ONCE ON THIS ISLAND JR at NEAR WEST THEATRE

With its poignant story and catchy Caribbean flavored score, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND JR. is a feast for the heart, mind, and soul. The highlyoriginal and theatrical Caribbean adaptationof the popular fairy tale The Little Mermaid garnered eight Tony nominationsfor its Broadway run, including Best Musical, Book and Score.

In almostnon-stop song and dance, the show tells the story of Ti Moune, a peasantgirl who rescues and falls in love with Daniel, a wealthy boy from the otherside of her island. When Daniel is returned to his people, the fantastical godswho rule the island guide Ti Moune on a quest to test the strength of her loveagainst the powerful forces of prejudice, hatred and death.

Equally effective regardless of its cast size, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND JR. features minimal--though colorful--sets and costumes that capture the imagination of the audience. Creative movement is also part of the show's style, calling upon performers to portray trees, wild animals and even a fierce rainstorm. Its catchy, contemporary, and Caribbean-flavored score by theTony® Award-winning songwriting team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (RAGTIMEand the animated film Anastasia) includes tender ballads and rousingcelebratory numbers for an ensemble cast of strong singers.