Why We Tell The Story

Back in 1990 I saw a beautiful new musical on Broadway written by two of my favorite musical writers (Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty) and told in a great way with the ensemble narrating as they went along. I bought the original cast album (on tape), played it on my Walkman over and over until l knew every song in the show...though I knew I'd never be able to do it. (Spoiler: I'm white and this isn't a show where I'd be invited.) Many theaters have done it since and then I heard it was coming back to Broadway and I felt "eh...I've seen community theaters and colleges do it...I'm good...I don't need to return."
What an IDIOT I'd have been if I missed the incredible revival of Once on This Island directed by the always inventive Michael Arden. From now on, when his name is on it...I need to get my tickets right away. This man has an eye for retelling a story in a fresh, creative way. Sand, water, growing trees, magical moments, interactive theater - this show has it all. The score sounds as sublime as when I heard it in 1990. The band is exciting and nuanced. The choreography by Camille A. Brown is GLORIOUS! The set, lights, sound - it all adds to the magic of theater that is perfect for this show of a group of people telling/showing/creating a story of the power of love. 
Ti Moune goes on a journey where she learns the hard lesson of being judged based on your social standing and class. But in this fable, the Gods play a huge part as humans are mere pawns for them to play a game with their lives. The team behind this revival decided to play around with the genders of the gods and when I first heard it, I assumed it was a gimmick. WRONG AGAIN. The gods don't need a specific gender and it works perfectly. As someone who has seen several productions, I LOVE Papa Ge as a woman in this production: this 'death' is like no other. 
The cast is absolutely outstanding. It is an ensemble that relies greatly on each other as they do everything in the show from performing to being the stagehands. I'm afraid to call out favorites as they are all so wonderful, so I'll just name a few favorite moments. Philip Boykin and Kenita R. Miller breaking my heart as they sent Ti Moune on her way. Lea Salonga singing of the 'innocence of youth" as my mind goes instantly to her youth when she took the world by storm in Miss Saigon. Alex Newell belting the heck out of Mama Will Provide...and she does! Norm Lewis bringing the rain with his sheer presence. Bailey Kilgore tearing me apart at the gates. Tamyra Gray slithering across the stage like a predator and giving me the creeps with each entrance. The love, passion, and care that each person 'handles' this story as they share it! 

A Broadway musical is meant to make you feel and this entire production had me feeling ALL the feels. It's why they tell the story...it's why people return to a story they already know. This is a wonderful story that should be told AND heard. Thank you to those producers I know that brought it to us. Now do yourself a favor and get to the Circle In The Square to be uplifted in a way only live theater can accomplish...you will NOT be disappointed.