By Lisa Panzer
A magnificently staged theatrical journey awaits at Arden Theatre Company. Directed by Amina Robinson, this Tony Award-winning musical set in the French Antilles, tells the tale of TiMoune, a peasant girl whose ultimate fate rests upon a bet made between the island’s gods. Powerful song and courageous choreography not only illustrate, but enchantingly carry the audience along in her journey.
Front Row l-r: Jessica Johnson (Papa Ge), Curtis Wiley (Agwe); Back Row l-r: Ryane Nicole Studivant (Erzulie), Tiara Greene (Asaka). Photo by Ashley Smith, Wide Eyed Studios
Little TiMoune (Olivia Fowler), is discovered stranded up a tree following a devastating flood, lovingly raised by a very kind island couple barely able to feed themselves (“One Small Girl”). As she evolves into a lovely young woman, TiMoune (Nadia Ra’Shaun) prays to discover her place in the world with the song “Waiting For Life”. She is heard by the ruling deities, Asaka, Mother of the Earth (Tiara J. Greene); Agwe, God of Water (Curtis Wiley); Erzulie, Goddess of Love (Ryane Nicole Studivant), and Papa Ge, Demon of Death (Jessica Johnson) (“And the Gods Heard Her Prayer”).
On the “Jewel of the Antilles’ exist separate worlds: Rich landowners are represented by lighter skin while disadvantaged or servants are represented by darker skin. Together the gods conspire to have the two separate worlds collide by conjuring a car crash during a terrible storm (“Rain”). The divinities set TiMoune up to witness this crash and she rushes to save the life of wealthy young Daniel (Ethan B. Walker). The island peasant girl falls deeply in love with her patient, desiring above all to be with him forever, feeling he is her life’s purpose.
However, TiMoune’s adopted parents, Tonton Julian (Christopher Faison) and Mama Euralie (Chabrelle Williams), warn her that this will never be due to their different backgrounds. Undaunted, TiMoune pursues Daniel, despite all perils, until their brief oasis of love is tested. The gods’ wager is pending, hanging over all. Which will prove the more powerful force – love or death? Which way will the bet fall?
Musical brush strokes color a myriad of emotions from elation to despair, issuing from a lively orchestra, and sublime vocalists. Highly illustrative choreography (Devon Sinclair), including at times near acrobatic dance moves, again, intensified by vibrant vocals, captivate and carry forth the feelings from the divine cleverly detailed, diverse multilevel set (David P. Gordon).
Action, (lots of action!) is elevated by a brilliant lighting scheme (Alyssandra Docherty), which additionally serves to give a sense of time and place, besides blending the surreal with the real. Add to the above enriching sound (Elizabeth Atkinson), amazing costuming (Levonne Lindsay), sensational performers teeming with verve and phenomenal physicality emanating throughout the house.
All together, these elements successfully combine to create an endearing, sparkling jewel of an archipelago filled with hope and faith in the face of pain and grief and love so strong that it may in the future branch out to bring togetherness to people of different backgrounds.
Don’t miss this moving gem of show!
If You Go:
Once On This Island
Based Upon The Novel “My Love, My Love” by Rosa Guy
Book and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, Music by Stephen Flaherty
Originally Directed and Choreographed on Broadway by Graciela Daniele
Directed by Amina Robinson
Remaining shows extended to June 23 rd
Ticket Information and show times click here or call 215.922.1122.
Arden Theatre Company
F. Otto Haas Stage
40 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Expected Runtime: 90 minutes, with no intermission