ONCE ON THIS ISLAND Returning to Broadway

[Clyde15]

blaxx said: "Also appearing in the cast as Storytellers?

They are adding a chorus to this?  Why?  The whole point is to have the small cast perform all the characters. 

 

"

I did the show a while ago so I could be wrong but I believe the script contained 5 different storytellers who served as the ensemble members. Now of course the number of storytellers is usually expanded for community theatre to increase the opportunity for people, so it doesn't seem like a super random decision made for the Broadway revival only. The music is beautiful so anything to make it sound fuller will be incredible I'm sure. I don't think I've ever seen a production of this show without a cast of at least 25 

[blaxx]

Clyde15 said: "blaxx said: "Also appearing in the cast as Storytellers?

They are adding a chorus to this?  Why?  The whole point is to have the small cast perform all the characters. 

 

"

I did the show a while ago so I could be wrong but I believe the script contained 5 different storytellers who served as the ensemble members. Now of course the number of storytellers is usually expanded for community theatre to increase the opportunity for people, so it doesn't seem like a super random decision made for the Broadway revival only. The music is beautiful so anything to make it sound fuller will be incredible I'm sure. I don't think I've ever seen a production of this show without a cast of at least 25 

 

The musical was written for 11 performers only.

It's very different when it comes to schools or community theaters and they have to include a larger number of participants. Broadway doesn't have to do that. I always cringe when I see shows like this one or Nunsense, Fantastiks, Forever Plaid, Spelling Bee, etc with a cast of dozens on stage, forced into the show just to not be left out. 

While it may sound nice, there is no point to crowd the small stage for a musical that doesn't need it. I may be wrong but I don't get why make costs go up for a show that has been proven to work with the small cast. 

I guess we'll see but with how expensive it is to run a Broadway show, I'm left scratching my head as to why they picked the small space just to add more people. 

 

[Emmaloucbway]

GeorgeandDot said: "I would kill to hear Heather Headley sing "Part of the Human Heart."

 

"

Me too!! 
And didn't she tease a possible Broadway return right when her run in Color Purple ended? 

[CurtainPullDowner]

CIRCLE (and the show) can handle a few more Actors. and voices.

Less orchestra, more singers.

[Valentina3]

Arden does inventive staging. I wouldn't be surprised to see performers not be on the physical stage. Circle is a great venue to make a The Great Comet-esque immersive experience with storytellers moving around.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Looks like Quentin Earl Darrington didn't move with this production. I believe he did the workshop a few months ago.

[JSquared2]

GeorgeandDot said: "^I don't think this is very true.  Didn't he produce The Bridges of Madison County and The Visit?  Both had Broadway stars in them.  Spring Awakening didn't, but I don't think that's a typical thing for him."

He was an investor in those shows --- not a producer --- he had no say in the creative elements.

[LizzieCurry]

!!!

 

http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Breaking-Lea-Salonga-Merle-Dandridge-Quentin-Earl-Darrington-Alex-Newell-Join-ONCE-ON-THIS-ISLAND-20170808

[youwillbefound2]

Lea Salonga!!!

[curel1]

Love this!

[ahhrealmonsters]

And Merle Dandridge. She hasn't been on Broadway since Spamalot, I think. What a voice!

[IdinaBellFoster]

Salonga is the perfect Erzulie!

[BroadwayConcierge]

I'd been going back and forth on whether I want to see this, and well, Lea Salonga just moved me over. Tickets purchased!

[oncemorewithfeeling2]

Wow. Was not expecting Lea Salonga, or Merle Dandridge for that matter. Two fabulous, big voices with them.

[Call_me_jorge]

Who's going to replace Quentin in Cats?

[JudyDenmark]

Am I the only one who is cringing at the male Asaka and female Papa Ge? I'll obviously withhold judgment until I see the performances (and will happily eat my words if I'm wrong), but it just feels like a "gender fluidity is a hot topic right now" gimmick.

Or maybe I'm just feeling extra protective of my favorite show. 

[VintageSnarker]

What? I don't know how to process this casting. It doesn't really make sense to me... but I NEED to see it. Damn you, Ken Davenport. Fine, take my money.

[TrChSpHa]

For those curious about Alex:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BK4BhbHjRhN/?hl=en

[barcelona20]

JudyDenmark said: "Am I the only one who is cringing at the male Asaka and female Papa Ge? I'll obviously withhold judgment until I see the performances (and will happily eat my words if I'm wrong), but it just feels like a "gender fluidity is a hot topic right now" gimmick.

Or maybe I'm just feeling extra protective of my favorite show. 

Ken Davenport trying to use a gimmick to get attention!? Never......

"

 

[IdinaBellFoster]

Newell will be great. The characters are Gods, there's no reason they can't be cast in a gender fluid way, even with the "Mama" and "Papa" titles.

[funhamilton_rent]

I know they're trying to cast an unknown, but I feel like Cynthia Erivo would slay as Ti Moune. Might feel too obvious, but I can't find one reason why it wouldn't work.

[RippedMan]

It does seem very gimmicky. And I had no interest in this show but I'll see Salonga in anything so darn it.

[Kavana]

Arden is trolling.

[disneybroadwayfan22]

I am not ready for November 9 

[NOWaWarning]

Newell sounds so damn good!

[CurtainPullDowner]

People scream and whine for Diverse Casting and then when it happens, they bitch about it (just a few on this board).

This casting is fresh, up to date and extremely Exciting.