Marshwood Theatre Presents ONCE ON THIS ISLAND

Through its storytelling, Marshwood High School's Spring Musical, Once on This Island explores universal issues which affect us all. Subjects such as love, anger, forgiveness, faith, maturity and death. The show is based on the ideas of prejudice and the separation of people because of their differences. It embraces the idea of looking past prejudice and fighting against inequality among people.

Once on This Island, from the Tony Award-winning songwriting team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, first opened on Broadway in 1990 and closed in 1991. It received eight Tony nominations for that Broadway run including Best Musical, Book and Score. The show then opened in London's West End in 1994 where it won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical. The recent revival opened in 2017 and just closed in January 2019. It again received eight Tony nominations and this time won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. With his unique vision and emotional storytelling, the director of the revival, Michael Arden, inspired Marshwood Theatre director Tanya West to bring this show to her students.

"It has been such a pleasure exploring these stories with my students through this theatrical experience. I am proud of the entire cast, crew and Stagecraft students as they have embraced this new challenge. They dove into this show with excitement, curiosity and imagination. The sense of exploration, willingness to work hard, courage to take chances and eagerness to make the performance the best it can be, has been inspiring and motivating," said West.

Once on This Island is set against the backdrop of a great storm that has destroyed much of the island, leaving the inhabitants to rebuild. The idea of protecting the environment, recycling, and creating things from what is around you has informed their use of props and set creation.

Set in a sea-swept Caribbean village, Once on This Island surrounds the audience with the vibrant story of a woman who travels far and wide to reunite with the man who has captured her heart. With songs such as "Human Heart" and "We Tell the Story," the music promotes humanity, coming together to care for each other and sharing positive energy. Don't miss your chance to see this heartwarming story of hope and love.

Performances for Once on This Island will be Friday and Saturday, March 29 and 30, at 7pm, and Friday and Saturday, April 5 and 6, 7pm, at the Wesley E. Kennedy Performing Arts Center at Marshwood High School. Tickets are available for $10 in advance and $12 at the door and reservations can be made by calling Marshwood High School at 207-384-4500 or online at marshwoodmusic.org

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