Merle Dandridge to Return to Once on This Island for Limited Run

Original revival cast member Merle Dandridge will rejoin the company of Once on This Island for a run June 18-August 19.

Dandridge departed the company this winter to shoot the third season of Greenleaf, in which she stars. Current cast member Tamyra Gray, who took over for Dandridge, will return as Papa Ge on August 20.

Once on This Island features a book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty. The musical, which debuted on Broadway in 1990, is based on the novel My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy, and the revival production features new orchestrations by original orchestrator Michael Starobin, joined by AnnMarie Milazzo. Michael Arden's production, which received eight Tony Award nominations, runs at the Circle in the Square Theatre.

Tony nominee Hailey Kilgore leads the company in her Broadway debut as Ti Moune. She is joined in the current company by Phillip Boykin (Tonton Julian), Gray (Papa Ge), Quentin Earl Darrington (Agwe), Emerson Davis and Mia Williamson (alternating as Little Girl), Alysha Deslorieux (Andrea), David Jennings (Armand), Kenita R. Miller (Mama Euralie), Alex Newell (Asaka), and Isaac Powell (Daniel).