By Kathy L. Collins
Riverview High School Theatre Department, under the direction of Daron Hawkins, will present its spring production of Once On This Island on Thursday, May 16, Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18 at 8 p.m. All performances will take place in the Riverview High School’s Outdoor Ampitheatre (located at the end of the breezeway within the school).
Once On This Island, written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, is based on the book, “My Love, My Love” by Rosa Guy. The theatrical production, which premiered on Broadway in 1990, is an adaptation of the popular fairy tale, The Little Mermaid. According to Hawkins, “This is a modern musical that allows us to explore Caribbean dance and legends. It is a true ensemble piece.”
The cast is comprised of 49 Riverview High School students (34 actors and 15 stage hands). According to Hawkins, “The students have worked hard on the piece during the second semester of school.” The show will star Annie Connally as Ti Moune, Christopher Armellino as Daniel, Brandon Rodriguez as Ton-Ton, Brandon Chaney as Mama Ruralie, Shiloh Crane as Asaka, Jessiana Vaughan as Erzulie, Tristan White as Papa Ge and Priscilla Aguirre as Andrea.
Once On This Island tells the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl who rescues and falls in love with Daniel, a wealthy guy from the other side of the island. When Daniel is returned to his people, the fantastical gods who rule the island, guide Ti Moune on a quest to test the strength of her love against the powerful forces of prejudice, hatred and death.
Tickets to this fantastic non-stop song and dance production are just $10. There is limited seating and while reservations are not required, they are suggested. The show runs approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.
Riverview High School is located at 11311 Boyette Rd. in Riverview. For more information, please contact Hawkins at daron.hawkins@sdhc.k12.fl.
