Theatre

The Olivier and Tony Award-winning Musical, Once on This Island, Opens at Dock Street Theatre in April

Published

1 year ago

March 21, 2023

Holy City Sinner

Charleston Stage Resident Actors Jhonika Wright as Ti Moune and K’nique Eichelberger as Daniel in Once On This Island

Press Release

Set in the colorful, warm world of the Antilles with a musical score and romantic tale to match, Once On This Island is a fitting celebration for Charleston Stage’s 45th Anniversary Season finale. When Ti Moune, a young peasant with a heart as big as the open ocean, falls in love with Daniel, with secrets of his own, she pleads with the gods to help them no matter the cost. Themes of the power of community and the burdens of class division are explored in this story that is simultaneously heart-wrenching and soul-lifting. This classic star-crossed lovers plot is ignited by the bright Calypso score that colors the show from curtain up to the final bow, further enhanced by the Haitian-inspired set and costume design. Truly, Once On This Island is a feast for the eyes and ears.

This magnetic cast features Resident Actors Brietta Goodman (A Christmas Carol – The Ghost of Christmas Present) as Asaka, the belting and humorous goddess of the earth, Facia Lee (The Play That Goes Wrong – Sandra/Florence Colleymore) and Jhonika Wright (A Christmas Carol – Mrs. Cratchit) who are sharing and rotating the roles of Ti Moune, the lovely heroine, and Erzulie, the kind goddess of love, and K’nique Eichelberger (JFK and Inga Binga – Freddy) as Daniel, Ti Moune’s wealthy but conflicted love interest. Joining them are local actors Dakare Chatman as villain Papa Ge, Elisha Black as Agwe, the god of water, Clyde Moser as Armond Beauxhomme, Ariana Snowden as Andrea Devereax, Antony McCutchen as Ti Moune’s adoptive father Tonton Julian, and Acting Ensemble Member Letty Richey as Mama Euralie, Ti Moune’s adoptive mother. Acting Ensemble Member Jah’Mar Coakley leads local actors Michelle Burgess, Frederick Webb Jr, Latanya Mueller, Jordan LeeAnn, Jason Marion, Baron Clay, Imani Lloyd, Ronnie Walker II, and Kaitlyn Pinckney as the Storyteller collaborative ensemble actors. Rounding out the cast are child actors Brooklyn Williams and Gianna Gavins sharing the role of Little Ti Moune.

Charleston Stage’s Once On This Island features the direction of Guest Director Crystin Gilmore, a former Charleston Stage Resident Actor and Equity Actor last seen on the Dock Street Theatre stage as Pearl in Black Pearl Sings! Audiences may also remember Crystin in the role of Mrs. Ruby Cornwell in The Seat of Justice. “Once On This Island has enriched my life in so many ways,” states Gilmore. “My hope is that the cast and the audience members leave this production feeling inspired to give the love they desire freely and unconditionally. Our version of Once On This Island will hopefully remind people that what they have in life is enough and that desiring what other people have is a waste of time. There is only one you and your life is sufficiently beautiful, individual and unique.”

Joining Crystin on the artistic team are Music Director Sam Henderson, Guest Choreographer Steven Prince Tate, Acting Foundations Coach Sydney Laribo, Guest Scenic Designer Seth Howard, Costume Designer Courtni Riddick, Props Designer Aline Toloto, Lighting Designer Caleb S. Garner, Sound Designer Luke Walchuk, and Stage Manager Ravyn T. Meador. ONCE ON THIS ISLAND features a book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, music by Stephen Flaherty, and is based on the novel “My Love, My Love” by Rosa Guy.

Performances of ONCE ON THIS ISLAND run April 12th – 30th at the Historic Dock Street Theatre. Ticket sales are available online at CharlestonStage.com.

April 12th: “ONCE ON THIS ISLAND.” Presented by Charleston Stage at Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church Street; By Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, Based on the novel “My Love, My Love” by Rosa Guy; Direction by Crystin Gilmore; Music Direction by Sam Henderson; Choreography by Steven Prince Tate; Exclusive Lead Title Sponsor: The Albert Sottile Foundation, Georgia Homer Darby and Mary Ellen Long Way, Trustees. From the creative team that gave us Ragtime, comes this Olivier and Tony Award-winning, dazzling, calypso-flavored musical. Once On This Island tells the tale of the romance between a peasant girl named Ti Moune and Daniel, a rich city boy, whom she saves from death when his speeding convertible swerves and crashes. Set on a ravishing mythical Caribbean Island, Once On This Island, a feast for the eyes and ears, has delighted audiences around the world. Apr. 12, 14-15, 20-22, 27-29 at 7:30 pm and Apr. 16, 23, and 30 at 2 pm. $46.50 – $85.50 for Adults, $44.50 – $85.50 for Seniors (60+) and $36.50 – $85.50 for Students (Ages 3-25) and Active Military. Tickets available online 24/7 at CharlestonStage.com. Tickets by phone available Tues-Fri 1pm-5pm (Also open Sa 1pm-5pm show weeks only) by calling (843) 577-7183.