Once on This Island finds its star to play Ti Moune

After an international casting search, the upcoming Broadway revival of Once on This Island, directed by Tony nominee Michael Arden, has found its young star to play the leading role of Ti Moune. 18-year old Hailey Kilgore will make her Broadway debut as Ti Moune in the musical, which is set to begin previews at the Circle in the Square Theatre on November 9, 2017, ahead of an official opening on December 3.

Ms. Kilgore commented:

"This opportunity is truly once in a lifetime. I grew up watching movies and musicals about the young girl from a small town who gets to star in a Broadway show and am thrilled to have been given this opportunity. It is a huge honor to be stepping into this role and working with these brilliant artists. I grew up listening to Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty; singing the music and lyrics is such an honor. I am ecstatic to be working with Michael Arden and I can't wait for people to see all of his visions come to fruition."

She joins previously announced cast members Tony Award winner Lea Salonga (as Erzulie), "Glee" star Alex Newell (as Asaka), Merle Dandridge (as Papa Ge), Quentin Earl Darrington (as Agwe), Tony nominee Phillip Boykin (as Tonton Julian), Alysha Deslorieux (as Andrea), David Jennings (as Armand), Kenita R. Miller (as Mama Euralie) and Isaac Powell (as Daniel).

The "storytellers" for the Broadway revival are Darlesia Cearcy, Rodrick Covington, Cassondra James, Grasan Kingsberry, Tyler Hardwick, Loren Lott, T. Oliver Reid, and Aurelia Williams.

Once on This Island features a book & lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty, who are currently represented on the Great White Way by the Broadway premiere of Anastasia.

Synopsis: "Once on This Island is the extraordinary story of a fearless young dreamer named Ti Moune. After a massive storm rages through her village, a ray of hope appears through a young man from the wealthy side of the island. An unexpected romance blossoms. But when their different cultures threaten to keep them apart, Ti Moune—guided by the island gods—sets out on a journey to stay beside the man who has captured her heart. The musical transforms the reality of post-storm Haiti into a fantastical world bursting with Caribbean rhythms and dance."

This new production will feature choreography by Camille Brown, music supervision by Chris Fenwick, music direction by Alvin Hough, Jr., new orchestrations by the musical's original orchestrator Michael Starobin, vocal designs by AnnMarie Milazzo, scenic design by Dane Laffrey, costume design by Clint Ramos, lighting design by Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer and sound design by Peter Hylenski. Tony winner Nikki M. James will also function as Assistant Director.

Once on This Island is produced on Broadway by Ken Davenport and Hunter Arnold, with Carl Daikeler, Richard Hopper, WitzEnd Productions, Kayla Greenspan and Valerie Novakoff.

Once on This Island premiered off-Broadway at Playwright's Horizons in 1990 and transferred to Broadway in October of the same year. The Broadway production ran for a total of 469 performances and received an impressive total of eight Tony nominations including 'Best Musical.' The musical staged its West End premiere in 1994 and won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical at the 1995 ceremony.