43
‘Once on This Island’ at YSU both enchanting and engaging
By LORRAINE WARDLE
YOUNGSTOWN
If you need an escape from the cold, dreary Ohio November, look no further than YSU’S Ford Theater. University Theater’s latest production, “Once on This Island,” is a bright, hot, steamy affair sure to warm your heart and make you forget the chilly nights.
“Once on This Island” is an upbeat and uplifting musical by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. Based in part on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale “The Little Mermaid,” the play tackles the themes of class disparity and love in a Caribbean setting with beautiful calypso-style music and dance.
The play is set in the French Antilles in the Caribbean Sea where the inhabitants of the island were once separated into two distinct classes: the poor, native peasants and the rich descendants of French planters. One dark and stormy night, some peasants calm a little girl by telling her the story of Ti Moune.
Ti Moune was an orphan girl saved from a terrible storm by the island gods Asaka, Agw , Erzulie and Papa Ge. She was found and raised by two peasants, Mama Euralie and Tonton Julian. When Ti Moune is a young woman, the meddling gods send another great storm to the island. This time, Ti Moune saves Daniel, a rich Frenchman, and follows him to the other side of the island, intent on marrying him.
“Once on This Island” is an enchanting, whimsical tale of love and hope in the face of prejudice. The story moves quickly with nearly nonstop music and dancing, engaging the audience in Ti Moune’s adventure.
Todd Dicken’s set design was gorgeous, with bright colors, Caribbean-inspired designs and a beautifully realistic backdrop. The costumes by Jane Shanabarger also were perfect representations of the island culture, with a striking contrast between the peasants and the upper class. Christine Cobb’s choreography was energetic and authentic and often very emotional.
Under the direction of Dr. Frank Castronovo and musical director Nancy Andersen Wolfgang, the truly gifted cast of YSU students shone. Though it centers on the character Ti Moune, “Once on This Island” seems more of an ensemble piece, and every cast member was impressive.
Montaja Simmons played Ti Moune with innocence and grace and a lovely, strong voice. As her adoptive mother, Mama Euralie, Nikita Jones showed her amazing range and beautiful, soulful voice. London Sanders was a sweet, fatherly Julian, and Brittney Symon Grant was a cute, sprightly Little Ti Moune.
As the gods, Deanna Scott, Josh Green, Nathan Beagle and Mazhorell Johnson were strong players. Scott and Green were ethereal in their movements and songs. Beagle was suitably frightening, and Johnson’s “Mama Will Provide” was one of the most entertaining numbers in the play.
“Once on This Island” continues Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and today and Nov. 21 at 3 p.m. For reservations, call 330-941-3105.