Once on This Island

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Once on This Island is a musical with music by Stephen Flaherty and book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. It is based on the 1985 novel "My Love, My Love; or, The Peasant Girl" by Rosa Guy. The musical tells the story of Ti Moune, a young girl who falls in love with a wealthy boy from the other side of her island in the French Antilles. The gods of the island, known as the "Jewels", watch over her as she struggles to bridge the divide between the social classes and follow her heart.

The show features a unique Caribbean-influenced score, with songs ranging from joyous calypso tunes to soulful ballads. The production is known for its imaginative staging, which often involves using found objects and natural elements like sand and water to create the island setting. The show is also notable for its use of a narrator, a character called "Papa Ge", who represents death and serves as a counterpoint to the life-affirming themes of the story.

Once on This Island has received critical acclaim for its message of love and the power of community. It won the 2018 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical and has been praised for its diverse casting and celebration of Caribbean culture. The show has been produced internationally and continues to be a beloved musical for its beautiful music and heartwarming story.