Once On This Island
at South Plantation High School

Reviewed on November 17, 2018

Dylan Redshaw
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

Greetings from South Plantation's radiating island of two different worlds with an enchanting tale to tell and one small girl to begin the journey. With the addition of engaging American Sign Language, South Plantation High School's production of "Once On This Island" grants accessibility to a multitude of people and truly offers a colorful new perspective to the traditional musical.

Currently on Broadway with a Tony award win for Best Revival of a Musical, "Once On This Island" tells the beloved story of a young, peasant girl, Ti Moune, as she travels far and wide to reunite with the man who conquers her heart and ultimately prove to the Gods that the strength of unconditional love always overcomes the power of death. South Plantation High School's inclusion of deaf culture truly heightens the show's journey of acceptance as it explores the underlying themes of discrimination and isolation on a completely original platform.

Leading the production with fierce charisma was Sierra Nixon as the vivacious dreamer, Ti Moune. Nixon convincingly depicted Ti Moune's childish attitude and awe-inspiring spirit as she danced across the stage with undeniable rhythm. The island's captivating gods dominated the bulk of the performance with lively energy and vital connection to the story. Portraying the Goddess of Earth, Asaka, Kayla Smith fully commanded the stage and successfully showcased her powerful vocals in the captivating number, "Mama Will Provide." Hannah Prezant as the sly demon of death, Papa Ge, completely embodied the intense role with her deep, booming voice and consistently chilling physicality. Furthermore, Nya Hedman as the Goddess of Love, Erzulie, admirably added an emotional touch to the production in her delicate solo, "The Human Heart."

The American Sign Language interpreters and voices excellently mirrored their counterparts onstage, illustrating a unique, noteworthy approach to live theatre. Right from the start, the entire ensemble of storytellers and gods alike effectively brought sign interpretation to a whole new level with their strikingly distinct movements throughout each song. Communicating entirely in sign language, Abriella Richards and Dwayne Reed as Mama Euralie and Tonton Julian, respectively, fostered Ti Moune into a deaf world and delivered passionate facial expressions that strengthened the authenticity of the production.

Technically, the show was executed brilliantly. Costumes, by Abriella Richards, decorated the stage with compelling, bright patterns and radiating selections that clearly solidified distinctions between the multiple ensembles. Hair and makeup, by Paige Slowinski and Isabel Bello, appeared extremely professional with remarkable attention to detail, most notably in each of the God's unique and vibrant makeup design. Furthermore, the interesting student-constructed set designed by Chase Dietrich fully captured the island landscape and immersed the audience into the imaginative, calypso-flavored world of Ti Moune.

All in all, South Plantation High School's production of "Once On This Island" was truly charming, and inspired a unique new outlook on the world. The students should take pride in their immense accomplishment of merging the impact of deaf culture into the impassioned journey of social prejudice and forbidden love.

Madeline Finkelman
North Broward Preparatory School
Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

If you're looking for an enchanting musical with infectious island-style music, poetic storytelling, and characters that touch the human heart, South Plantation High School's production of "Once On This Island" will provide.

"Once On This Island" originally opened on Broadway in 1990 with book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty. The musical returned to Broadway in 2017 and won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. Borrowing fairy tale elements from "The Little Mermaid" and star-crossed lover aspects from "Romeo and Juliet," the musical tells the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl on a Caribbean island whose journey reveals the triumphs and consequences of all-consuming love.

As the "one small girl" at the center of the tale, Sierra Nixon was anything but, portraying Ti Moune as a joyful, exuberant and lovably larger-than-life heroine. Nixon's effervescence and spirit on stage beautifully relayed Ti Moune's yearning to follow her heart and leave her family behind. The depth of what it means for her to leave the only world she's ever known is hauntingly conveyed in the song "Ti Moune", sweetly and soulfully serenaded by Wayde Boswell and Jocelyn Velazquez, the voices of Ti Moune's dearly devoted parents. Boswell and Velazquez exquisitely and emotionally harmonized both their voices and their heartbreak as they watch their adopted daughter venture off into the unknown.

Looking down on Ti Moune were the mythical deities of water, earth, love and death. Commanding the stage as they commanded her journey, the gods were one of the show's supreme standouts, each actor transcendentally bringing their individual characters to life. Papa Ge, the mythical death-seeking god was portrayed with malicious intensity by Hannah Prezant. Prezant's dark and devilish delivery, menacing movements and physicality artfully exhibited Papa Ge's potent powers. The god of earth was divinely and entrancingly played by Kayla Smith. Smith's stunning stage presence and seemingly effortless powerhouse vocals were best showcased in her soulful song "Mama Will Provide."

In the story's ending, Ti Moune bridges social divides, so the inclusion of American Sign Language throughout the show was especially powerful. The blocking and staging of both actors and an ensemble of interpreters throughout the set was its own graceful choreography, ensuring deaf or hard of hearing audience members never missed a moment of the performance. South Plantation's enthralling use of American Sign Language highlighted the story's ultimate message of acceptance and inclusion.

From a terrific tin-roofed hut to a remarkable rotating platform, the student-built set astonishingly created an atmosphere that seamlessly transformed the stage from poverty to privilege. Further setting the scene were the colorful and culturally-contrasting costumes and the vibrant, vivid makeup. All of these elements worked in harmony to propel the story while craftily conveying the lives of those within it.

On this island of two different worlds, people are brought together in dance, song and storytelling. South Plantation artfully wove those elements together, presenting a moving and immersive adventure that proved the strength of love is truly more powerful than death.

Rylee Berger
Cooper City High School
Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

Why do you tell the story? For life? For love? For hope? South Plantation High School's production of "Once on This Island" brings these question to life, and proves that the reason behind telling the story is just as important as how you tell it.

Written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, "Once on This Island" opened on Broadway in 1990 and its Tony Award-winning revival is currently playing at the Circle Square Theatre in New York. Centered around a young woman by the name of Ti Moune (Sierra Nixon) and her love for the wealthier Daniel (Logan Moreno), "Once on This Island" tells the tale of a society split by race, wealth, and, in this production, ability to hear. Unique to South Plantation High School's rendition, the story was told in both English and American Sign Language.

Leading lady Sierra Nixon brought warmth, optimism, and power to the stage as the lovable Ti Moune. Nixon's facial expressions clearly showed her character's emotions and feelings. Her acting prowess was evident, culminating in a clear expression of Ti Moune's arc when she is broken by the realization that she will never be accepted into the wealthier society of the Beauxhommes. Nixon was also able to build believable relationships with both her adoptive mother and father, played by Abriella Richards (voiced by Jocelyn Velazquez) and Dwayne Reed (voiced by Wayde Boswell).

Ti Moune's story is largely affected by the actions of four gods: Papa Ge (Hannah Prezant), Asaka (Kayla Smith), Agwe (Jalu Rachel), and Erzulie (Nya Hedman). The actors successfully differentiated their characters through vocal delivery and physicality. The chemistry within their character group was clear, consistent, and helped to define their importance as characters. Prezant's portrayal of the demon goddess of death was engaging, and her devotion to the role was evident when she tried to convince Ti Moune to kill Daniel. Kayla Smith as Asaka stood out in her strong vocal delivery and presence on stage, especially in numbers like "Mama will Provide."

The company brought energy to the stage and allowed for the music to drive the emotion. Each member of the ensemble was completely invested in the story and exquisitely executed well-blended harmonies. Though some actors had difficulties with their diction, their commitment to their characters was clear. The telling of the story through sign language was impressive and beautifully executed on stage. The voices and interpreters were always in character and were just as invested as their counterparts, adding dimension and depth.

The technical aspects of the show were cohesive and worked extremely well with each other and the action on the stage. Costumes, hair, and makeup helped to define the differences between the two sides of the island. The scenic design of the show was brilliant, allowing for stunning stage pictures and a beautiful backdrop for each scene.

Filled with strong vocals and emotional performances, South Plantation High School's not-to-be-missed production of "Once on This Island" was moving, powerful, and a unique take on a classic tale of love and loss.

Alex Wind
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

There is an island where rivers run deep. Where the sea, sparkling in the sun, earns it the name "Jewel of the Antilles." On this island, the citizens are separated between the laboring peasants and the poised grand hommes. In South Plantation High School's production of "Once on this Island" this island is the location for the story that asks the question, "Can love conquer death?"

Making its premiere in 1990, "Once on this Island," written by the Broadway legends Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, follows the story of a young peasant girl named Ti Moune who is spared by the Gods when she is a child. For her whole life, Ti Moune wonders why she was spared and eventually she saves a wealthy boy named Daniel from his certain death and she discovers her purpose. In South Plantation's innovative production, the use of American Sign Language (ASL) was integrated to create a performance that could be enjoyed by both hearing and deaf people.

As Ti Moune, Sierra Nixon displayed a wide range of emotions with the use of her remarkable singing voice and her passionate signing. Nixon did an incredible job of capturing the curiosity and bright-eyed spirit of Ti Moune, especially during her solo, "Waiting for Life." Abriella Richards and Dwayne Reed, portraying Mama Euralie and Tonton Julian, respectively, created complex and dynamic characters only through the use of ASL, using body language and facial expressions to convey the emotions of the words they were signing.

As the Gods are praised in this show in many ways, the actors playing them should not be praised any less. As Papa Ge, Hannah Prezant fully embodied the sly demon of death. Even when not the main focus of the scene, Prezant remained in character and committed. Her conniving and cunning attitude created an intimidating antagonist for the story. Kayla Smith as the Earth goddess Asaka gave such truth to the quote, "On this island, the Earth sings" with her fantastic voice, showcasing riffs and high notes in "Mama Will Provide." As the goddess of love, Erzulie, Nya Hedman was gentle in her performance, fully understanding the character. Jalu Rachel's booming voice added another layer to his performance as the rain God, Agwe, and matched incredibly with his song, "Rain."

The multiple ensembles were distinct and worked as cohesive units. Whether actors played the birds, the breeze, or the trees, they were fully committed and connected to the words they were either signing or speaking. The costumes by Abriella Richards showed clear differences between the classes on the island and the makeup by Paige Slowinski and Isabel Bello was effective in adding to the grandeur of the Gods. The set, designed by Chase Dietrich, was extremely impressive and brought together all the elements of the island atmosphere to create the perfect backdrop to the unfolding story.

The story of Ti Moune is an important and beautiful one to tell, and South Plantation High School's marvelous production of "Once on this Island" did incredible justice to the tale and showing "Why We Tell the Story."

Jason Rosenberg
Cypress Bay High School
Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

"Some Say" there is a distant island ruled by temperamental Gods, ladened with dancing peasants and sneering with wealthy Grand Hommes. In a lighthearted tale of love and forgiveness, South Plantation High School (SPHS) and encapsulated audience members voyage to the mystical Antilles in "Once on This Island."

Making its Broadway debut in 1990, "Once on This Island" has largely remained a force to be reckoned with, evident in the Tony Award-winning 2017 revival, which features such stars as Lea Salonga and Hailey Kilgore. Based on a 1985 novel, the musical recounts the tale of a young peasant girl on a tropical island, who ultimately uses the power of love to unite those of varying social classes. Fitting to this story of societal divisions, SPHS incorporates an extensive, and quite elegant, usage of American Sign Language (ASL) throughout the production, as a way to point to the division between hearing and deaf individuals.

Leading the show as Ti Moune was the ever- enjoyable Sierra Nixon, alongside her splendid vocal counterpart Tiahna Lilavois. Nixon's immersive dancing and upbeat personality, in conjunction with Lilavois' exquisite vocal technique, culminated into a wonderful portrayal of the optimistic peasant girl, highlighted in Nixon's powerhouse rendition of "Waiting for Life." Abriella Richards and Dwayne Reed tackled the roles of Ti Moune's adoptive parents, Mama Euralie and Tonton Julian, respectively. With their sensational acting capabilities, they withheld the attention of the crowd whilst actively signing and engaging with fellow cast members. Their vocal counterparts, Jocelyn Velazquez and Wayde Boswell, were immense highlights to the production as well as crowd favorites. Velazquez and Boswell's smooth harmonic blending served as pivotal additions to Richards and Reed, and elevated the emotional journey of the production as a whole.

As one might presume, the Gods were mystical and captivating forces who almost compelled audience members to stare; their angelic presence was bewitching. Nya Hedman and Jalu Rachel displayed their opulence and dignified vocals as Erzulie, the Goddess of Love and Agwe, the God of the Water. Conversely, Hannah Prezant showcased her darker side, dimming the atmosphere whilst on stage as Papa Ge, the "sly demon of death." Nonetheless, Kayla Smith counterbalanced such gloom as Asaka, or Mother of the Earth. Smith gave a jaw-dropping surprise with her solid vocals and soulful presence, reminiscent of classic popular icons, in her critically-acclaimed performance of "Mama Will Provide."

From the instant one entered the theatre, all eyes diverted to the spectacular, multi-level set spanning across the entire stage, even into the audience. The Set Construction crew appeared to have outdone themselves, as the cast utilized every inch of space to establish magnificent pictures and groupings. Additionally, the onstage Orchestra served to heighten the authenticity of the musical. Although they collectively overpowered the cast at times, their immersion in the production and overall positive attitude catapulted the rendition forward, allowing many to overlook any flaws and hone in solely on the positive.

"Once on This Island" reminds us all of the power of unconditional love, and the role we play in determining our own fate. Sparking conversation on historical racial discrimination and the absurdity of social hierarchies, the cast emphasizes the obstacles the human race has endured and stresses to continue relaying "the story."

Zoe Larson
Calvary Christian Academy
Submitted for publication to

Why do we tell our story? Stories of happiness, pain, love, death, they are all beautiful tales to share with the world. South Plantation's "Once on This Island" encompassed the beauty, power, and importance of sharing our stories.

"Once on This Island" is a powerhouse musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens. Based on the novel "My Love, My Love, or The Peasant Girl," and combining elements of "Romeo and Juliet" and "The Little Mermaid," "Once on This Island" opened on Broadway in 1990. The original production received eight Tony nominations, and was later revived to again receive eight nominations, this time winning Best Revival of a Musical. South Plantation High School executed their production magically, with many added elements and interpretations that made for a fantastic performance.

The show was carried by the brilliant Sierra Nixon as Ti Moune. However, as the show made accommodations for those who are deaf and hard of hearing, it would be remiss to not also recognize Tiahna Lilavois, Ti Moune (voice). Nixon filled the stage with a captivating presence, embracing the youthful glow and happiness of Ti Moune. She shined at all times, but was specifically enchanting in all dance numbers. Lilavois magnificently poured out the emotion of Ti Moune through song, creating a heart-wrenching performance as well.

South Plantation's "Once on This Island" would not have been the production it was without the sheer awe-inspiring nature of the gods. Each with their own ability and story, the gods perfectly weaved in and out of Ti Moune's life with power and vocal prowess. Papa Ge, played by Hannah Prezant, was evil yet intriguing, and completely fascinating to watch. Jalu Rachel, as Agwe, had vocals that soared perfectly throughout the theatre. Erzulie, Nya Hedman, was the epitome of beauty and love, illuminating the most glorious elements of Ti Moune. Kayla Smith dominated the South Plantation stage with her portrayal of Asaka. Stunning vocals and pure emotion combined into a perfect performance constantly receiving enthusiastic applause.

Not only were the performers mesmerizing, but also the technical elements of "Once on This Island" revealed the care, thought, and genius that contributed to the production of the musical. A revolving set with many levels and uses spread across the stage, brilliantly crafted by Chase Dietrich. Sophisticated makeup and hair by Paige Slowinski and Isabel Bello revealed impressive artistic abilities that were used to contribute to all characters. Finally, costumes were eye catching and innovative, the most impressive of which was the use of a lampshade for Asaka's headpiece. Technical elements illuminated the impressive abilities of all South Plantation students.

With exciting vocals, dazzling choreography, and spectacular technical elements, South Plantation's "Once on This Island" brilliantly exemplified "Why We Tell The Story."