An enchanting musical tale, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND tells the story of forbidden love between two people from different worlds. Originally inspired by The Little Mermaid and Romeo & Juliet, this award-winning musical is set on an island in the French Antilles where social prejudices run deep and Caribbean music plays hot. Dazzling choreography, lush ballads and rousing choral numbers are certain to provide much needed love and spirit.
Theater West End’s ONCE ON THIS ISLAND was named “Best Bet” by the Orlando Sentinel in their Orlando Arts Season Preview for 2019-2020. “In light of a recent successful in-the-round Broadway presentation, Theater West End’s intimate venue seems like the perfect place to stage this uplifting story.”
The story begins as Ti Moune, a peasant girl, rescues a wealthy boy, Daniel, from the other side of the island, with whom she falls in love. Unknown to Ti Moune, the pompous gods who preside over the island make a bet with one another over which is stronger, love or death, the stakes being Ti Moune’s life.
From the same directing team that brought The Color Purple to Theater West End. Directors Derek Critzer and Felichia Chivaughn Wright have a stellar cast to bring this story to life. Brandi Campbell stars as Ti Moune, Mandi Jo John as Erzulie, Aladdin Jesse Demps as Asaka, Shonn McCloud as Agwe, Kellie Rhianne as Papa Ge, E. Mani Cadet as TonTon Julian, Tonya Phillips Staples as Mama Euralie, Fredy Ruiz as Daniel, Valerie Torres-Rosario as Andrea, Joshua Oliveras as Armand, Denver Humphrey as Little Ti Moune, and Kamryn C. Burton, Dane Paul Andres, Danielle Harris, and Giancarlos Coris as the Storytellers.
Appropriate for ages 6 and up. The production is one act and is performed without an intermission.
CAST
Ti Moune – Brandi Campbell
Erzulie – Mandi Jo John*
Asaka – Aladdin Jesse Demps*
Agwe – Shonn McCloud*
Papa Ge – Kellie Rhianne*
TonTon Julian – E. Mani Cadet*
Mama Euralie – Tonya Phillips Staples*
Daniel – Fredy Ruiz
Andrea – Valerie Torres-Rosario
Armand – Joshua Oliveras
Little Ti Moune – Denver Humphrey
Storytellers – Kamryn C. Burton, Dane Paul Andres, Danielle Harris, Giancarlos Coris
CREATIVE TEAM
Producers – Quinn Roberts, Derek Critzer
Directors – Derek Critzer, Felichia Chivaughn Wright
Music Director – Austin McElwain
Choreographer – Sterling Lovett
Stage Manager – Paige Gober*
Scenic Designer – Cliff Price
Costume Designer – Kyle Swanberg
Lighting Designer – Jonathan Scaringella
Sound Designer – Phil Lupo
Props Designer – Eric Desnoyers
Company Manager – Kali Pierce
* Member of Actor’s Equity Association.
DATES
Performances are October 11 to October 27, with an industry night show on Monday, October 21 at 8pm. Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm.
TICKETS
Tickets start at $25.00 and can be purchased online at theaterwestend.com or over the phone at (407) 548-6285. Box Office hours are Wednesday to Saturday from 2-6pm.
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Theater West End, established September 2018 in historic downtown Sanford, Florida, produces and presents professional, high-quality theater in an intimate, historic setting. Named Best New Business (2018) by My Sanford Magazine, it has already become a cultural hub in downtown Sanford with professional theater that surprises, youth programs to foster growth, and inspiring artistic productions. Nestled between restaurants, breweries and the gorgeous waterfront, Theater West End is the first professional theater in Sanford, showcasing talent from all over Central Florida.
