Once On This Island Jr at Florida Academy of Performing Arts

Florida Academy of Performing Arts is Sharing with The Community Why We Tell the Story Once On This Island Jr. is first production of the Summer for Florida Academy of Performing Arts and is under the direction of owner and founder, Heather Ochalek. Florida Academy of Performing Arts is a non-profit organization housed inside of Music Showcase. They offer a variety of performance opportunities for students in the area and in the Summertime, they put on a production in 2 weeks as part of a Musical Theatre Summer Camp. Once on This Island Jr. has an age range of performers from 5-16 who have worked hard to put on one weekend of shows June 11-13! Once On This Island teaches us the beauty of life and finding the joy in every situation and that is something that the students bring to the stage. In two weeks, we have dug into character development, choreography, vocal technique, well focused and elaborate costuming, harmonizing and has shared with every student the art of story telling, which we found out so many students were unfamiliar with. This musical has book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty. Paying homage to the revival, the production team has modified their stage to immerse the audience and has brought in sand to cover their stage, and it rains. They are very excited to sing, dance, and share Why We Tell the Story. Once On This Island is a story of love and its power in peoples lives. Ti Moune is a young peasant girl who goes on a journey to get to the boy she loves. She is given assistance by 4 gods who rule the island: Asaka, Mother of the Earth, Agwe, god of Water, Erzulie, beautiful goddess of Love, and Papa Ge, sly Demon of Death. Throughout this quest her love is challenged by prejudice, hatred, and death. This musical is fun for the whole family and teaches lessons of love, joy, and finding the beauty in the path you are on. Audience members will be met with twists and turns, immersive visual effects, and a fun Caribbean-flavored score.