Once on This Island is a one-act musical by Lynn Ahrens (book/lyrics) and Stephen Flaherty (music) that tells the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl in the French Antilles who falls in love with a wealthy boy, Daniel, challenging the island’s social divides with the help of the gods. Based on Rosa Guy‘s novel My Love, My Love, it’s a Caribbean-flavored retelling (sort of) of The Little Mermaid that explores themes of love, prejudice, and colonialism, and won an Olivier Award for Best New Musical in 1995.
Sometimes simplicity is good. Simple set, simple costumes, and somewhat simple appropriate lighting can allow the audience to focus more on the actors and the story being told. This approach often brings an intimate and authentic atmosphere to a performance, highlighting the emotional depth and nuances of the script.
The City of Fairfax Theatre Company’s production opens as the peasants invite the audience into a story they have told many times before — the tale of Ti Moune, a young peasant girl who falls in love with a wealthy grand homme — a wealthy, powerful man of the upper class. When a storm leaves the injured Daniel stranded near her village, Ti Moune nurses him back to health and falls deeply in love. Guided and tested by the island’s gods — who wager on whether love or death will ultimately prevail — Ti Moune follows Daniel to the other side of the island, where rigid class divisions and prejudice threaten their relationship.
The direction by Rikki Howie Lacewell and assistant director Khanner Hancock provides a delightful atmosphere of an island “somewhere in the Caribbean.” The beauty of this telling is that it could be any island — and the audience is immediately captivated by the enthusiasm and atmosphere created by the music and ensemble. Set designer Peter Marsh keeps the design elegantly spare, using a simple hut, a low sea wall, a single tree, and a video-projected ocean backdrop to establish place without overwhelming the storytelling. First-time costume designer Gabriella Marchetti uses appropriate costumes for the island population.
The most impressive aspect of this cast is its ensemble sound. Standouts are Bruni Herring as Asaka, Aliya Gardner as Ti Moune, and Kareem Taylor as Agwe, each delivering strong, confident vocals that anchor the score. Brenda Parker also shines in her musical contributions. With many strong individual voices throughout the cast, the blend and harmonies are consistently spot on. Additionally, Gardner possesses a sweet, expressive tone, paired with an impressive ability to belt when the score demands it, adding emotional depth and vocal versatility to her performance. Also noteworthy are Carolyn Ricks as Erzulie, who brings a wonderfully sweet soprano to the role, and Tyrus Sanders as Tonton Julian, whose voice is smooth as silk.
The rhythmic dance numbers in Once on This Island are a syncopated standout, driven by a bright island groove and vibrant, sharply accented choral singing. Featured dancers Alexis Hooks, Nikolai Crowl, and Gabrielle Crockett bring a palpable sense of joy and vitality to the musical numbers. That spirit is echoed throughout the ensemble, creating an infectious energy that carries through the production’s most celebratory moments.
Once on This Island is a musical fable about the power of love, faith, and storytelling to transcend social, racial, and class divisions. Through the journey of the peasant girl Ti Moune, the show affirms that love is stronger than death, ultimately offering a resonant message of hope, resilience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Running Time: 90 minutes, no intermission.
Once on This Island plays through February 22, 2026, presented by City of Fairfax Theatre Company, performing at Katherine Johnson Middle School, 3801 Jermantown Road, Fairfax, VA. Patrons may purchase tickets ($31.60, general; $16.30, 12 and under) online in advance or at the door.
The cast and production credits for Once on This Island are online here.
