The Villagers offer ths gentle musical, nominated for eight Tony Awards in 1990.
By: Stuart Duncan
You have to admit that the title Once On This Island sounds like that of a Dorothy Lamour movie from years ago. But, in reality, it is a gentle musical that opened on Broadway in mid-October 1990, played for 469 performances and was nominated for no less than eight Tony Awards (winning none). The work was written by Lynn Ahrens (book and lyrics) and Steven Flaherty (score), and based on a book, My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy.
The setting is the French Antilles and it tells the story of Ti Moune, a poor peasant girl who falls in love with Daniel, an upper-class boy whose life she saves after a car crash. Central to the story are four gods that the peasants believe rule their lives: Love, Earth, Water and Death. Theses gods cause the lives of the youngsters to intersect and send Ti Moune on a fateful journey that will test the strength of their love.
The current revival of the seldom-staged musical at The Villagers is a pleasant contrast to the thumping scores of today’s efforts, or the madcap pace of most revivals. Villagers Director Trent Van Doren has allowed the staging to reflect both the locale and the child-like attention of its inhabitants to heart and soul. The plot contains hints of The Little Mermaid, Faust and even An American Tragedy. Ultimately, however, it eschews all messages in favor of pure entertainment.
Interestingly, Director Van Doren, Musical Director Khy Garner and Choreographer Stacey Coppola are all making their Villagers’ debuts, an exciting prospect for the group that was in serious danger of atrophy from within. But the technical star of the evening is another newcomer, set designer Joe DeStefano, who has come up with a set that should win awards all by itself a multi-level effort with two long stone stairways for the gods, a series of caves for the peasants and a working waterfall so that the audience can remain mesmerized. More than two-dozen worked on the construction, a few less on the painting and all should be honored. Young Mr. DeStafano apparently wants to go to Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts, and he should be a natural fit.
This is an ensemble show a cast of 32 therefore not really in the hands of a few performers. Nevertheless, some stand out: Amy Levine plays Mama Euralie, Ti Moune’s mother, with dignity and great style; Russell Pinto Jr. plays Armand, her father, with the same understanding; and Kayla Brantley, only 9 years old, plays a young Ti Moune, and already shows huge promise. Samantha Hahn is a spirited Ti Moune, but would do well to watch her pitch when singing. Joe Riley is an energetic Daniel, whose parents forbid any thoughts of alliance with a girl from the wrong side of the island.
Once On This Island continues at The Villagers, 415 DeMott Lane, Somerset, through Nov. 21. Performances: Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Tickets cost $18. For information, call (732) 873-2710. On the Web: www.villagerstheatre.com