When last did you see a full-scale musical in Durban? Years, right? Well, we are delighted to be able to share a magical Broadway musical with you, coming up at the end of September for five performances only!
So says director Steven Stead who will be directing Once On This Island (Jnr) with the Westville Boys’ and Westville Girls’ High Schools by arrangement with DALRO (Pty Ltd).
Once on this Island is a joyous, moving and magical musical from the Tony Award-winning song writing team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Anastasia, Seussical, and Ragtime).
This highly original and theatrical Caribbean adaptation of the popular fairy tale, The Little Mermaid, garnered an Olivier Award for Best New Musical, and eight Tony nominations for its 1990 Broadway run, including Best Musical, Book and Score, and won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical in 2018.
This colourful production, featuring a talented cast of 25 students from Westville Boys and Westville Girls’ High Schools, is directed and designed by Steven Stead of KickstArt Theatre, with musical direction from Roland Perold, props design by Peter Court, and set design by Greg King. The professional production team is augmented with sound design by Brandon Bunyan.
“I have wanted to do a production of Once on this Island since I saw NAPAC’s wonderful production in 1991. It captured my heart and imagination then, and its appeal hasn’t waned for me. It has been so fulfilling sharing it with these talented kids, and seeing that their love for the show is equal to my own. We cannot wait to share it with an audience!” says Stead.
The plot of Once on this Island revolves around Ti Moune, a poor peasant girl, who rescues a wealthy boy from the other side of a mythical Caribbean Island, with whom she falls in love. Unbeknownst to Ti Moune, the gods who preside over the island make a bet with one another over which is stronger, Love or Death, the stakes being Ti Moune's life.
It is a story full of hope, courage, laughter and tears, told through vibrant and catchy music and exuberant dancing.
The production runs from September 29 to October 1, 2022, and will be presented at the Roy Cousins Theatre at Westville Boys’ High School. The duration of the performance is approximately 65 minutes.
Shows place on Thursday September 29, Friday September 30 and Saturday October 1 at 18h30. There will be a matinee on Saturday October 1 at 14h30 and the final show takes place on Sunday October 2 at 17h00.
Reserved seating can be booked through Webtickets: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1518006922
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