Ryan Steele, Stephanie Umoh & More Join ONCE ON THIS ISLAND Make-A-Wish Foundation Benefit, 1/20

Friends in Theater Company has announced the full cast for Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty's Once on this Island, one-night-only production benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York and Western New York onMonday, January 20, 2014 at 7:30pm at the Lucille Lortel Theater (121 Christopher Street New York, NY 10014).

Erica Simone Barnett (Matilda) as Little Timoune, Aisha de Haas (Caroline or Change) as Mama Euralie, Marisa Kennedy (Matilda) as Andrea, Tamika Lawerence (Matlida) as Erzulie, Gerry McIntyre (Anything Goes) of the original Once on this Island Broadway castas Tonton Julian, and Stephanie Umoh (Book of Mormon) as Asaka will join previously announced cast members Kenita R. Miller (Color Purple) as Timoune, Joe Aaron Reid (Ghost) as Daniel, Michael James Scott (Book of Mormon) as Agwe, and Andre Ward (Rock of Ages) as Papa Ge in this special event directed and choreographed by Curtis Holbrook. Also joining the all-star team is Ryan Steele (Matilda) as Asst. Director/Choreographer. Additional cast includes Jonathan Burke, Renee Veronica Freeman, and Thaddeus McCants. Musical direction byJonathan Rose. Once on this Island features lyrics and book by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty. The 2014 FITC event is produced by Philip Accorso, Meryl Ballew, Michael Hull, and Alex Rubin.

All of the proceeds for the night will benefit the local chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a non-profit organization that has given hope, strength, and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions since 1980. Tickets start at $45 and can be purchased through www.friendsintheater.com or calling 212-352-3101.

Photo by Walter McBride