In the Chattanooga Theatre Centre production of “Once on This Island, Jr.,” Ti Moune (MaKenzie Ballard) is found alone following a massive storm by the fantastical gods who rule the island. From left are the God of Water Agwe (Zoe Chatman), the Goddess of Love Erzulie (Ava Culpepper), Mother of the Earth Asaka (Genna Rayborn), and Demon of Death Papa Ge (Kevin Bennett).
photo by Taryn Bracher
Chattanooga Theatre Centre will present the Youth Theatre production of "Once on This Island, Jr." Feb. 2-10.
Review for Once on This Island:
With its catchy Caribbean-flavored musical score and vibrant costumes splashing the stage with color, the Chattanooga Theatre Centre’s upcoming Youth Theatre production of “Once on This Island, Jr.” may just conger up orange sunsets and ocean breezes when this enchanting Calypso folktale opens Saturday, Feb. 2.
Adapted for young audiences from the celebrated Broadway musical, with music and lyrics by the legendary writing team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, the CTC production of “Once on This Island, Jr.” features a multicultural cast of 30 young people under the direction of Youth Theatre Director R. Scott Dunlap. The show runs through Sunday, Feb. 10.
Through almost non-stop song and dance, this full-hearted musical tells the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl who rescues and falls in love with Daniel, a wealthy boy from the French-descended dwellers on the other side of her island. When Daniel is returned to his people, the fantastical gods who rule the island guide Ti Moune on a quest that will test the strength of her love against the powerful forces of prejudice, hatred, and even death.
Like the Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale “The Little Mermaid” on which it is based, the young lovers live in twodifferent worlds. The tale is as timely as ever though, as it follows Ti Moune, who is orphaned and alone following a massive storm. When she falls in love with Daniel, “Once on This Island, Jr.” brings timeless themes of race and class into the story.
Ultimately, “Once on This Island, Jr.” is a joyful hymn to community and storytelling that renders even the tragedy of death as a stirring transformation that gives back to the living.
In the Theatre Centre production, creative movement will capture the audiences’ imaginations, calling upon performers to portray trees, wild animals, and even a fierce rainstorm. Guest musical director Neshawn Bynum Calloway and guest choreographer Marie Dance contribute their talents to this rousing show.
Youth Theatre newcomer MaKenzie Ballard appears in the leading role of Ti Moune. Also featured are Kevin Bennett, Hannah Carter, Zoe Chatman, Mason Chattin-Carter, Vivika Cheemakoti, Ava Culpepper, J.A. Heard, Levi Jones, Tessa Kelly, Ian Parten, Genna Rayborn, Jaelyn Sanders, and Karielle Sutton. The ensemble includes Macy Barry, Melayna Buttry, Hayley Lewis, Annabelle Major, Taylor Mitchell, Christiana Russell, Eben Shriner, Emma Tuttle, and Molly Watts, and the children’s ensemble is comprised of Finley Burnette, William Hall, Paul Knotts, Alex Lloyd, Izzi Mathew, Acadia Phillips, and Larkin Smith. The stage manager is Charlie Clevenger.
Public performances take place on February 2, 3, 9 and 10 at 2:30 p.m. School performances are scheduled during the week of Feb. 4. The show is appropriate for 3rd grade and up.
Tickets are available at the CTC box office at 267-8534 or online at TheatreCentre.com.