Review: ONCE ON THIS ISLAND at The Ruth is Joyous

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND in the Lindsay Legacy Theater at The Ruth and Nathan Hale Theater is a joyous celebration of Caribbean culture, the bounties of the earth, and love in all its forms. 

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND (book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, music by Stephen Flaherty), from the songwriting team of RAGTIME, ANASTASIA, and SEUSSICAL, is somewhat a retelling of Hans Christian Anderson’s original fairy tale THE LITTLE MERMAID set in the French Antilles. Ti Moune is a peasant girl who yearns after an upper-class boy from the other side of the island.  When the gods of the island offer her the opportunity to give herself for a life with him, can she refuse?

The Tony-winning Best Revival in 2018 was intensely captivating and contained many immersive elements like real sand, water, and fire. This production has borrowed some of the same vocabulary while creating a language that’s wholly unique.

Watching the cast dance barefoot in the sand that fills the stage is exhilarating, and the use of water is inspired, leaving us wanting more.  Artful staging by Lisa Hall, exuberant choreography by Izzy Arrieta, and clever illusions make for a brilliant theatrical experience.

The set by Carter Thompson and costumes by Candice Nielsen provide an explosion of colors and patterns that transport us to the Caribbean via the shimmering lighting by Michael Gray. The well-crafted props by Megan Heaps and hair/makeup by Bekah Wilbur complete the striking design.   

Sibley Snowden is a crystal-voiced Ti Moune (double cast with her sister, Blythe Snowden), and Corey Stefon Johnson as Daniel (double cast with JRay Kuhn) matches her youthful vitality.

The gods are enthralling in their interactions and singing, including Malia Morris as Erzulie (double cast with Anya Sulimoni), Beatriz Melo as Papa Ge (single cast), Brittany Andam as Asaka (double cast with Aria Love Jackson), and Kiirt Banks as Agwe (double cast with Yahosh Bonner).

Rosemay Webster carries the weight of the world as Mama (double cast with Koryn Sobel), and Nicholas Warren is a protective Tonton (double cast with Oba Bonner).

They are joined by Paola Molina Guzman as Andrea (single cast), Sean J Carter as Armand (double cast with Chad Brown), and Heidi Malia Warren as Little Girl (double cast with Nahla Fernelius).

It is wonderful to see a local production of ONCE ON THIS ISLAND cast entirely with persons of color. 

It does have to be said that the performances are a bit uneven with some not quite at the level of quality you’d typically expect at The Ruth.  But, conversely, some of them really are stunning, all the actors are endearing, and the production overall is quite satisfying.   

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND plays through July 3, 2026.  For tickets, call the box office at 801-226-8600 or visit www.theruth.org.

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Sound Design - Top 3

1. Adam Fisher - The Lost Boys

38.2% of votes

2. Tony Gayle - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

11.6% of votes

3. Kai Harada - Ragtime

7.2% of votes

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