Troika's Once on This Island a 'fabulous success'

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24: If I had to sum up Troika’s presentation of Once on This Island in one word, that word would be ‘fabulous’.

As it is the company’s first musical, I was expected there to be a few hitches. There were none. I should have known better.

Once on This Island tells the story of orphaned peasant girl TiMoune, who is chosen by the gods for a special fate.

After a stormy night on the island, Daniel Beauxhomme, a rich young man from the other side of the island, crashes his car and TiMoune comes to his rescue.

She falls in love and wants to marry him, but the love is forbidden because peasants are only good for shining the shoes of the Beauxhommes.

Storytellers comes together in song and dance to tell the tale, steeped in spiritualism with the belief of the gods Asaka, Agwe, Erzulie and Papa Ge.

Without giving away the whole story, the musical is filled with beautiful songs, costumes and dance. The actors not only tell the story, they do so with gusto.

Shana Parker’s TiMoune was well executed with a gorgeous voice to match.

My favourite of the gods had to be Papa Ge, played in such a devilish way by Kioshi Burgess. But he was not to be outdone by Kimberley Caines as Erzulie, CoShaun Evans as Agwe, and Shaloi Duncan as Asaka.

Dion Ming as Daniel was fabulous choice with his boyish looks, beautiful voice and excellent stage presence.

Overall, this is a must-attend musical. It is a perfect play for the whole family and will have you laughing, clapping and even dancing along to the music.

Please make the effort to see the hard work these wonderful Bermudian actors put into making Once on This Island the success that it is.

Well done, Troika.

The musical is on tonight and tomorrow night at Ruth Seaton James at 8pm. Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door.