ONCE ON THIS ISLAND to Run 2/11-3/8 at Meadow Brook Theatre

It's cold outside, but Meadow Brook Theatre warms things up with a magical musical folk tale. In almost non-stop song and dance, "Once On This Island" tells the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl who rescues and falls in love with Daniel, a wealthy boy from the other side of her island in the Caribbean. Tradition forbids the match - but when the gods of water, love and death that rule the island take an interest, just what will Ti Moune give up for love? And can love really conquer all?

"Once On This Island" is a musical with book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and music by Stephen Flaherty. It's based on a novel by Rosa Guy, and contains elements from other famous love stories like Romeo and Juliet and Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid. The Musical makes it's Michigan professional premiere at Meadow Brook Theater on the campus of Oakland University from February 11 through March 8, 2015.

"Is there anything more appealing than forbidden love...especially when it's set to music?" asks Travis W. Walter, MBT artistic director. "It's absolutely magical. There are a lot of themes people will find familiar. We've got fabulous performers and a beautiful story that will make our audiences forget all about the cold and snow and cheer for Ti Moune and true love."

Tyrick Wiltez Jones ("From My Hometown") returns to the MBT stage as Pape Ge after having completed the national tour of "Miss Saigon." Newcomers Darilyn Castillo and Jeremy Gaston play Ti Moune and Daniel. Angela Birchett from Detroit is Mama Euralie. Local schoolgirls Makayla Annaleese Flowers and Jada Marie Sanders, both from Detroit, alternate in the role of Little Ti Moune.

"Once On This Island" is directed by Travis W. Walter, with choreography by Daryl L. Foster and music direction by Dan Feyer. Terry Carpenter is the stage manager, with set design by Jeremy Barnett, costumes by Corey T. Globke, lighting design by Matthew J. Fick, and sound design by Mike Duncan.

The band is directed by Dan Feyer, who also plays synthesizer, and includes Jennifer Gale (synthesizer), Don Platter (reeds), Sig Hepler (guitar), Ricky Enderle (bass), and Nick Matthews (percussion).

Tickets range from $26 to $41 and are available by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre box office at 248-377-3300 or going online at www.ticketmaster.com. Student discounts are available at the box office. Groups of eight or more should call 248-370-3316 for group pricing.

This production of "Once On This Island" is made possible through the support of The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, The National Endowment for the Arts, The Kresge Foundation, The Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, and the Meadow Brook Theatre Guild.

Meadow Brook Theatre is located on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, MI. For additional information, please visit www.mbtheatre.com. Meadow Brook Theatre is a nonprofit, cultural institution serving southeast Michigan for 49 years.

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