Even the entrance to the theater was warm and welcoming, with an accommodating staff. There was not a single seat available, and with a minor 10-minute delay, the show went through with success.
The Ujima Theatre Company's current production of "Once On This Island," a Caribbean retelling of Hans Christian Anderson's "The Little Mermaid," is a memorable musical tale of love, loss and fate. This season-opening production is directed by Ujima Artistic Director Lorna C. Hill, a leading local theater veteran.
The musical is based on Rosa Guy's book "My Love, My Love," an adaptation of the Anderson classic. It is a tragic love story with a sturdy plot and memorable characters, in some ways resembling Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet."
A three-person band sat in the corner, playing the tropical and reggae-laced jazzy score with a calming accompaniment that satisfied the musical's themes well.
The 12-person cast gave the packed opening night house a memorable performance, keeping up its reputation of great talent. The cast, which received a well-deserved standing ovation, gave soulful and powerful performances.
With only one noticeable performance flaw, the musical was practically perfect. The singing was impeccable and there was good harmonization between the cast members. They did get noticeably better as the play progressed, but remained mostly consistent the whole way through. Though the lack of props helped exercise the imagination, the addition of just a few minor props might have been more visually stimulating or aesthetically pleasing.
The lead character, a peasant girl named Ti Moune, falls in love with a rich French boy named Daniel, who is clearly out of her league socially and economically. Rescuing him from a car crash and nursing him back to health, Ti Moune returns him to his estate, while he misleads her about their supposed romantic connection. As it turns out, he is betrothed to a woman named Andrea.
Throughout the entirety of the play, it is the four gods - love, water, earth and death - who are in control of the events that guide Ti Moune's story.
With the stage devoid of props throughout the play, imagination is a viewing requirement. The cast makes this task quite involuntary with their great acting ability. There was nothing extravagant about the play; from the props to the costumes it all remained pleasantly simple.
The performance left the crowd cheerful and pleased. There was a buzz in the crowd during the intermission. People were chattering about the high-quality performance that had been delivered in the first half.
The Ujima Theatre is currently celebrating its 25th year of producing successful African-American theater, helping to create a stable cultural foundation for local theater.
"Once on This Island" is perfect for anyone in need of a good laugh, a good cry or just some plain old good music, singing and dancing.
"Once on This Island" will be playing for eight weeks at Ujima Theatre, onstage at TheaterLoft at 545 Elmwood Ave. It runs Sept. 19 - Nov. 9, Wednesdays through Sundays. For more information, visit their web site at www.ujimatheatre.org.
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
