Image via official Instagram account of Ms. Lea Salonga (screenshot) Lea Salonga returns to broadway in "Once on this Island" Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Ms. Lea Salonga officially returns to Broadway this fall in one of her favorite shows, “Once on This Island.” The Tony Award winner made it official by posting a tweet after “keeping this for months.” Ms. Salonga stars alongside Alex Newell (Glee), Merle Dandridge (Greenleaf), and Quentin Earl Darrington (Cats). The show is a revival of Lynn Ahrens’ and Stephen Flaherty’s musical. The opening night is on December 3 at the Circle in the Square Theatre. However, production will begin Broadway previews on November 9. Playbill reports that the story is about a fearless peasant girl named Ti Moune and her ill-fated courtship with a young man named Daniel Beauxhomme who lives at the wealthy side of her island ruled by four island gods. When different cultures come in the way of what they have for each other, Ti Moune sets out on a journey to reunite with the man she dearly loves with the guidance of the gods. Lea plays the role of Erzulie, the Jewel of the Antilles’ Goddess of Love. Dandridge, on the other hand, will play Papa Ge while Newell plays Asaka. In addition, Darrington stars as Agwe. “Once on This Island:” A Story About Hope The show promises to be vibrant and colorful as it is inspired by the Caribbean. When a tropical storm shatters a small village, hope springs out when Ti Moune finds love in a young man. The plot focuses on bringing people from different social classes together through the power of love. Michael Arden, the director of the show, deems this theme important. In a report by the Hollywood Reporter, he says that “it is important that young people watching their production see themselves reflected back from the stage at them. The Gods are simply that: Gods. They are not bound by gender, race, sexuality or being human at all.” He further says that he is “very pleased” to be collaborating with the artists as they explore the timely themes of the musical through their incredible talent. “Once on This Island” is a Multi-Awarded Production. According to Broadwayworld, the musical premiered in May 1990 and ran for 469 performances. It won a total of eight Tony nominations which includes Best Featured Actress, Best Original Score, Best Musical, and Best Book of a Musical. The West End production in 1994 won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical. The new production will be directed by Tony nominee Michael Arden and choreographed by Camille Brown. Michael Starobin will be the musical’s orchestrator while AnnMarie Milazzo will be its vocal arranger. Non-traditional instruments will be used for the show’s new take in its musical arrangement. I have been keeping this for months! So excited to be returning to Broadway this fall in one of my favorite shows! https://t.co/bIsxRS0aC9 — Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) August 8, 2017 Word is out! I will be making my return to Broadway this fall in one of my favorite shows, @onceislandbway!!! A post shared by Lea Salonga (@msleasalonga) on Aug 8, 2017 at 9:11am PDT Facebook Comments
