Once On This Island Reviews
Chicago Tribune- Somewhat Recommended
"...Given the issues of the monarchical story, which require the dark-skinned Ti Moune to subjugate herself to the light-skinned Daniel to gain his love, the outer frame of "Once on This Island" is even more crucial. I think Arden immediately understood that the piece is about why we tell stories as much as the stories we tell. But that focus has gone missing on the road."
Chicago Sun Times- Somewhat Recommended
"...Flaherty and Ahrens' work is based on "My Love, My Love," a 1985 novel by the Trinidad-born author Rosa Guy that was itself inspired by "The Little Mermaid" - the darker Andersen original, not the Disney version that hit theaters the year before "Once on This Island" debuted. Here, Ti Moune rescues and subsequently falls in love with a princely young man from another world."
Daily Herald- Highly Recommended
"...There isn't a weak link in the performing ensemble. The cast all powerfully (and sometimes operatically) sing the daylights out of the infectiously catchy score by composer Stephen Flaherty and lyricist Lynn Ahrens."
Chicago Reader- Highly Recommended
"...So yes, the underlying theme of self-sacrificing women can grate, to say the least. But there's no denying that it's a trope whose roots run deep and twisted throughout many cultures, and at least here we see Ti Moune's sacrifice bearing fruit in breaking down the race and class barriers for future generations. Vocally, this show is spectacular, with Freeman a particular powerhouse. The costumes by Clint Ramos pop against the weathered sheet-metal walls of Dane Laffrey's set. And kids don't come any more adorable than MiMi Crossland as little Ti Moune and as the child we meet at the beginning. (Crossland alternates performances with Mariama Diop, who I'm sure is equally adorable.)"
Stage and Cinema- Recommended
"...Ti Moune's star-crossed quest, a love-test sanctioned then undermined by the island gods, is already legend when we hear it told and danced in this tropical folk opera with its bubbling score."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow- Recommended
"...This magical story brought to life by ensemble members playing multiple roles, calypso-inspired music and sound with jubilant dance numbers for 90-minutes. Set in an island in the French Antilles, in the present, is where we see the village storytellers trying to calm down a little girl one stormy night to distract her from the booming sounds of thunder."
Around The Town Chicago- Highly Recommended
"...Broadway in Chicago brings to the Cadillac Palace stage a story of fate, religion, and indigenous culture that charms and delights. Directed by Michael Arden and featuring native dance, upbeat music, inspired costumes (designed by Clint Ramos), and true-to-life set design (by Dane Laffrey), “Once on This Island” is a musical that takes place in the French West Indies, on an island known as the Jewel of the Antilles. This touring production of Lynn Ahrens’ book and lyrics and Stephen Flaherty’s music tells an important tale about the magic of love, the mystical powers of healing, and the force of destiny—and the myth, history, and heritage of an exotic island people."
WTTW- Recommended
"...The team of Ahrens and Flaherty would go on to create their masterpiece, “Ragtime,” barely seven years after “Once On This Island.” It’s worth looking back and seeing how many of the same themes flowed through these two very different stories – stories like Ti Moune’s – that are worth telling and retelling."
Chicago Theatre Review- Highly Recommended
"...Storytelling is at the heart of every good piece of theatre, and this show offers a memorable tale well worth experiencing. This bewitching National Tour of the Tony Award-winner for Best Revival of a Musical is a must-see event. Directed by talented Michael Arden, he's reshaped his original 2017 environmental, in-the-round Broadway production into an exquisite proscenium production, and it works almost as well. The catchy, rhythmical score by Flaherty and Ahrens brings both the sunshine and shadows into this story, making it a perfect family show. And, although warmer days are still a long way off, this tuneful theatrical trip to the Tropics will delight audiences with a preview of the summer to come."
Third Coast Review- Highly Recommended
"...Presenting Once On This Island in a venue so different from where it was initially imagined doesn’t happen without falling a bit short; like translating lyrical French poetry into choppy, clunky English, something gets lost along the way. But if the alternative is that a show this beautiful never finds its way to our doorstep at all, then it’s a small price to pay for the privilege."
Chicago On Stage- Highly Recommended
"...The finale of this show is called “Why We Tell the Story,” and there is no doubt in this version that the reasons are at least as important as the story itself. It’s a joy to watch, and certainly keeps the young girl (played alternatively by Mimi Crossland and Miriama Diop) from worrying about the storm for awhile. It also allows the storytellers themselves, who have seen their island repeatedly ravaged by nature’s fury (as we have witnessed recently in Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and other places in the Caribbean), the opportunity to come together as a community to begin healing. This traveling production may not be the same experience as those fortunate enough to see it on Broadway had, but the power of the Ahrens/Flaherty score still resonates and the Arden/Brown staging amps up the emotion. It’s an ebullient musical that is well worth seeing. "
Picture This Post- Recommended
"...Broadway in Chicago's presentation of ONCE ON THIS ISLAND is colorful, drumbeat-rich and engaging. However, this viewer found some of the lyrics and dialogue tough to catch because of a less-than-precise audio system and the cast's strong Caribbean accents - appropriate but heavy-going for Midwestern ears. If you're not familiar with the plot and lyrics, it may be helpful to spend some time on Google before heading to the theater."
Chicago Parent- Highly Recommended
"...The Tony-award winning revival of the 1990 original Broadway production storms in with a powerful cast and interactive set to transport the audience to the Caribbean. It's hard not to be enthralled of the timeless tale as the islanders sing the opening, "We Dance." From there, you know that you're about to step into an immersive theater experience as you explore the themes of love, social classes and dreams."
NewCity Chicago- Highly Recommended
"...The players in this production dance and cavort with great freedom, and it is heartwarming to see a variety of body-types celebrated in the casting. This production (as was true on Broadway) eschews traditional notions of gender, without apology or self-congratulations. If the music wasn’t wonderful and the story a hopeful look at macro-challenges that never seem to evaporate, these points would still be enough to send folks flocking to the Cadillac."