Search - Lynn Ahrens :: Once On This Island (1990 Original Broadway Cast)

A very touching staging/recording of a great book!

Albert M. Molina | Pearland, TX USA | 05/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From the first song to the last, you will be enthralled my the amazing music and the very engaging lyrics (based on Rosa Guy's book "My Love, My Love') of this original Broadway cast recording of "Once On This Island." Written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, the same duo who gave you musicals such as "Ragtime," "Lucky Stiff," "My Favorite Year," and the forthcoming "Seussical," and the soundtrack of the animated movie "Anastasia". The story of a young peasant girl enamoured to a young French-mulatto heir, it is a Caribbean Little Mermaid with touches of vibrant dance songs to tearjerkers that would make your heart heavy with sad emotion. I loved the musical so much that when I saw a local production of it, I could not help but watch it twice more, and order the CD immediately so that I would be the first one to have it in the Philippines; at least I would like to believe that. You won't regret buying this CD, and even the newer London cast recording. What a great musical!"

One of the Best cd's I Own!!!!

vocals | MA, USA | 01/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a true treausre, and more people should discover it! The story is fantastic, and the music is so well-written. The characters come alive in the cd in such songs as "Rain", "Mama Will Provide", "Forever Yours" and "Human Heart". The reprise of "Forever Yours" is one of the highlights of the show, and it is even better experienced live. For broadway and pop people, this is gold."

Brilliant!

Kenneth | Roseville, CA | 09/29/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of Lynn Aherns and Stephen Flaherty's best work, "Once On This Island" defines originality while telling a story that touches on many levels. Themes such as love and redemption are captured through the life of Ti Moune, a poor peasant girl who's decision to save a rich boy's life clash the families and societies that come between them; a girl saved by the gods and sent through a journey to test the strength of love. The score for "Once On This Island" illuminates the setting of the French Antilles with a Carribean-feel, which bounces on sounds of world music, pop, and R&B. "We Dance" paves the platform for the characters and their lives, and is upbeat and exciting. "Waiting For Life" displays La Chanze's beautiful voice and power. "Pray" is a thrilling song of raw emotion that sets the plot for the rest of the storyline. "Ti Moune" is a poignant song about letting go, and the following "Mama Will Provide" is a brassy and wonderful song about nature. "Some Girls" is a moving song, while "The Human Heart" portrays intimiacy and a touch of romance. "The Ball" transcends the audience into the grandness of the wealthy Beauxhomme's, and the climax of the rest of the album are tragic yet uplifting, and "Why We Tell The Story" combines the moral surrounding it. It has been confirmed in my high school that this will be the spring musical, and you could only imagine how much more the experience will mean when the live orchestra and vocal, lighting, costumes, sets, and dance will accompany the score itself. Very ensemble supported, with a number of leads as well. This album is incredibly strong, one that is different from traditional musicals, and with that, refreshing and compelling and with universal appeal."