2008 Woodie Awards
All Smiles for 'Once On This Island'
Diana Mora, Contributing Writer
Issue date: 3/10/08 Section: News
The Pioneer Players have yet again been successful on campus. This year's musical, "Once on this Island," was their latest hit that played for two days. Works from Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty provided the book, lyrics, and music. Not only did their work set the founding lines for such a great story of romance with a Caribbean twist, but it allowed for such a diverse ensemble to truly express their musical and acting repertoire.
The story focuses on Ti Moune, a poor peasant girl who falls in love with Daniel, an upper class boy, whom she saves after a near fatal car crash. With the help of four gods, Agwe (God of Water), Asaka (Mother of the Earth), Erzulie (Goddess of Love), and Papa Ge (Demon of Death), the young lovers cross paths. The journey commences as Ti Moune leaves her adopted parents and village she has known to test the faith of love.
As Ahrens' book is being retold, the characters are coming to life on stage and Kim Bargamento left no doubts of her musical abilities as she portrayed Ti Moune. Don't let her pint-sized height fool you: her passion is clearly expressed during her performance. As for her counterpart, he does not fall far from the spot light. Drew Cyburt (Daniel) portrayed the handsome prince with none other than a spectacular performance. He truly charmed his way into the crowd with his musical talent.
The performance was truly enhanced with two great leads in the story, but the light in the performance was an array of characters. The Gods made the play come to life. Hilary Goldman, who played Agwe, was truly able to demonstrate her passion through such amazing vocal chords. Asaka, played by Pamela Yesenosky, really brought the character of mother of earth to its stand. Great pitch and sound also kept everyone clapping along during the performance.
Ryan Speller's unique portrayal of Papa Ge did not leave anyone doubting his music forte. His character brought a darker side as well as an element of satire to the musical.
As for the Goddess of Love, Casey Walker did an excellent job of providing a lighter tone to the musical. With a multi-talented cast and ensemble, it was not a very hard task for the characters to have won over the audience as it did so.
As every fairy tale comes to its ending, this one allowed the audience to think of how history and beliefs dictate the true stories of our lives. "Why We Tell the Story" is the ever-so-incumbent line that not all things end in true fairy tale fashion, but rather in an after-life of happiness and making it easier for future generations to find their true ever after.
The story focuses on Ti Moune, a poor peasant girl who falls in love with Daniel, an upper class boy, whom she saves after a near fatal car crash. With the help of four gods, Agwe (God of Water), Asaka (Mother of the Earth), Erzulie (Goddess of Love), and Papa Ge (Demon of Death), the young lovers cross paths. The journey commences as Ti Moune leaves her adopted parents and village she has known to test the faith of love.
As Ahrens' book is being retold, the characters are coming to life on stage and Kim Bargamento left no doubts of her musical abilities as she portrayed Ti Moune. Don't let her pint-sized height fool you: her passion is clearly expressed during her performance. As for her counterpart, he does not fall far from the spot light. Drew Cyburt (Daniel) portrayed the handsome prince with none other than a spectacular performance. He truly charmed his way into the crowd with his musical talent.
The performance was truly enhanced with two great leads in the story, but the light in the performance was an array of characters. The Gods made the play come to life. Hilary Goldman, who played Agwe, was truly able to demonstrate her passion through such amazing vocal chords. Asaka, played by Pamela Yesenosky, really brought the character of mother of earth to its stand. Great pitch and sound also kept everyone clapping along during the performance.
Ryan Speller's unique portrayal of Papa Ge did not leave anyone doubting his music forte. His character brought a darker side as well as an element of satire to the musical.
As for the Goddess of Love, Casey Walker did an excellent job of providing a lighter tone to the musical. With a multi-talented cast and ensemble, it was not a very hard task for the characters to have won over the audience as it did so.
As every fairy tale comes to its ending, this one allowed the audience to think of how history and beliefs dictate the true stories of our lives. "Why We Tell the Story" is the ever-so-incumbent line that not all things end in true fairy tale fashion, but rather in an after-life of happiness and making it easier for future generations to find their true ever after.
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