STC Annouces Engagement Of ONCE ON THIS ISLAND 3/13-3/29

Street Theatre Company, a non-profit arts organization dedicated to professional, affordable and accessible theatrical performances in Middle Tennessee, announced today that it will present a limited engagement of Once on this Island at Bailey Middle School Auditorium in historic East Nashville, Friday, March 13th through Sunday, March 29th, 2009. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays, March 15 & 29 at 3 pm, and Sunday, March 22 at 7pm. Tickets are $14/adults and $10 for students & seniors.
Special events include a student performance on Sunday, March 15, 3pm, where all students with ID get in for only $8; Talk-Back Night on Friday, March 20, where the audience is encouraged to stay for a post-show discussion with cast and crew; and Starving Artist Night on Sunday, March 22, 7pm, where tickets are pay-what-you-can on a first-come, first-served basis beginning one half hour before curtain.

Reserved priority seating is available by purchasing tickets in advance securely through STC's website, www.streettheatrecompany.org. For more information, call 615-554-7414.
Once on This Island is a musical reminiscent of The Little Mermaid and Romeo and Juliet, only set in the Caribbean. The story centers around Ti Moune, the black peasant girl who rescues, nurses and falls in love with Daniel, a mulatto from a wealthy family. When Daniel is returned home, the gods who rule the island guide Ti Moune on a quest to test the strength of love against the power of death. The show features STC newcomers Aleta Myles and Patrick James as Ti Moune and Daniel, as well as an ensemble of new and familiar faces to STC.

Artistic Director, Cathy Street picked the show because, "The story is so captivating and moving. Plus the upbeat songs and percussive music make it nearly impossible to sit still in your seat." She says, "I have loved this musical since I first heard it in the early 90s, and I am excited for Nashvillians to fall in love with it, too."

Ms. Street has a powerhouse production team including well-known artist Jon Royal as Director, Nomalanga Eniafe as choreographer, and newcomer to Nashville, Musical Director, Ben Van Diepen. "Ben arrived in town about two days before auditions. He hit the ground running and we are so glad to have him join the rest of our talented cast and crew."

Jon Royal is excited to direct the play on many levels. "This is a story about prejudice and forgiveness and how the better parts of ourselves can overcome negative traditions. Plus," he adds, "It has an ending that will surprise audiences."

Additional productions this year include, Tuesdays with Morrie, Parallel Lives and Great American Trailer Park Musical as well as year-round youth programming offerings. For more information, visit www.streettheatrecompany.org.

About Street Theatre Company

Street Theatre Company is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to fostering professional, affordable and accessible theatre, music and arts education in Nashville by producing the highest quality performances and educational workshops, and providing artistic opportunities for young people. STC strives for excellence in performance while maintaining excellence in integrity.

Now in its fifth year, Street Theatre Company is grounded in the history of "Street Theatre," one of the oldest forms of theatre in existence. One of the most attractive purposes of original street theatre was its unique sociopolitical position. Persons who might not have been able to pay to go to a conventional theatre could watch a street show, by the advantage of where the show took place. Additionally, the shows often addressed social or political issues of the day. Street Theatre Company bases its philosophy on these elements of street theatre: make the arts accessible and affordable to all in the community, and select thought-provoking productions that can leave an audience changed.

PHOTO CREDIT: Hatcher & Fell Photography
Aleta Myles as Ti Moune, Patrick James as Daniel