The play tells a story of a romance between a peasant girl and the rich city boy she saves from death. The performance weaves Haitian religious beliefs and socioeconomic themes into the story. Directed by Nefertiti Burton, associate dean and theater professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, the performance combines storytelling, music and dance set to a Caribbean beat.
“The mismatched lovers are much like the ‘Little Mermaid’ fairy tale but with a tragic twist and calypso flavor,” Burton said. “The cast really brings this story to life with a triple play of singing, dancing and acting.”
Louisville-area dance and voice teachers Frank Goodloe and Troy Bell assisted Burton with choreography and musical direction for the play, which earned the 1995 Olivier Award for Best New Musical. “Once on This Island” will be performed at 8 p.m. nightly, Jan. 30–Feb. 2 plus 3 p.m. matinees on Feb. 2 and 3. All performances are at the Playhouse, 1911 S. Third St.
Show tickets are $18 for the general public, $12 for faculty and staff, students and senior citizens. For tickets and information, call 502-852-6814 or visit Theatre Arts.