It's time for my review of Once on This Island.Several good friends of mine have recommended Once on This Island to me over the past few months since it first opened. Whilst one friend claimed that it was the best production of a musical this past theatre season, another friend even went as far to say that it was currently the best show on all of Broadway. As a result of hearing such a positive reception, I became increasingly interested in watching Once on This Island.
Once on This Island is an extraordinary tale of a fearless younger dreamer named Ti Moune. After a gigantic storm rages through her village, a beacon of hope appears through a young man from the wealthy side of the island where she resides. An unexpected romance blossoms, but when their different cultures threaten to keep them apart Ti Moune sets out on a journey to be with the man that stole her heart. It is an utterly beautiful story combining love, hope, sacrifice, survival, social divides and death. All of these factors made for a rather moving and heartbreaking story. I am sure that Once on This Island is a show that will leave many audience members in tears. However, whilst it is somewhat of a sad tale, the finale and overall message of the show leaves us with hope. Ti Moune did the impossible, and no matter what the outcome and destination was, her journey was inspirational. Additionally, I felt that the book, written by Lynn Ahrens, perfectly captured the essence of those who live on a small island in the fear of devastating hurricane. Despite all they go through with natural disasters, the islanders live on hope and are constantly grateful to be alive. Once on This Island really does leave its audience with several powerful messages.
The score to Once on This Island is as equally delightful as its storyline and accompanies the book well. The music was composed by Stephen Flaherty and the lyrics were written by Lynn Ahrens; a duo who have collaborated on other works such as Ragtime and Anastasia. It is particularly striking how different the score to Once on This Island is to their other works, proving that Aherns and Flaherty are exceedingly skilled at creating music for different genres of music. Additionally, this score is particularly good at telling the audience a story. In some musicals, songs are often simply used for a character to express his emotions, however in Once on This Island the score is used throughout the musical to allow the story to flow seamlessly with no unnecessary halts.
The cast of Once on This Island are tremendous from beginning to end. All cast members are extremely talented and each and every one of them brings something special to the show. At the performance I was attending, Loren Lott had only recently assumed the leading role of Ti Moune after Original Broadway Cast Member Hailey Kilgore became injured. In this role, Loren Lott is faultless. In her characterisation, Lott perfectly encaptures both the innocence and vulnerability of Ti Moune. Additionally, Lott has beautiful voice.
Creatively, Once on This Island is one of the best directed pieces I have seen on Broadway since Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812. Director Michael Arden has worked absolute wonders with this musical, creating the perfect atmosphere for this little village that many islanders inhabit. Arden also excels in ensuring smooth transitions between scenes, with each part of the show flowing seamlessly to the next. I was also quite taken with the stunning set design, created by Dane Laffrey. From the moment I stepped inside the Circle in the Square Theatre and set my eyes upon this magical set, I immediately felt immersed within this island. The bright and colourful costume designs, by Clint Ramos, are also excellent, particularly those used for the four Gods.
The featured star of Once on This Island is, drum roll please... LOREN LOTT!
Despite only stepping into the role of Ti Moune a few weeks before I saw Once on This Island, Loren Lott was truly phenomenal. She's very well cast and has everything needed for the role down to a tee. She is undoubtedly the star of the show!
Now for my final verdict on Once on This Island. I give Once on This Island...
Once on This Island is undeniably deserving of a four star rating. It is a moving story with a beautiful score and a talented cast in an exceedingly well directed production with phenomenal set and costume designs.
Think it should have got a higher rating? Agree with my rating? Think it should have got a lower rating? If so comment below.
Thanks for reading!
-The Reviewer
No comments:
Post a Comment