ENTERTAINMENT

‘Once on This Island’ opens at Pax Amicus

BILL NUTT
CORRESPONDENT

“Once on This Island” is a musical about two star-crossed lovers whose respective families and traditions threaten to keep them apart.

But the protagonists’ names are Daniel and Ti Moune, not Romeo and Juliet. The setting is a Caribbean island, not fair Verona. And though the obstacles to their love seem insurmountable, their story ends not in tears but in song. (Spoiler alert!)

Steven Munoz of Hopatcong wants to make a point, however: A story does not have to be written by Shakespeare to be eloquent, nor does a tale have to end in tragedy for it to have resonance.

“This is a show that addresses a lot of things that society faces today, like differences in class,” Munoz says.

Munoz is portraying Daniel in the production of “Once on This Island” that opens July 31 at Pax Amicus Castle Theatre. The musical runs weekends through Aug. 15.

“Once on This Island” features a book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and score by Stephen Flaherty, the same team that created “Seussical” and “Ragtime.” The story is based on the book “My Love, My Love; or, The Peasant Girl” by Rosa Guy.

In addition to echoes of “Romeo and Juliet,” the musical also includes elements similar to Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid.”

The Caribbean setting plays off the distinctions between Daniel’s well-to-do family, descended from French settlers, and Ti Moune’s family and other island natives.

Olivia Clavel-Davis of Andover Township plays Ti Moune at Pax Amicus. She is of Pacific Island descent, and she says she can understand how two different cultures can come together.

“The love story in this show is incredible,” Clavel-Davis says. “It’s about the struggle between doing what’s right and doing what you want to do.”

Although their characters are central to the story, “Once on This Island” is actually an ensemble piece, which both actors say they like. “It’s not the case that you have the leads and the chorus,” Munoz says. “The whole cast has something to do.”

Richard Boyer of Budd Lake, who serves as both director and musical director of “Once on This Island,” says he has been thrilled to work on the show because of the range of emotions it elicits.

“Joy, love sorrow – it’s got the entire gamut,” says Boyer. “We’ll be blocking a scene, and we’re in tears. Then we turn around, and the mood is so joyous.”

He cites one emotional scene. “Ti Moune’s parents realize they can’t hold on to her,” Boyer says. “They gave everything to her, and she is turning away from them. But then she says that because they gave her everything, she is able to go on her own.”

“As a parent whose own children are growing up, it’s moving,” says Boyer. His own children – Amanda, 23; Joshua, 20; and Emily, 15 – have roles in the production.

Boyer says he also appreciates the show for the buoyancy of the songs, which he compares to the reggae music of the late Bob Marley. “The melodies are upbeat, and the lyrics never feel strained,” he says. “This is a show that will make you want to dance.”

Though “Once on This Island” has been honored with awards, it is not a show with the name recognition of, for example, “Oklahoma” or “Annie.” Boyer realizes that fact, but he hopes that unfamiliarity will not deter audiences.

“This is a show that will touch your heart and make you think,” Boyer says. “It’s a show that lets people know that, in the end, love is what matters.”

“It’s a show that’s unlike any other. I think that’s one of its drawing points,” says Munoz. “It’s told almost entirely through song, but it’s not an opera. A lot of it is told in dance, but it’s not a ballet. It’s a cool storytelling experience.”

“We all love this show, and we want other people to love it, too,” concludes Clavel-Davis.

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND

WHEN: Through Aug. 15, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays

WHERE: Pax Amicus Castle Theatre, 23 Lake Shore Road, Budd Lake

TICKETS: $25

INFO: 973-691-2100 or www.paxamicus.com