Review: ONCE ON THIS ISLAND at SNAP! Productions Omaha And South High Magnet School is Collaborative Magic!

SNAP! Productions and South High Magnet School have done it again. I don't know what it is about this collaboration, but they seem to have the magic touch. Rebecca Noble and Michal Simpson have put together a memorable, magical show where storytellers whisk you away to a French Antilles island and beyond to the world of mythical gods.

Last night I attended their version of ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, the Michael Arden directed musical that just snagged the 2017 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical on Broadway.

The musical with book and lyrics by Lynn Arends and music by Stephen Flaherty is based on the 1985 novel, "My Love, My Love; or, The Peasant Girl" by Trinidad born Rosa Guy, who had herself been orphaned at a young age. Her story takes place on a jewel of an island ruled by four gods, Papa Ge (demon of death), Asaka (mother of the earth), Agwe (god of water), and Erzulie (goddess of love). The paradisaical island is fractured between the affluent lighter skinned progeny of the French and their slaves (the grand hommes), and the poor darker skinned working class peasants.

It begins with a terrified young girl who is calmed by storytellers. The storytellers sing a tale of "One Small Girl" who is the young Ti Moune (precious Poet Lewis), found in a tree after a flood sent by Agwe (Justin Blackson) by two old peasants, Tonton Julian (Japrice Green) and Mama Euralie (Emily Jane Moore). They take the little girl in because the gods must have had some reason for sparing her life. When grown, Ti Moune (Regina Palmer) prays to know that reason--and a grand homme to carry her away. The gods toy with her life. Agwe (Justin Blackson) wants to splash her with a wave. Asaka (Zhomontee Watson) wants to pelt Ti Moune with a melon. Papa Ge (Xavier Carr) wants to scare her to death and Erzulie (Echelle Childers) wants to give her what she wants. Papa Ge and Erzulie bet which is stronger: death or love? Erzulie argues that Papa Ge can stop her heart, but he cannot stop her from loving because love is stronger than death. Agwe decides to up the ante by bringing the two different worlds together in another storm. Daniel (Matthew Carter) a grand homme descendant of French noble Armand (Ryan Savage), crashes his car in the rain and is cared for by Ti Moune. She falls in love with him despite the impossibility of their relationship and his prearranged marriage to Andrea (Kate Madsen). She offers her life in exchange for Daniel's, proving that love does trump death.

"We will live beside the sea

We'll have children

A garden

And a tree..." sings Ti Moune.

Yes, there will be a tree.

Not only is the story intriguing-think of a hybrid of LITTLE MERMAID and ROMEO AND JULIET flavored with Caribbean culture-it speaks of love worth dying for. This love is powerful enough to break the barrier between class structure and skin color. It is also about the healing power of stories passed down through generations.

Michal Simpson directs this amazingly talented, diverse group of actors. I loved everything about these performers. First of all, I love them because they are so right for the roles. The central conflict is about difference between people based on wealth, heritage, and also skin color. These actors are of every shade and it is a magnificent vision! Their vocals are gorgeous, backed by a professional sounding orchestra led by Tyler Gruttemeyer. Many of the numbers in ONCE ON THIS ISLAND are big, glorious pieces that fill the theatre and satisfy the soul. They are enriched by the brilliant choreography of Roxanne Nielsen and the fluid movements of the cast. In one scene Madsen is ethereally dancing behind Palmer and Carter. As the scene transitions, she is dancing a more traditional dance with Carter until Palmer steps in with bold, colorful, emotive movements. The dancing tells a story.

Palmer is a beautiful protagonist of innocent love. Carter, the caring but bound by tradition love interest. Carr, the epitome of a villainous antagonist Papa Ge. (It is interesting to note that the role of Papa Ge in the Broadway revival is played by former Omaha area resident, Merle Dandridge.) Each and every character is incredibly well done.

Who may be one of the unsung heroes of the show is the scenic and lighting designer, Joshua Mullady. Using pallets, platforms, burlap, artificial foliage and cargo netting, most of which Mullady said was readily available at the school, he created a utilitarian space that became magical when the lighting was employed. There were no set changes needed; the lighting did it all.

"Some Say" there were some slight sound issues, but they didn't mar this stunning auditory and visual event. Who needs a vacation on a Caribbean Island? You can take one right here in Omaha at South Magnet High and learn something in the process.

"There is an island where rivers run deep... Where the sea sparkling in the sun earns it the name "Jewel of the Antilles"...

An island where the poorest of peasants labor... And the wealthiest of Grands Hommes play. And on this island, we tell the story!"

Well done, SNAP! Productions and South Magnet High. You've told the story well.

Photo Credit: Regina Palmer and Xavier Carr by PeytonPlays Photography

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