Former Skylight Music Theatre Artistic Director Bill Theisen Returning to Direct ONCE ON THIS ISLAND

Skylight Music Theatre is creating a new production of the award-winning musical Once On this Island. The production runs January 30 through February 22, 2015 in the Cabot Theatre at the Broadway Theatre Center (158 N. Broadway, Milwaukee WI).

Bill Theisen, who will be stage directing and co-choreographing this production, said, "Of all the art forms, I believe that musical theatre has the greatest capacity to bring people of differing backgrounds and differing opinions together...and in so doing, remind us of all that binds us together. At a time in American history when politics and the media compete to drive us apart, Once on This Island ennobles all that unites us."

Once on This Island is a one-act musical based on the 1985 novel My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy. It is set on an island in the French Antilles where social prejudices run deep. Skin color and geographic location divide the dark skinned community. Peasants, with skin "black as night" live on one side of the island. Lighter-skinned descendants of French planters live on the other.

Ti Moune, a peasant girl rescues Daniel, a wealthy boy from the other side of the island, and falls in love with him. The Gods who preside over the island make bets with each other over which is stronger, love or death. The power struggle amongst the Gods make a magnificent tale that teaches all of us, adults and children alike, that only love has the power to unite communities.

Once On This Island is a family tale for all generations. A primarily local cast of professional black actors adds strength and passion to this beautiful story.

Performances of Once On This Island will take place in the Cabot Theatre at the Broadway Theatre Center, 158 N. Broadway in the Historic Third Ward of Milwaukee. Tickets are generally $22.50-$63.50 (plus tax) and can be purchased in person at the Broadway Theatre Center Box Office or by calling (414) 291-7800 Monday - Sunday from noon - 6:00 p.m. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.skylightmusictheatre.org. Group, student, senior and other discounts may also be available. Ticket prices are subject to change.

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