ONCE ON THIS ISLAND Opens 4/16 At York Little Theater
By: Gabrielle Sierra Apr. 01, 2010
Once on this Island is an extraordinary Broadway musical that utilizes a small ensemble of singers/actors/storytellers to tell a poignant and beautiful story that absolutely brims with joy. It is written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, the team which created the musicals Ragtime and Seussical, and was Tony nominated for Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Score, and was the winner of the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical.
Once on this Island is a Caribbean-flavored, almost non-stop song and dance story of a peasant girl who saves and then falls in love with the son of a wealthy family. She is then set on a quest by the gods to test the strength of her love against the powerful forces of prejudice, hatred and death.
YLT Artistic Director Eric Bradley Long has particularly enjoyed directing this show and describes it as one of his favorites. "This show is joyous, moving, uplifting and emotional," explains Long. "It's unique in its approach, too, in that it's all storytelling but told by the characters themselves." Because the show is an ensemble piece, Long feels the cast has developed a strong sense of family. "There is so much passion for the product, the show, itself, that there are no egos involved. Everyone loves this show, its message, its music and its characters."
YLT's ensemble cast of 11 features local performers whom Long describes as "phenomenal." They include Megan Cloonan, Warkenda Williams Casey, Angel Harrison, April Harrison, Zak Jackson, Elizabeth Jacobs, Nicole Jenkins, Rashaad Khalis Montgomery, David Payne, John Smith, and Heather Wallen.
Musical Director Jessica Nupponen directs the pit orchestra of 6, Costume Design is by Patee Pizzarusso, and Bob McCleary is Technical Director.
Once on this Island is sponsored by The Taste of PA Wine and Music Festival, and part of the 2009-2010 Columbia Gas Season. Performances run at 8 p.m. on April 16, 17, 22, 23, and 24; and at 3 p.m. on April 18 and 25. Tickets are $10 - $20 and may be purchased online at www.ylt.org, or by calling the box office at 717-854-5715 from 11 - 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
YLT is a nonprofit community theatre which values and nurtures the irreplaceable role of the arts and is dedicated to engaging and enriching its entire, diverse community in the dramatic arts through a broad range of professionally directed, entertaining, stimulating, and sometimes provocative performances.
York Little Theatre is located at 27 S. Belmont St., York, PA, at exit 19A of I83, just south of Market Street. York Little Theatre is a proud member of The Cultural Alliance of York.
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