[NEohioPAL]ONCE ON AN ISLAND WONDERFUL AT PORTHOUSE

[Roy Berko]

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND A CALYPSO DELIGHT AT PORTHOUSE

Roy Berko  (Member, American Theatre Critics
Association)

The Times Newspapers--Lorain County Times--Westlaker
Times--Lakewood News Times- Olmsted-Fairview Times	

	
Combine the purposeful directing of Victoria Bussert,
the fine musical direction of Nancy Maier, the
creative choreography of Eric van Baars, the whimsical
costuming of Robin Ruth, the consistent dialects
created by Chuck Richie, and a multi-talented cast
with a lovely script by Lynn Ahrens and the memorable
music by Stephen Flaherty.  The results?   ONCE ON
THIS ISLAND, Porthouse Theatre’s audience pleasing
evening at the theatre.   

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND was Ahrens' and Flaherty's first
real taste of success. Based on the novel My Love, My
Love by Rosa Guy,  the show is a twist on the Little
Mermaid legend.  The musical tells the story of Ti
Moune, a poor native peasant girl who falls in love
with Daniel, an upper class white boy whose life she
saves after a car crash. Central to the story are four
gods that the peasants believe rule their lives. The
gods of Love , (Erzulie), Earth (Asaka), Water (Agwe)
, and Death (Papa Ge) cause the lives of the young
lovers to intersect, and send Ti Moune on the fateful
journey that tests the strength of her love.   It
centers on the idea of stroytelling and the way people
use stories to understand their own life expereinces. 
As a line in the play says, “Our lives become the
stories we weave.”

Set in the French Antilles, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND boasts
a score that makes the feet tap, the body flow and the
nose smell the Caribbean breezes. There are rousing,
upbeat numbers like "Mama Will Provide" and "Some
Say," poignant ballads like "The Human Heart" and
"Forever Yours,” emotional songs such as “A Part of
Us,” and the joyous “Why We Tell The Story.”   
Throughout, each song helps build the tale and grows
from  the story's Caribbean roots. 

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND opened on Broadway on October 18,
1990 and played for 469 performances. The show
received eight Tony Award Nominations, including Best
Musical, Best Score and Best Book.

The Porthouse production is a delight.  It shimmers
with the smells, sights and traditions of the island. 
There is hardly a weak link in the production elements
or casting.  The voices are pure and melodic.  The
dancing is precise and full of creative abandonment. 
Under Bussert’s clear direction cast members
understand the story, their role in that tale, and how
to develop their presence.

Thomasina Gross is enchanting as Ti Moune.  She has a
wonderful voice, moves well and acts effectively. 
Dominic Roberts is adequate as Daniel, Ti Moune’s
love.  He sings and dances well.  At times, however,
his acting makes his character less than believable. 
Angela Gillespie-Winborn and Brian Johnson light up
the stages as Ti Moune’s adoptive parents.  Lauren
Marshall’s dance solo is excellent.

All the supporting actors are effective, but
Kristopher Thompson-Bolden and Yolanda Christine Davis
stand out.  Portraying the Death god, Thompson-Bolden
grabs and holds the audience each time he appears.  
This is a very, very talented young man. Davis lights
up a stage with an infectious smile and beautiful
singing voice. 

If you only see one show this summer make it ONCE ON
THIS ISLAND.  Bring a picnic to the Porthouse Theatre,
sit at a table or on the lawn, take in the wonders of
the Blossom Music Center scenery, and then enjoy a
wonderful theatrical performance!   ONCE ON THIS
ISLAND runs from June 13-29.    
	
The rest of the Porthouse season also looks promising.
 
	
ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST is set in a mental
institution and deals with rebellion, rule-following,
and the power that one person may have over another. 
This is a funny, touching and exciting play. 
Performance dates are July 4-20.

BRIGADOON is a fantasy about two American tourists who
stumble upon a mist clouded Scottish town that, they
eventually discover, reawakens only one day every
hundred years.  Tommy, one of the duo, falls in love
with a townsperson and must decide whether he will
return to civilization or remain in Brigadoon forever.
 The lovely score includes, “Waiting for My Dearie,”
“The Heather on the Hill,” “Come to Me, Bend to Me,”
“Almost Like Being in Love,” and “From This Day On.” 
Performances dates are July 27-August 11.

Tickets for Porthouse range from $15-20, depending on
the day of the week and are available from noon to 6
pm by calling 330-929-4416 or 800-262-9444.


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