South Theater rehearsing for Once on This Island. Four powerful Gods sing over the main character Ti Moune. Photo courtesy of: Crystal Spring
South High Theater is assembling Once on This Island, a strong musical focusing on equality between class and race. Get ready to see the second production of the school year, with showings on March 13th, 14th, 15th, 20th, and 21st, all at 7 pm.
“The meaning is really deep, it feels like it connects to our world right now,” said Sophmore Jaiza Bresstte. This is Bresstte’s first production with South High Theater, playing as a part of the ensemble. The story can be described as a Caribbean re-telling of the Little Mermaid. The main character, Ti Moune falls in love with a boy from a wealthy family across the island. The powerful gods join her in her journey to unite different people.
Sophomore Riyan Ali said her favorite part of rehearsals is the community and who she gets to collaborate with. “I really like getting to connect with these people and work with them, they’re just really awesome.” Ali said Theater can be challenging sometimes, “Singing and remembering how you’re supposed to sing while you’re dancing gets really hard, it’s a lot of movement.” With rehearsals almost every day, Bresette thinks it can be hard to balance theater and other activities. “Doing this plus schoolwork and practicing outside of school can feel draining but I think it’s worth it.”
With around 36 people acting, singing, and dancing in the musical, there are many different skills and talents. “Funnily enough, I get more nervous when I’m rehearsing in front of my peers because everyone here is so talented,” Ali said.
Riley Olson is a junior, and a part of the tech side of the Musical. “There is a lot of crafting every day,” said Olson. The Once on This Island set is similar to last year’s Footloose set. Junior Dunkan Headley thinks they’re slightly different but logistically the same. “Once on this Island is more center-oriented, there’s a lot of things going on in the center,” said Olson. “I think we’ll be ready, and I’m excited to see how it turns out,” said Bresstte. The six shows are approaching fast in the South Auditorium.