and skill. Neureuther shows Daniel’s dilemma well in the contemplative “Some Girls.”
Mark LyonsOther notable performances also include the gods: Julia Schick as Asaka (a giving, fun Mother Earth), Essence Bell as powerful Agwe, and Annalise Prentiss as Erzulie, the goddess of love we can trust, and Sean Polk II as trickster Papa Ge, who is not always looking out for our best interests. Each actor embodies their respective gods with charisma and flair. “Mama Will Provide” is especially fun.
The cast also includes Kristen Das as Andrea Deveraux, Franco Valerga as Daniel’s Father, Maya Sharma as Armand (Ancestor), and a Peasant Ensemble featuring Ranease Brown, Jonathan Hobbs, Jordyn Jones, Carter Minor, and Coty Perno. Additionally, the Beauxhomme Ensemble comprises Grace Capeless, Benjamin Cheng, Monique Churchill, Maya Sharma, Franco Valerga, and Sam Yousuf.
Music and Choreography of CCM’s ‘Once on This Island’
Under the musical direction of Casey Reed, the whole cast delivers beautiful harmonies, and the band is peppy and well balanced.
Due to choreographer Julia Schick (doing double-duty as Asaka), the dancing in Once on This Island is electrifying and dynamic, adding cultural authenticity to the production as well as energy.
Mark LyonsThe Creative Team
The stage is transformed into a tropical paradise.Vivid colors, lush foliage painted on corrugated metal, enormous wooden doors and atmospheric lighting set the scene for Ti Moune’s journey of love and self-discovery. Jessica Drayton’s lighting design compliments Mark Halpin’s scenic design, changing the mood from sunny to stormy and back again.
Sitting in the front row, it is a joy to see the costumes and make-up up close. (So close, I can attest to the impressively fancy soles of Daniel’s size 12 dress shoes, the intricate make-up of all of the gods, and the humorous patchwork of Tonton’s pants.) The rich and detailed costume design is by Erin Donnelly, with wig and make-up design by Tiara Jones. Attention to detail (as well as those front row seats) makes Once on This Island an immersive experience.
The vision of this whole production comes from prolific local performer, director and writer Torie Wiggins, directing her first CCM musical. She infuses the show with warmth and heart, capturing the essence of community, resilience, love and hope that defines Once on This Island.
Mark LyonsOverall
This blend of music, dance, and storytelling is uplifting and inspiring. With its talented cast, amazing voices, dynamic choreography, and stunning visuals, Once on This Island captures the magic and spirit of the Caribbean island setting, creating a memorable theatrical experience. This is an excellent show for the first-time theatre goer, and a must-see for everyone else.
Tickets to CCM’s ‘Once on This Island’
Again, you will be uplifted by this performance, this story, and the whole production. Reserve your tickets now for Once On This Island. There are only 3 performances left– 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 29 and 30 and 2 p.m. on Saturday. Click HERE for the Box Office, or call (513) 556-4183. Run time is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, with no intermission.
