The upcoming Broadway revival of Once on This Island has announced initial casting! The musical will feature Tony nominee Phillip Boykin (Porgy and Bess) as Tonton Julian, Alysha Deslorieux (Hamilton) as Andrea, Kenita R. Miller (The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin) as Mama Euralie and Isaac Powell making his Broadway debut in the role of Daniel. The previously announced production, directed by Tony nominee Michael Arden and choreographed by Camille A. Brown, will begin previews on November 9 and open on December 3 at the Circle in the Square Theatre.
Also appearing in the cast as Storytellers will be Darlesia Cearcy, Rodrick Covington, Cassondra James, David Jennings, Grasan Kingsberry, Tyler Hardwick, Loren Lott, T. Oliver Reid, and Aurelia Williams. Additional casting will be announced at a later date.
Once on This Island follows Ti Moune, a peasant girl in the Antilles who falls in love with Daniel (Powell), a young man she saves from a car crash. When he returns to his wealthy family on the other side of the island, four Gods: Mother of the Earth Asaka, God of Water Agwé, Goddess of Love Erzulie and Demon of Death Papa Ge, guide Ti Mourne through a test of her love against prejudice and hate.
The Once on This Island revival's creative team will include Dane Laffrey (scenic design), Clint Ramos (costume design), Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer (lighting design) and Peter Hylenski (sound design).
Once on This Island, which first debuted on Broadway in 1990, features a book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty. This production will feature new orchestrations by original orchestrator Michael Starobin who is joined by AnnMarie Milazzo.