Once On This Island is ending the season at Cape Fear Regional Theatre with a powerful story of love, community and magic.
Cape Fear Regional Theatre Marketing Director Ashley Owen said she has been overwhelmed by the actors during rehearsals.
“I think people are going to lose their minds when they see this show,” Owen said. “This is why theater exists. It’s the most beautiful show I’ve ever seen.”
Based on the Rosa Guy novel My Love, My Love: Or, The Peasant Girl, the musical is a Caribbean-set retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid.
Director and choreographer Breon Arzell said since the show is immersed with Haitian life and culture, the story goes deeper than what some may expect from the fairy tale.
“The themes are similar as it is about two lovers from different worlds who come together,” Arzell said. “But it is by divine fate which comes up through their culture. They would have never met otherwise. It was completely by accident. And they fall in love. Once On This Island is about love.”
Kendall Stewart, a recent musical theater graduate from Syracuse University, plays the character Ti Moune, a young Haitian orphan and peasant. Moune wants to be a part of upper crust society, but she’s deemed too dark-skinned and too poor.
“This story is about colorism, which has a strong influence in Haitian culture,” Stewart said.
But the powerful island gods are at work. Stewart sees the man of her dreams from across the way and the rest comes together in dance, song and live drumming on stage.
The fair-skinned Daniel, played by Ricky DeVon Hall, comes from nobility and would have never met Ti Moune without assistance from the gods. He has to rebel against his disapproving family to follow the fates.
“I think Daniel is longing for something different, but has to choose love over duty,” Hall said. “His ancestors have always chosen duty over love.”
Owen said the story is beautifully told by everyone on- and off-stage giving their best.
“All of God’s given talents are on display from lighting and sound to stage design and costumes,” Owen said. “This is my favorite show I’ve seen and I’m a theater person.”
Arzell calls that part of the recipe.
“All flavors need to be in this island tale and everyone brings a seasoning,” Arzell said.
Performances for Once On This Island run from May 15 through June 1, with 7:30 p.m. performances Wednesday to Saturday and 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 1707 Owen Drive in Fayetteville.
Ticket prices range from $19 to $37. There are also special events throughout the run of the show. On May 15 from 6:45 to 7:15 p.m., complimentary Caribbean-inspired snacks and drinks will be available. On May 16 from 6:45 to 7:15 p.m., Music Director Christie Chiles Twillie and others involved in the production will discuss the show’s music and incorporation of live African drumming. Military Appreciation Night is May 21 and Teacher Appreciation Night is May 23 with 25% off ticket prices.
For more information, visit the Cape Fear Regional Theatre’s website or call the box office at 910-323-4233. If you would like to purchase tickets in person at the theater box office, it is located at the new offsite office at 310 Green St. and is open from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. During performances, the box office will be open from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, moving to the 1707 Owen Drive theater location at 5:30 p.m.
CityView Media is a seasonal sponsor of the Cape Fear Regional Theatre. As part of that relationship, we agree to publish previews and reviews of all main-stage productions on our website. The content of that coverage, however, is independent and within the discretion of the CityView editorial team.
Jami McLaughlin writes for CityView. She can be reached at jmclaughlin@cityviewnc.com or at 910-391-4870.
