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Once On This Island
By Ashley Okonma
Once on This Island is an original and spectacular Caribbean adaptation of the "The Little Mermaid." The book and lyrics are by Lynn Ahrens and the music is by Stephen Flaherty, with choreography originally created by Graciela Daniele. The play revolves around Ti Moune, an unfortunate peasant girl who longs for a more promising life and tells the gods to remember to bless her. Like all great love stories, she soon meets the man that she believes will sweep her off her feet. However, her idyllic prince is a Grand Homme, and on the island, Grand Hommes and peasants are on opposite sides of the social and financial fence.
After hearing her prayer, the gods decide to let Ti Moune have the Grand Homme, Daniel. They grant her wish in order to determine her intensity, love, and passion, and to see if she can withstand the power of prejudice, hatred, and death.
The God of Water causes rain to descend down on the island one night causing Daniel to crash, and allowing Ti Moune to find him. Despite her family's rigorous objections, Ti Moune's love for Daniel deepens and she begins to envision her life beside him.
Soon Papa Ge, the Demon of Death arrives to seize the life of Daniel, with a hopelessly ardent love for him; Ti Moune trades her soul for Daniels. In an elated state, Papa Ge accepts her offer.
The storytellers in the play begin to reveal the history of the Grand Hommes and why there is so much prejudice in the land. Eventually Daniel departs from Ti Moune and is reunited with his family. Unable to live without him and much to her family's displeasure, Ti Moune makes a resolute decision to leave her home to seek Daniel and reunite with him.
Ti Moune is then introduced to Asaka, Mother of Earth, who steers her on her journey to finding Daniel. Ti Moune finally comes into contact with Daniel again, but due to his injuries, he does not remember her. Ti Moune is soon able to refresh his memory and convinces him that she can heal him. The Goddess of Love, Erzulie, then comes onto the scene and heals Daniel's heart.
The storytellers of the play begin to gossip about Ti Moune's and Daniel's relationship. They begin to comment that a man like Daniel will never marry a girl like Ti Moune. Shortly after that, Daniel confesses his love for Ti Moune, however, during his separation from Ti Moune he became engaged to marry another woman, with the same social status that he and his family possess.
At an extravagant ball, Daniel introduces Ti Moune to Andrea, the woman that he plans to marry. At Andrea's request, Ti Moune begins to dance and Daniel soon joins her. After Ti Moune receives praises from the guests, Andrea asks Ti Moune to perform at her and Daniel's wedding.
Daniel explains to Ti Moune that he and Andrea had been promised to each other since birth. He tells Ti Moune that he and she could have never been married. Ti Moune escapes with a broken heart and starts to hear voices from Papa Ge, the Demon of Death. He tells her that she can take Daniel's life instead of giving up her own. Papa Ge reminds her of Daniel's betrayal and leads her down a path of destruction.
As Ti Moune is about to kill Daniel, she chooses to sacrifice her life still and love him, although it is painfully unreciprocated. While starving, and slowly dying, Ti Moune sees Daniel walk by with his new bride. Ti Moune calls out to him, but he only pauses for a moment and then keeps walking. Ti Moune soon passes away. However, by Ti Moune choosing to die for love, the Goddess of Love Erzulie triumphed over Papa Ge, the Demon of Death.
The story ends on good note proving that love does stand the test of time, although it might have to persevere through oppressive and sometimes disastrous situations.
Ti Moune, played by Kristolyn Lloyd, commands the audience's attention through her extensive vocal range and her jubilant portrayal of Ti Moune. Lloyd also dances in such a way that she not only just moves to the beat, but she is able to tell a story with her enchanting rhythmic movements.
Daniel, played by Jesse Nager stands out with a handsome charm that draws you in and makes you root for his character throughout the performance, even though his character fails to defy tradition. His melodic, soothing voice carries songs long after they are over. Nager also proves to be a superior dancer next to his peers.
Asaka, Mother Earth, played by Ledisi, makes it imperative for the audience to be attentive and steals the show. With an unbelievably immense vocal ability, Ledisi achieves a distinguished performance that leaves the audience pleasantly astounded.
Papa Ge, played by Bryan Terrell Clark, terrifies you but in a feverishly charismatic way. His voice proves to be villainous, as well as flawless. Clark also displays laudable dancing and rhythm that entices the audience to dance with him.
As talented and sensational as the cast was it could not have gotten through the night without the highly skilled orchestra. They pulled the audience through a harmonious bliss that had us entwined through the duration of the play.
Once On This Island gives you 90 minutes of splendorous song, dance, with an exceptional cast that does not for one second dare to release the audience's concentration.
Once on This Island will be at the Freud Playhouse at UCLA through September 14th. Tickets range from $65-$75 and can be purchased by calling 310.825.2101 or by visiting www.reprise.org