During this frigid, white winter of 2019, every Montanan may be experiencing tantalizingly sunny dreams of warm tropical waters, sand, and breezes. To assist you in an escape to the Caribbean, the Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) is delighted to present Once on this Island JR., March 21-23 at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts. The performances will be Thursday and Friday, March 21 & 22 at 7:00 PM, and Saturday, March 23 at 3:00 and 5:00 PM.

Director Megan Wiltshire says Once on this Island JR. is an adaptation of The Little Mermaid. It tells the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl who is searching for her place in the world and willing to risk everything for love. “Guided by the island gods, Ti Moune sets out on an amazing journey to be reunited with the boy that has her heart.”

Wiltshire reveals that this captivating and colorful show is one of her favorites. She says, “The island music is catchy, and sounds very different than any other musical.” In fact, Once on this Island received the 2018 Tony Award for Best Musical Revival, along with 8 other nominations. Written by powerhouse Broadway songwriting duo Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Seussical and Ragtime), Once on this Island first hit Broadway in 1991, when it received 8 Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Score.

The “JR.” in the title of the show means that Music Theatre International (MTI) adapted it to be successfully produced with a cast of younger performers. Wiltshire conveys that the cast of 12-17 year old performers are “fearless! They have fully thrown themselves into this script and are really bringing these characters and this island to life!” She encourages audiences to allow themselves to be “transported to the Caribbean islands and be completely swept along.” Quoting one of her favorite lyrics in the show, she adds, “You are why we tell this story.”

***Once on this Island, JR. show times are Thursday and Friday, March 21 & 22 at 7:00 PM; and Saturday, March 23 at 3 PM and 5:00 PM. All performances are at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are available at MCTinc.org; by calling 406-728-7529; or at MCT’s Box Office. Once on this Island JR. is sponsored by Langel & Associates, P.C.; Missoula Pediatric Dentistry; Blackfoot Communications; Republic Services; and Great Burn Study Group.

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