On Saturday, I was fortunate enough to go to NYC with my family. Our plan was to go to the TixBooth, which has Broadway show tickets for half price. We ended up getting Once on this Island tickets for half price, and orchestra seating! I was kind of apprehensive of seeing this show. I know it's amazing, as it is a revival and I have heard the music before, but it was still in previews. Things could potentially change for open night, or something could be added. Still, I was really excited because orchestra seating is amazing, and I had high expectations for the show.
It honestly soared past my expectations. The theater it is at, the Circle in the Square, is a really interesting and creative theater. It's a round floor level stage, so anywhere you sit you'll get an amazing view. As soon as I walked in, I truly felt like I was on the island. It was so welcoming and the ushers were very polite. I loved the fact that the cast was already on the stage in their character, which made it a different experience then I've seen before. As soon as I sat down, the actor who plays TonTon Julian greeted me with a "Welcome to the island! We're so happy you're here". It was a really different atmosphere then I've seen at most Broadway shows, but it was perfect for this type of show.
If you don't know, Once on this Island is about an orphan girl named Ti Moune who gets taken in by a couple named TonTon Julian and Mama Euralie. She grows up on an island in which there are two sides: the poor and the rich. Ti Moune urges to explore more past the island. The gods (Asaka, mother of the Earth, Ezrulie goddess of love, Agwe god of water, and Papa Ge, god of death) feel as if it's a good idea to send Ti Moune on a journey, in which a car crash brings a rich boy from the other side of the Island to her.
Ti Moune is a really complex character, but they found the most absolutely perfect girl for the part. Newcomer to Broadway, Hailey Kilgore plays Ti Moune, and you never would think that this is her first major role.
Also, the gender swap of Asaka and Papa Ge was a genius idea. Genius. Alex Newell, most commonly known from Glee, is a powerhouse as Asaka. His vocals are absolutely amazing and he in general is stunning. I was completely living during "Mama Will Provide". Merle Dandridge, who plays Papa Ge, brings the darkness of the god, and legit scared me at one point. Her costume is so unique, made from common items in today's culture, which I thought suited the revival.
Lea Salonga is a beauty as Erzulie, and her "Human Heart" solo moved me to tears. I knew she was amazing before this show, but she truly performed Erzulie past her abilities. Quentin Earl Darrington was fierce as Agwe, with a cool blue powder around his face. His "Rain" made my jaw drop, especially with the cool special effects used during the song.
I want to give a shout out to Isaac Powell, who plays Daniel, and Alyscha Deslorieux, who plays Andrea. This is Isaac's Broadway debut, and he was the one who captured most of my attention. Alyscha, who's been in Hamilton, was stunning and has a beautiful voice.
The ensemble was the best. I've never seen an ensemble do so much and have the best time on stage. They were throughly engaged throughout the show, and one girl even played the flute. The dancing was fabulous, and conveyed the culture of the show.
This show is a must see for all ages. The music was on-point, and the cast in general was spectacular. I saw this show in previews, so before it gets super popular, go see it now. Don't regret it. I know it'll be running for a very, very long time.