Once On This Island Reviews

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...But this is mostly a show that requires one to relax into the music and the timeless truths of the storytelling. And there's no question that Bell manages to elevate what can come off as a minor piece into an evening with plenty of emotional heft. By the end of the show (which features an appealingly extensive setting from Thomas M. Ryan and some truly vibrant costumes from Nancy Missimi), the benevolent island gods give the long-suffering Ti Moune what she deserves. For all time. And I had a few tears glistening on my cheek."

Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended

"...The latest proof is director-choreographer David Bell's deeply insightful, beautifully realized production now at the Marriott Theatre, where Chasten Harmon, an easily commanding, dreamily gifted actress-singer-dancer (who recently appeared in the Broadway revival of "Hair") is giving a stellar central performance."

Daily Herald - Highly Recommended

"...Bell's casting is as expert as his staging which concludes with a bit of whimsy that suits perfectly the musical's breezy style. The honey-voiced ensemble, under music director Ryan T. Nelson, is first-rate. Leslie and Jones offer an achingly honest expression of parental love in "Ti Moune," a bittersweet paean to letting a child pursue her own dreams. Melinda Wakefield Alberty's love goddess Erzulie hits all the right notes in her silken performance of the poignant "The Human Heart" and Melody Betts stops the show with her volcanic performance as the earth goddess Asaka."

Chicago Reader - Recommended

"...Based in part on Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid, this one-act musical garnered a slew of Tony nominations after its 1990 Broadway debut. Lynn Ahrens's book plucks the action out of the sea and makes the heroine a peasant girl in the French Antilles, but David Bell's fluid choreography and Thomas Ryan’s cool, gauzy set design preserve an aquatic atmosphere."

Centerstage - Highly Recommended

"...Once again Marriott's production team has collaborated to create a beautifully authentic environment that will immediately transport audiences to the beaches of the French Antilles. Thomas M. Ryan's versatile set, adorned with palm fronds, swirling water (created by Diane Ferry Williams’ superb lighting), a dock, flying fishing nets and mosquito netting easily transforms into every island location. Nancy Missimi has outdone herself by creating a trousseau of gorgeously flowing costumes and headdresses for the ethereal characters, while providing an assortment of colorful gauze and homespun raiments for the island peasants. Ryan T. Nelson completes the scene, filling the air with the percussive musical rhythms and melodies of the Caribbean. But this production isn't just all atmosphere."

ShowBizChicago - Somewhat Recommended

"...Regarded as one of Flaherty’s richest scores, “Island” has often relied upon thematic muscle to grip through its chirpy wrapping. Ahrens’s book still reflects Rosa and Andersen’s original works, both of which are rife with religious allegory and earthly aphorisms. But Bell has clearly worked diligently to eschew vestiges of mortal sacrifice and emotional salvation, directing his cast in a way that parrots more closely the Disney animated feature than the musical he is presenting. Ensemble members frequently don literal “storytelling” hats rather than embodying the facilitating characters. Indeed, Bell has even discarded the musical’s original opening, wherein the islanders decide to regale a young girl with the story of Ti Moune as a way to comfort her from a passing storm."

7DAYS - Highly Recommended

"...While we can learn a little about dealing with "difference: from this story, I look at this as a 90 minute musicaexperiencene filled with wonderful music and glorious dance. The songs are not humming songs and for the most part, you may never recall one or even hear one again- or even recognize it if you do. Who cares? We go to the theater for entertainment, enjoyment and an escape from our day to day existence. At The Marriott, we are taken away from our daily lives and allowed to watch a story unfold, one with great movement, and talent, one with moments of comedy and others of sadness. I will tell you that the last numbers of the show, "A Part of Us" and "Why We Tell The Story" will bring a tear to your eye- do not hold it in, it's okay to feel the emotions of these characters."

ChicagoCritic - Somewhat Recommended

"...I think the opening night audience enjoyed this show more than I did. (Sometimes seeing more scaled-down versions of a show like Apple Tree and Porchlight’s did of Once On This Island hampers me take on this production.) Bell’s strong staging is valid and those who have never seen Once on This Island will be impressed. This production is pleasing, I think that a smaller, more intimate take would add more charm and innocence to the Island tale."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended

"...The musical is drenched in folkore and superstition as a group of storytellers bring Ti Moune's tale to life.  We see the young orphan saved from certain death in a hurricane, who repays the Gods' act of generosity by caring for (and eventually falling in love with) an injured aristocrat.  Prejudices and fate collide as love goes head to head with death.  The young man, Daniel, is the descendent of a tragically mixed lineage of a wealthy white Frenchman and a black peasant mother.  It is thus the story of "two different worlds never meant to meet" and a love story in which love vows to conquer death."