By HANNAH WING-BONICA

Stories are passed down from generation to generation–both through word of mouth and in writing. Through these different forms, stories shape who we are. Rosa Guy, who was born in Trinidad and emigrated to the United States, wrote a book titled My Love, My Love; or, The Peasant Girl. Rosa’s acclaimed story, which echoes the themes of The Little Mermaid and Romeo and Juliet, was adapted into the Tony Award-winning musical Once on This Island, with book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty. 

Alumni Theater Company’s production of Once on This Island, directed by Monteze Freeland and with musical direction by Bridgette Perdue, features an outstanding multigenerational cast of storytellers. 

Once on This Island is a story of love, faith, hope, grief, pain, and life in set in the French Antilles. A violent storm is approaching the island, and the community comes together to help calm a little girl’s anxieties with a story about Ti Moune. The island’s people are divided into peasants, the Black ancestors of those whom the French enslaved, and the grand hommes, descendants of white French colonizers and those whom they enslaved.

A peasant couple, Mama Euralie (Grayce Ransome) and Tonton Julian (Manny Walker), discover a young girl, Little Ti Moune (Rhea Briggs), trapped in a tree after a violent hurricane and raise her as their own child. Ti Moune (Katherine Bruce) grows into a wonderful young woman who deeply cares for others and is curious about the world. On a stormy evening, Ti Moune saves the life of Daniel Beauxhomme (RJ Reed-Williams), and she falls in love with him. The Gods are always watching. Asaka (Charlese Dawson), Goddess of the Earth; Papa Ge (Bridgette Perdue); Erzulie (Kim Exum), Goddess of Love; and Agwe (Shae Wofford), God of Water, always have a plan, even if they might not always agree on it. 

The songs in Once on This Island feature sweeping Afro-Caribbean beats, dynamic choreography by LaTrea Rembert, and powerful vocals from the entire cast. There are many wonderful performances from the cast of Alumni Theater Company’s Once on This Island. Still, there are clear audience favorites, including “Waiting for Life,” “Pray,” “The Sad Tale of the Beauxhommes,” “Mama Will Provide,” and “Human Heart.” From the very beginning, the cast works well together to make you invested in Ti Moune’s story. The musical doesn’t stray from acknowledging the racism, colorism, classism, and colonialism on which the French Antilles is built. In the song “The Sad Tale of the Beauxhommes,” the island’s history is a story within a story, and it’s important because it reflects the deep divide between the peasants and the grand hommes. 

Two standout songs, “Human Heart” and “Mama Will Provide,” are sung by the Goddesses. The vocals in  “Human Heart” are led by Kim Exum. Her voice is bright and rich as she sings about love. “Mama Will Provide” is Asaka’s song, performed by the fabulous Charlese Dawson, whose voice makes you feel you are witnessing a miracle. It is a fun yet warm number in which nature joins Asaka to see part of Ti Moune’s journey to the big city. 

It’s very apparent that each cast member contributed their all to Alumni Theater Company’s Once on This Island, and it definitely showcases everyone’s talents, whether it is with dancing, singing, acting, or a combination of all three. Katherine Bruce is a breakout star as Ti Moune. She plays Ti Moune with charm, grace, and a quiet determination. Her vocals are outstanding, especially during the song, “Discovering Daniel” and “Waiting for Life.” During “Ti Moune’s Dance,” Bruce takes center stage, dancing with such passion and energy that she becomes one with the music. 

Why do we tell stories? This is a question that the last song in Once on This Island proposes. Stories are what make us human. They carry our emotions.  Once on This Island is a story not just about Ti Moune, but a community. 

Alumni Theater Company’s production of Once on This Island was at the Charity Randall Theatre on the University of Pittsburgh’s campus from July 31 through August 2, 2026. For information about Alumni Theater Company’s upcoming productions, please visit alumnitheatercompany.org

Categories: Arts and Ideas