Once on This Island at the Peace Center
A zippy 90 minutes of song, dance, and culture, Once on This Island keeps the energy high for the Peace Center’s current Broadway season in the wake of the comparably upbeat Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Set on an unnamed island in the French Antilles, the inviting production offers an informal vibe even prior to its official start as the cast interacts in plain sight, seemingly oblivious to onlookers. Adding to the comforting effect is the intriguing presence of what appears to be audience members seated on benches within feet of the players, amidst scrappy set design that utilizes scaffolding, a shallow sand box, and various props to create the illusion of a poor but happy beach community.
From this enchanting setting unfurls a full-neighborhood telling of orphaned peasant girl Ti Moune (the versatile Courtnee Carter) and her arduous journey to fulfill her love for the wealthy Daniel Beauxhomme. Inhabiting personas on both sides of the economic divide and the four gods that shape her destiny, the ensemble smoothly shifts between characters, nicely capturing the allure of powerful storytelling as they fluctuate between realism, magical realism, and the narrative itself — often blurring the lines so that one can’t help but get caught up in the energy onstage.
Full of party jams that inspire extraordinary dancing and heartfelt power ballads that allow Ti Moune’s adoptive parents (Danielle Lee Greaves and Greenville native Phillip Boykin), Mother of Earth deity Asaka (charismatic, frequent scene-stealer Kyle Ramar Freeman), and Daniel (the charming Tyler Hardwick) to show off their pipes, the musical numbers are all pleasant in their own ways. But despite the infectious instrumental groove of the live band — situated on various levels of scaffolding on both sides of the stage — the heavy island accents mask significant chunks of the lyrics, making it understandable why none of the songs have become household Broadway hits.
Comprehension issues aside, the actions convey enough to keep theatergoers of all ages informed and carry Once on This Island to a rousing finale in which all of the above assets shine one last time.
Enhancing the show’s generous spirit all the more is the presence of Boykin, who, after the opening night performance, was inducted into the South Carolina Theatre Association’s Hall of Fame. Drenched in well-earned sweat, Boykin gave an emotional, grateful acceptance speech, paying homage to the numerous figures who’d aided his rise from poverty-stricken child living a few blocks from the venue to Tony-nominated actor. The tribute was a special bonus exclusive to Peace Center audiences, future editions of which will likewise get to experience Boykin’s enhanced work in front of his hometown crowd.
Once on This Island runs through Nov. 10 at the Peace Center. Visit peacecenter.org for details and tickets.
(Photos by Joan Marcus)
Phillip Boykin. Photo courtesy of the Peace Center
