-photo by Ashely Smith, Wide Eyed Studios
Arden Theatre presents Once on This Island, through June 23rd, directed by Amina Robinson, the first Black woman to win a Barrymore Award for Outstanding Direction of a Musical for The Color Purple. Inspired by Rosa Guy’s 1985 novel My Love, My Love; or, The Peasant Girl, this is a Caribbean retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid. Combining the story with a score by Stephen Flaherty and book/lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, who also worked together on numerous musicals including 2016’s Anastasia and Ragtime, it’s the perfect show to see with your family.
Set in the French Antilles, Once on This Island follows the young orphan Ti Moune (Nadia Ra’Shaun) and the couple who takes her in as their own, raising her to understand the social divide of the island, based on color and class. Convinced she was saved as a child for a much bigger purpose in life, Ti Moune rescues, and falls for, Daniel Beauxhomme, a privileged young man from the other side of the island. She’s unaware of the wager made by the island’s gods, however, and what that will mean for her life as she travels to his side of the island to be with him. The 90 minute production will have audiences wrapped up in Ti Moune’s journey and appreciating their own courage, love and community.
Once on This Island has been extended through June 23rd. The cast is incredible and the music – from “One Small Girl” to “Why We Tell The Story” will be in your head for a long time. This is one you won’t forget. Tickets and info here.
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