Review by Tim Garratt
Penned by Lynn Ahrens (book and lyrics) and Stephen Flaherty (music), Once on This Island first appeared on stage in 1990. A new production, presented by Curveball Creative and directed by Brittanie Shipway, just opened at Sydney’s Hayes Theatre Co.
Once on This Island is based on Rosa Guy’s 1985 novel My Love, My Love or The Peasant Girl, which is an adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid set on a Caribbean island. In this story, Ti Mourne (Thalia Osegueda Santos) is a young, orphaned peasant who comes across a wealthy young man, Daniel (Alexander Tye), while he’s driving his car in a storm. There is an accident and Daniel is gravely injured.
After saving his life, Ti Mourne falls in love with Daniel and decides she wants to marry him. She pursues him despite the warnings of her guardian, Mama Euralie (Zahrah Andrews), who insists the marriage will never happen because Ti Mourne and Daniel exist in different social worlds. The pair reunite and have a romantic affair, but will Mama Euralie’s warnings about the deeply entrenched social order ring true? Or will love overcome the seemingly impossible?
Once on This Island is a heartfelt and imaginative piece that’s as delightful as it is entertaining. The show centres on themes of love, sacrifice, prejudice and division, and the Caribbean-flavoured score is affecting and appealing.
Nick Fry’s simple set takes us to the French West Indies, incorporating levels that elevate the production’s visual impact. Rita Naidu’s costumes are well-conceived and aptly depict the show’s earthly and otherworldly characters, and Veronique Benett’s lighting enriches its vibrant atmosphere. That vibrancy is further enhanced by the band, led by Dylan Pollard, whose tight and energetic playing brings the upbeat score to life. The choices of sound designers Christine Pan and Simon Mitchell ensure the brightness fills the space.
The cast pours heart and soul into the production, infusing it with wonderful energy and palpable warmth. Leading the cast, Santos brings charm to Ti Mourne, portraying a character who is curious, hopeful and fiercely determined in her longing for something more. She hits some powerful notes but also does well in more delicate vocal moments. Opposite Santos, Tye is well cast as the wealthy young bachelor, torn between romantic passion and his elders’ expectations.
In fact, there’s a wealth of talent here, and Shipway’s decision to assemble such a diverse ensemble lends both authenticity and freshness to the storytelling. The troupe is at its best as a group, when they sound strong and resonant. And as the performers further grow in their respective roles and refine their individual performances as the run progresses, the production will only get better.
Stories that offer us hope in the face of seemingly insuperable challenges are a welcome distraction from the troubles of the contemporary world. Once on This Island presents such a story, sweeping us into a realm for 90 minutes that is a pleasure to visit.
For more information on Once on This Island at Hayes Theatre Co. (including ticketing information), click here.
