The musical “Once on this Island”, written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty and based on the Rosa Guy book “My Love, My Love”, will run Nov. 22 through Nov. 24 in the Miniaci Performing Arts Center, presented by the Farquhar College of the Arts and Sciences’ Division of Performing and Visual Arts.
Bill Adams, associate professor and coordinator of PVA, said students can expect a lot of dancing, a great story and cool island-themed music from this fable.
Adams said, “It’s the story of this girl who is saved by the gods. She doesn’t know why she’s being saved, but she ends up being an example of how love can conquer death.”
The musical’s director, Mark Duncan, associate professor and assistant director of PVA, said that “Once on this Island” addresses class systems, relationships and class struggles on a fictional island in the Caribbean Sea. He said that PVA chose the show because the division wanted to do an island piece. In addition, the selection allowed PVA to credit a related community service project, with students participating in a beach cleanup.
The cast and crew collected garbage in John U. Lloyd Beach State Park in Dania Beach, which they used for the set. Duncan said they collected things like plastic bottles, cans, tires, rope and wood for the production while creating ocean awareness.
Duncan said, “We’re using art beyond just art for art’s sake here; we’re actually using it for a social change.”
Michael Friedman, sophomore musical theatre major, plays Papa Ge, the god of death, who is in a feud with Erzulie, the god of love.
“We’re playing with this girl Ti Moune, the main girl,” Friedman said. “She’s our pawn, and we’re deciding if death or love is more powerful.”
The production features about 40 students, including live music by NSU’s Mako Band, 20 performers and around 10 to 15 backstage crew members. PVA faculty and staff also helped produce the show. They have been preparing for six months and rehearsing six days a week for five weeks from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Adams said the story incorporates the ecological elements of the production, while reminding the audience to be conscious about taking care of the environment.
Adams said, “We should love the earth as much as we can because it’s the only one we have.”
“Once on this Island” will be performed Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. Though tickets are required, they’re free for students, faculty and staff with a SharkCard. Tickets cost $10-$30 for the community. Call the box office at 954-262-8179 for more information or to pick up tickets.
