Charleston Stage Co. Present Beautiful Message of Love in Latest Musical Production

Jeff Walker / Entertainment Press Release

Love is the universal language and at Dock Street Theatre it is alive and well, as the Charleston Stage Company offer up a lively and exuberant rendition of 'Once on This Island' (OOTI). Amid a colorful and robust tropical island backdrop 20 plus bubbly cast members with Charleston Stage bring this modern day somewhat twisted intimate musical to life. 

Based on the collaborative work of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty OOTI tells the story of Ti Moune a young coming of age peasant girl romantically smitten for the first time. However, her love interest Daniel comes from the elite crowd on the island. How far will lovers go to prove their love. In uncharted waters Ti Moune finds guidance from four mystical gods, all with different motives.

Can Ti Moune and Daniel overcome cultural and societal norms and become lovers even though Daniel's family has alternative plans set in motion for him. Under the direction of Crystin Gilmore Charleston Stage assemble an ensemble cast of mostly young actors that deliver two hours of pure energy and enlightenment backed by a nonstop array of calypso numbers.

Perhaps to give more up and coming actors more stage time, Charleston Stage has two young ladies playing the role of Ti Moune. During my time at Dock Street I had the pleasure of watching resident actor Jhonika Wright fill the shoes of Ti Moune, and she did a commanding job, portraying Ti Moune as an optimistic and passionate commoner who believes true love conquers all. Her enthusiasm radiates from the stage.

Charleston Stage Ensemble Actor K'Nique Eichelberger is equally as compelling, presenting Daniel as the hopeful and caring benefactor of Ti Moune's affections and hospitality, all the while not willing to go against family tradition. Eichelberger and Wright portray a theatrical cohesiveness.

Additional cast members are too numerous to list, but kudos to Dakare Chatman as vodou god Papa Ge aka the crafty demon of death. Chatman is ideally cast and has the perfect devilish laugh. Kudos as well to Letty Richey and Anthony McCutchen as Ti Moune's loving and concerned adoptive parents. Truly the entire ensemble exude joy and good vibrations from the Dock Street stage.

Although I witnessed the production first hand, an inside source tells me this is one of the best she's seen on the historic Dock Street Theatre stage in her nearly two decades with Charleston Stage. With a combination of vibrant costumes, spirited calypso beat, rich set design, exceptional choreography, and an emotional storyline I tend to agree.

Can the haves and the have nots coincide? What happens when two cultural worlds collide? In 'Once on This Island' we discover a friendship tree has deep roots and love is the ultimate healer. Credit Charleston Stage Company for presenting a thought provoking stage play that is genuine, diverse, and carries a strong universal message.

If you believe in the power of love, enjoy an uplifting story with high energy island music, than I recommend 'Once on This Island' at Dock Street Theatre. Weekend performances running Thurs-Sun through April 30th. Discover the possibilities at https://charlestonstage.com/