The Berea College Theatre Laboratory continues its 2005-2006 performing season with the musical Once On This Island opening February 17 in the McGaw Theatre. Performances continue Feb. 18, and 22-26.

With book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty (collaborators on the recent Broadway musical Ragtime), the fable of a beautiful island peasant girl, Ti Moune, and her journey to discover love is both enchanting and life affirming. Along her journey, the island gods of the earth, water, death and love assist and challenge her. Her life is complicated further by a devastating curse that separates forever the light- skinned grands hommes from the dark-skinned peasants.

Once On This Island premiered I 1990 at Playwrights Horizon off-Broadway. It moved to the Booth Theatre on Broadway and enjoyed 469 performances, earning eight Antoinette Perry (Tony) Award nominations, including one for Best Musical.

“It is one of the most beautiful and charming performances I have ever seen,” says stage director Deborah Martin. “I saw it over ten years ago and loved it so much, I took friends to see it the next night; I’ve been captivated ever since.” The performance features the dancing, singing and acting talents of fifteen students. Martin continues, “These incredible performers are all triple- threats (an industry term for those performers who can sing, dance and act); students and community members alike will be amazed at the level of professionalism these young people have achieved.”

With musical direction by Ryan Shirar, percussion by Tripp Bratton, woodwinds by Denise Hunter, and designs by Shan Ayers and Mary Ann Shupe, this production is sure to delight old and young. Once On This Island is appropriate for family members of all ages.

Performances for Once On This Island are February 17, 18, 22-25 at 8pm in the McGaw Theatre. Tickets range in price from $5 to $10 and can be reserved by calling the Berea College Theatre Box Office at (859) 985-3300 Monday through Friday, 1-5 pm. Berea College students are admitted free of charge. As a service to our community, a sign-interpreted performance is offered Friday, February 24. Listening devices for the hearing impaired, enlarged programs for the sight impaired, and special parking and seating privileges for those needing physical assistance are also available.