"Once on This Island"

August 12, 2025 — The complicated story of Ti Moune, told almost entirely in song, can be difficult to follow, but let me try to give you a synopsis of what I saw in this production of Once on This Island at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse in Meredith, New Hampshire. A little girl in the Caribbean is frightened by a storm one night. To calm her, storytellers relate the tale of a peasant girl who sets out to save the boy she loves. She believes he loves her too, but that's the complicated part.

The talented cast pleased the nearly sold-out theater with music, dancing and drama in spectacular fashion. A standout was Adeera Harris as Ti Moune with her strong voice and sometimes heartbreaking performance. Noah Lyle played Daniel Beauxhomme, the subject of Ti's perilous journey. Mama Euralie (Tiffani Grace) and Tonton Julian (Timothy Adams, Jr.) were Ti's adoptive parents. Collin Geter, Felicia Fields and Arin Francis play multiple roles. The gods are portrayed by KJ Nugin, Jada Bennett and Najim Muhammad.

I'm giving the little girl who really charmed the audience anonymous mention. She appeared to be about 10, and I have a policy of not putting the names of minors out on the internet without permission, as much as I'd love to give her credit. At curtain call at the end of the play, she got the loudest cheers.

Once on This Island book and lyrics are by Lynn Ahrens with music by Stephen Flaherty. Kira Sarai Helper directed the Winnipesaukee Playhouse presentation, with music direction by Jay Teamer and choreography by Ellicia Clayton. Scenic design was by Seth Howard and costumes by John Beltre.