Michael Arden's Once on This Island Revival Finds Its Broadway Home
(© David Gordon)
Michael Arden's new production of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty's musical Once on This Island will play Broadway's Circle in the Square Theatre beginning Thursday, November 9, producers have announced. Opening night is set for December 3.
Once on This Island tells the story of Ti Moune, a fearless peasant girl who falls in love with a wealthy boy from the other side of the island. When their divided cultures threaten to keep them apart, Ti Moune, guided by the island gods, sets out on a remarkable quest to reunite with the man who has captured her heart.
With Arden directing and Camille A. Brown serving as choreographer, the production will feature new orchestrations by original orchestrator Michael Starobin, with AnnMarie Milazzo providing vocal orchestrations.
The creative team also includes Dane Laffrey (scenic design), Clint Ramos (costume design), and Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer (lighting designers). Tony winner Nikki M. James will serve as assistant director.
Once on This Island premiered at Playwrights Horizons in May 1990. The Broadway production opened in October of that year and ran for 469 performances, garnering eight Tony nominations including Best Featured Actress (LaChanze), Best Original Score, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Musical. The 1994 West End production won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical.
The musical is inspired by the novel My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy. Arden's production "transforms the reality of post-storm Haiti into a fantastical world bursting with Caribbean rhythms and dance."
Full casting is still to be announced.
