Watch the Story of a Small Island Girl Come to Life at Pioneer Theatre Company’s Once on this Island in Salt Lake City, Utah

By LeAnna Hamblin

Pioneer Theatre Company in Salt Lake City, Utah brings to life the vibrant story of Once on this Island, book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and music by Stephen Flaherty. Based on the novel, My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy, Once on this Island tells the story of a girl from the French Antilles, in the Caribbean Sea, who falls in love with a grand homme who lives on the opposite side of the island. Ti Moune (Tyla Collier) must learn the hard way that her kind are not welcome at the Hotel Beauxhomme, no matter how desperately she desires to be with Daniel Beauxhomme (Jordan Alexander). Through her story, the islanders and the gods learn that love is more powerful than any other element on earth and can bring together even the most unlikely of friends.

Collier is a commanding presence onstage. It is apparent that she is connected to Ti Moune in this production. Her storytelling comes through her beautiful movement as choreographed by director Gerry McIntyre. Each movement has purpose and adds to the story being told. Collier’s clear and powerful voice is pleasant and is well suited for this role. She shows her connection to Ti Moune in the songs “Waiting for Life,” and “Pray” where she is intensely connected yet powerfully individual. Not only is Collier strongly connected to her character, she has an apparent chemistry with the other members of the cast, most notably to Derrick Cobey, who plays her adoptive father Tonton Julian, and Cicily Daniels, who plays Mama Euralie. When Tonton Julian and Mama Euralie find Ti Moune stranded in a tree after a horrible storm, they know they must care for her, no matter their age. Cobey and Daniels are perfect choices to play the loving parents to help Ti Moune find her way through some very heart-wrenching decisions. The three have a strong relationship onstage and support one another throughout the show.

The gods are also key in helping Ti Moune navigate through some very difficult decisions. Asaka, Mother of the Earth, is phenomenally played by Galyana Castillo, who brings so much life to the stage. She embraces her role of Mother of the Earth, as well as the cast and the audience. Her joy for this role and this story is apparent as she performs “Mama Will Provide.” Kristian Espiritu brings much love to the stage as Erzulie, Goddess of Love. She has a kind demeanor and her performance is engaging. Her performance of “The Human Heart” is touching and beautifully executed. Espiritu is determined that love will overcome all other forces in the number “And the Gods Heard Her Prayer” as she pleads with the other gods to give Ti Moune what she wants. Agwé, God of Water (Terance Reddick) puts the story into motion by providing the timing for Ti Moune to meet her ill-fated love. Reddick is a powerful presence onstage and gives a versatile performance. His rendition of “Rain” is powerful and sets the story into motion. Paul-Jordan Jansen plays the dark and powerful Papa Ge, Demon of Death. Jansen is a talent to behold. He has great control over his character as he tries to gain control of Ti Moune and her choices in life. “Forever Yours” is an intense performance from Jansen as well as Alexander and Collier.

Alexander is an impeccable Daniel. His performance is refined, and he shows great connection with Collier. “Some Girls” is beautifully performed, telling the importance of facing the future. Alexander is also a talented dancer. The choreography in “Rain” is perfectly executed, representing the lyrics from the song. Alexander also has a strong chemistry with Alanna Saunders, who plays Andrea, his betrothed. Saunders gives an outstanding performance. Her storytelling capabilities shine through in the choreography. Marqell Edward Clayton plays a key role as Armand, an important part of the backstory. Clayton is strong member of the cast who brings a great presence to the stage.

Ava Lynn Smith is at the center of this story as Little Ti Moune. She is the reason the story is told and shows onstage that she is absorbing all that is happening around her. She is spunky and inquisitive and knows what it takes to be an effective performer. Her voice is strong and blends well with the mature voices which surround her.

McIntyre should be proud of the excellent cast and crew he has assembled to tell this blessed story. Music Director Tom Griffin brings out the very best of the natural vocal talent in this cast, ensuring the proper accents and phrasing to be authentic. Set Designer Daniel Meeker adds details to enhance the effectiveness of the story. Yoon Bae designs the costumes to define each character in a unique way. The costumes also differentiate the two groups, villagers and grand homme, through colors and design. Hair and Makeup Designer Earon Nealey uses traditional styles to depict the timing and setting of the show. The lighting, designed by Driscoll Otto, adds the effective elements to show time and place, as well as mood. Sound Designer Aaron Hubbard does an excellent job allowing the story to move forward with the effects needed to bring the story to life. Orchestra conductor Tom Griffin expertly leads the musicians and cast in the many difficult songs.

Once on this Island tells the story for love, faith, and hope. Pioneer Theatre Company in Salt Lake City, Utah presents this uplifting tale so that it can become part of your life. Our lifetimes are full of stories, but the telling of those stories are how they stay alive. Tell your story. Let it live on through the years. And let Once on this Island be a part of your story.

Pioneer Theatre Company in Salt Lake City, Utah presents Once on this Island, Book and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, Music by Stephen Flaherty, Based on the novel My Love, My Love, by Rosa Guy.

Pioneer Theatre Company, 300 S 1400 E, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
February 21-March 7, 2020, Monday-Thursday, 7:00-9:30 PM, Friday, 7:30-10:00 PM, Saturday 2:00-4:30 PM and 7:30-10:00 PM
Tickets: $45-$68
Contact: 801-581-6961
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