Once On This Island

Once On This Island
Aurora Fox Theater
Aurora, CO
September 12-October 5, 2014

I was fortunate to win the tickets for the Aurora Fox's production of Once On This Island in a Facebook contest. I must admit, the idea of this show intrigued me. I knew it was loosely based on The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson. I know the original was not a happy story, so I was interested in this retelling of the tale.

The show was full of color and energy. It began with a clear message that people of the island dance in two separate worlds - divided by race. The very talented cast took turns outside the ensemble to play various roles. Yet the transitions were nearly seamless. It was delightful to hear each cast member as they got a chance to sing solo.

The story revolves around Ti Moune and the actress who played her commanded the stage. At times I'm not sure the theater was big enough to contain her voice. The story does not work if you don't love Ti Moune, and we all did.

Like the original story, Once On This Island doesn't have a happy ending. When Ti Moune's fate is revealed, it is a bit hokey in a story that had been so well told before the moment of revelation. But that can be overlooked as the message of forgiveness rings out in the finale.