| Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...The main problem is Melanie Brezill, who plays the lead role of TiMoune. Brezill is a fabulously energetic, beautiful, honest and emotionally present young performer who fits this role perfectly. But her performance at Monday night’s opening was beset with chronic pitch problems; exacerbated, no doubt, by having to perform far in front of the band, which is tucked away in a back corner. Brezill can and surely will do better. But when you’re the lead in an Equity musical, there’s no excuse for not hitting the notes. This was a surprise, for the musical direction at Porchlight is generally a major strength of this off-Loop company."
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Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...Designer Ian Zywica's marvelous street scene backdrop -- with stores and window sill perches and chain link fences that morph into flowery wedding arbors -- sets the mood ideally. And thanks to Eugene Dizon's buoyant musical direction, Brenda Didier's ever-ingenious choreography (the woman is a miracle worker) and an ebullient cast, the whole production not only feels far less precious than the original, but completely fresh."
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Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...Most revivals follow the original staging’s lead and evoke the Caribbean by way of Technicolor native garb and faux Impressionist sets painted by some dime-store Gauguin. Lococo, however, ingeniously relocates the storytellers to a corner in an urban neighborhood (evoked with impressive detail by Ian Zywica’s naturalistic set). This way the characters become immigrants telling a tale from their homeland, at once justifying the folkloric exaggerations and subtly reinforcing the show’s point about the importance of the stories we tell ourselves, in this case because they serve as a connection to a home that’s geographically distant."
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Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...The racial prejudices underpinning the story feel even more poignant when transplanted to America, which has its own unpleasant history in that department. Melanie Brezill's boundless energy as TiMoune lights up the stage (even when she has to strain for some higher notes), and Brenda Didier's exuberant Afro-Caribbean choreography captures a feeling of communal joy. Though rocky in places, this Island delivers with zest."
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NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"... Powerful and exuberant, songs should lift your soul and move your feet. They do. Lead by Melanie Brezill as Ti Moune, a girl on a journey, the audience is in good hands. She is sweet and powerful and the production is better for having her as a guide. The spirit of this show and the emotional core of the music far out-sing the concept imposed upon it. For that reason go see it. You’ll leave wanting to dance."
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Windy City Times - Highly Recommended
"...So even if the Island of the show's title appears to be Manhattan, this Porchlight staging of Once on This Island proves itself by daringly upending expectations while delivering the emotional and storytelling goods. Don't miss it."
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Chicago Free Press - Highly Recommended
"...Veteran Porchlight music director Eugene Dizon leads a vocally gifted ensemble, including Jayson Brooks as sea god Agwe, Bethany Thomas as earth goddess Asaka, Jastine Dumlao’s love goddess (singing the signature “The Human Heart”) and, with a thrilling theatrical flair for menace, Luis Herrera as Papa Ge, god of death. Meanwhile, choreographer Brenda Didier raises the company’s overall game, helping to further build everyone’s performances within Lococo’s new framing conceit until it erupts, quite naturally, into the ebullient finale: 'Why We Tell the Story.' "
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ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...Bethany Thomas, Jayson Brooks, Luis herrera and Austin Moore led the outstanding ensemble with their rich harmonies and spirited dancing. Once On This Island is a gem of a musical–so charming and so lovely to watch and listen to. You’ll be captavated by this wonderful musical love story."
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Steadstyle Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Porchlight is just about to enter its 15th season and this company has truly matured, getting stronger each year in selection of plays, casting, a wonderful set by Ian Zywica and in putting together memorable theater for Chicago audiences. "Once on This Island" is directed by Mark E. Lococo with Choreography by Brenda Didier. These talented people have put together a very solid cast to make this little musical, which is almost an operetta and mostly sung, a theatrical experience. The ensemble is onstage almost the entire production, some taking on a multitude of roles and the story they tell is one of beauty and lasting lessons to those who witness it. The musical style of this story telling is Calypso-flavored, but not as broad as one might expect. There are some wonderful love stories in song as well."
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