The making of a spring musical is a monumental task. Last year, we were able to mount a wonderful production of The Lightning Thief—The Percy Jackson Musical because there were faculty, alumni, and community members involved in performing and working on choreography, costumes, sets, props, etc. This year, we are hoping to have an even greater level of participation from those groups as we bring Once On This Island to the stage. This story is based on the novel My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy, which is a retelling of the story of “The Little Mermaid.” Although originally intended for an all-Black cast, the authors chose to provide “several specific text alterations which, if need be, will allow a greater flexibility in making casting choices while still maintaining the core ideas of prejudice and the separation of people because of their differences” (Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty). It is with these alterations that we approach this musical and hope that its wonderful music and story will bring many thespians in our little community out of the woodwork!
There are 11 principle roles (1 girl, 5 female, 5 male) with the flexibility of adding in a chorus to play multiple small parts or having the principles double their parts. A note about who can audition: Any homeschool student in grades K-2 (female only) or 9-12 is invited. Cove School District Staff/Faculty & Parents are invited. Cove High School alumni and students are invited. Cove Elementary female students grades K-2 are invited. As stated on the audition poster, auditioners will need to sing a prepared song, learn and dance to a piece of choreography (wear comfortable clothing), and read for parts. (Grades K-2 limited readers will be given assistance with lines.)
We are in need of musicians and a conductor! The ensemble is small (synthesizer, percussion, bass, guitar, & reeds), so this will make it easier to rehearse.
We are in need of costume folks, prop folks, set construction folks, etc.
Actors should see the flyer and website for character information. Musicians and others should contact Teresa Farrell (teresa.farrell@covesd.org) to participate.
Special Note: If you are interested in listening to the songs, this is the original 1991 version of the musical, not the revival or the Jr. Edition.
Audition Dates: Feb. 5, 6, 7 @ 4:00 pm
Performance Dates: April 19 & 20 @ 7:00 pm and April 21 @ 2:00 pm