The Modern Musical Fairytale Comes to pittsburgh
A cross between Romeo and Juliet, The Little Mermaid and modern Disney classic Moana, Once On This Island first garnered critical acclaim during its first Broadway and West End runs in the early 90s, and again for its Broadway revival in 2017. The bittersweet, modern musical fairytale now enjoys a Pittsburgh production from Pittsburgh CLO this summer at the Benedum Center!
What is the story?
With an effervescent score by Stephen Flaherty and a book by Lynn Ahrens, the family-friendly fable is set on a Caribbean island divided by prejudice and battered by violent storms. Ti Moune, a poor peasant girl, and Daniel Beauxhomme, a boy from the socially elite grands hommes clan, fall in love after fate brings them together.
Of course, tragedy and hardships follow with help and hindrance from mighty island gods, as well as the prejudiced inhabitants of the island. A tale of romance, unrequited love, and redemption, as well as a reminder of the fragility of our ecosystems, all wrapped up in the music and dance of calypso.