A hurricane roars at the doors of a school gymnasium turned storm shelter somewhere in New England. Two kind volunteers keep a frightened little girl calm by telling her a love story that allows her spirited imagination to transform the shelter occupants into the many characters of the tale.
Once On This Island tells the story of a peasant girl named Ti Moune, who has fallen in love with Daniel, a wealthy boy from the other side of the island. In a bet of which is stronger, love or death, the gods who rule the island use Ti Moune’s feelings for the boy to determine their answer.
The Community Players of Concord will present this telling of the Olivier Award-winning musical on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Concord City Auditorium.
The show’s theme will be familiar to audiences who enjoy classics such as West Side Story and South Pacific, which illustrate the love that exists between two people who are seen as “different” by their communities. Calypso-inspired music, elegant dancing and an inspiring, yet timely message strengthen the performance.
Director Bryan Halperin, co-founder of Winnipesaukee Playhouse in Meredith, eagerly approached his first chance to work with the Community Players of Concord for the staging of Once On This Island. Music director Troy Lucia of Concord and choreographer Jennifer Sassak of Nashua also quickly signed on.
“I’m really looking forward to bringing this show to Concord,” Halperin said in an email. “It has beautiful music sung by a very talented cast, and while it is fun and moving, it also has a very timely message about treating people as individuals – not as ‘other’ just because they may not be exactly like you.”
Auditions were filled with community singers, dancers, and actors from across the state, with the final cast including artists from 15 different New Hampshire cities and towns.
Sheree Owens will star as Ti Moune, and Benjamin Hunton will play her love interest, Daniel Beauxhomme.
Angelo Gentile and Kathy Hodges will play the Red Cross workers who tell the story to little girl in the gymnasium.
The four gods who preside over the island will be played by Darik Velez as Papa Ge, Amy Weston as Asaka, Alex Hunton as Agwe, and Jillian Spring as Erzulie.
“Our cast is very excited to share this story with the public,” Halperin said.
Tickets will be available for the players’ production of Once On This Island at $20 for adults and $18 for children. Tickets are being sold online at communityplayersofconcord.org or at the Audi Box Office, Wednesday through Saturday, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., and Sunday noon to 2 p.m.