“Once
on This Island” is an enchanting musical fable written by the Tony Award-winning
team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens (“Ragtime,” “Seussical,” “Anastasia”).
Derived from Hans Christian Andersen’s legend “The Little Mermaid,” the story
explores the life-changing consequences of romance between people from two different
worlds. Set on an island in the French Antilles, the play follows the journey
of Ti Moune, a poor orphaned peasant girl who falls deeply in love with a rich
city boy she rescues from death. Central to the story are four gods whom the peasants
believe rule their destinies. 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 quest that tests the strength of her love against
the powerful forces of social prejudice, hatred and death.
Nominated
for eight Tony Awards in 1991 and winner of the 1995 Olivier Award for Best Musical,
the show boasts a rousing calypso-flavored pop score that includes upbeat numbers
such as “Some Say,” “Mama Will Provide,” and “Why We Tell the Story,” and poignant
ballads such as “The Human Heart” and “Forever Yours.” Through a uniquely moving
combination of dance, drama and song, “Once on This Island” celebrates the art
of storytelling and its integral part in the fabric of cultural heritage. As one
lyric describes it, "For out of what we live and we believe, our lives become
the stories that we weave."
The
Richter cast features Amber Whitmire of New Haven as the orphan
TiMoune and Tiana Estrada of Waterbury as her younger incarnation;
Andrew Wheelock of Brookfield as Daniel, the young man of
privilege; Amy Calvo and Jon Michel, both of Waterbury, as
Mama Euralie and TonTon Julian, TiMoune’s adoptive parents;
and Bret Bisaillon of Waterbury as Armand, Daniel’s father.
As the gods who oversee this mythical world, John Congdon
of Fairfield portrays Papa Ge, the demon of death; Danielle
Elliott of Waterbury is Erzulie, Goddess of Love; Kelvin Burroughs
of New Haven is Agwe, God of Water; and Cidalia Alves of Danbury
is Asaka, Mother of Earth. Amy Congdon of Fairfield portrays
Daniel’s jealous fiancée, Andrea. Rounding out the ensemble
in a variety of roles are Matt Blinstrubas and Guy Gaudiosi
of Waterbury, Melanie Beck of Newtown, Kristen Jacobsen of
Torrington and Louisa Tiberi of Bridgeport.
The
production is directed and choreographed by former Musicals at Richter Artistic
Director Tom Cochrane of Waterbury. Currently the theater director for Holy Cross
High School in Waterbury, Mr. Cochrane’s numerous Richter directing credits include
last season’s “Kiss Me, Kate,” “The Mikado,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Man of La
Mancha,” “Sweet Charity,” “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” and “The Pirates of Penzance.”
As a performer, he’s been seen on the Arts Center stage in “Into the Woods,” “Brigadoon,”
and the critically acclaimed “The Secret Garden.” Bringing the tropical score
to life is musical director Dan Ringuette of Barkhamsted, whose extensive credits
include musical direction for theater and band, keyboard and bassoon performance,
and onstage roles ranging from Claude in “Hair” to Henrik in “A Little Night Music.”
Set design is by Keir Hansen of Norwalk, with lighting design and technical direction
by Dimitri Willert of
