Performances are outdoors under the stars, July 11-26, with performances Friday through Sunday evenings at 8:30 pm on the grounds of Richter Arts Center, 100 Aunt Hack Road (next to Richter Park Golf Course) in Danbury.

Once on This Island is an enchanting musical fable written by the Tony Award-winning team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Seussical, Anastasia). Derived from Hans Christian Andersen’s legend The Little Mermaid, the story explores the life-changing consequences of romance between people from two different worlds. Set on an island in the French Antilles, the play follows the journey of Ti Moune, a poor orphaned peasant girl who falls deeply in love with a rich city boy she rescues from death.

Central to the story are four gods whom the peasants believe rule their destinies. The gods of Love (Erzulie), Earth (Asaka), Water (Agwe), and Death (Papa Ge) cause the lives of the young lovers to intersect, and send Ti Moune on the fateful quest that tests the strength of her love against the powerful forces of social prejudice, hatred and death.

Nominated for eight Tony Awards in 1991 and the winner of the 1995 Olivier Award for Best Musical, the show boasts a rousing calypso-flavored pop score that includes upbeat numbers such as “Some Say,” “Mama Will Provide” and “Why We Tell the Story,” and poignant ballads such as “The Human Heart” and “Forever Yours.”

 Through a uniquely moving combination of dance, drama and song, Once on This Island celebrates the art of storytelling and its integral part in the fabric of cultural heritage.

The Richter cast features Amber Whitmire of New Haven as the orphan TiMoune and Tiana Estrada of Waterbury as her younger incarnation; Andrew Wheelock of Brookfield as Daniel, the young man of privilege; Amy Calvo and Jon Michel, both of Waterbury, as Mama Euralie and TonTon Julian, TiMoune’s adoptive parents; and Bret Bisaillon of Waterbury as Armand, Daniel’s father.

As the gods who oversee this mythical world, John Congdon of Fairfield portrays Papa Ge, the demon of death; Danielle Elliott of Waterbury is Erzulie, Goddess of Love; Kelvin Burroughs of New Haven is  Agwe, God of Water; and Cidalia Alves of Danbury is Asaka, Mother of Earth. Amy Congdon of Fairfield portrays Daniel’s jealous fiancée, Andrea.

Rounding out the ensemble in a variety of roles are Matt Blinstrubas and Guy Gaudiosi of Waterbury, Melanie Beck of Newtown, Kristen Jacobsen of Torrington, and Louisa Tiberi of Bridgeport.

The production is directed and choreographed by former Musicals at Richter Artistic Director Tom Cochrane of Waterbury.  Currently the theater director for Holy Cross High School in Waterbury, Mr Cochrane’s numerous Richter directing credits include last season’s Kiss Me, Kate, The Mikado, Fiddler on the Roof, Man of La Mancha, Sweet Charity, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and The Pirates of Penzance.”  As a performer, he’s been seen on the Arts Center stage in Into the Woods, Brigadoon, and the critically acclaimed The Secret Garden.

Bringing the tropical score to life is musical director Dan Ringuette of Barkhamsted, whose extensive credits include musical direction for theater and band, keyboard and bassoon performance, and onstage roles ranging from Claude in Hair to Henrik in A Little Night Music.

Set design is by Keir Hansen of Norwalk, with lighting design and technical direction by Dimitri Willert of Roxbury. Joyce Northrop of Danbury serves as producer.

The Richter mainstage season will conclude with Gilbert and Sullivan’s nautical romp H.M.S. Pinafore, July 31 to August 16. Other offerings include It’s a Musical World (July 14 and August 4), a special cabaret revue celebrating travel and destinations in song, and Fairy Tale Theater, (July 5-26) a daytime children’s theater series presented Saturday mornings on the grounds of Wooster School.

Tickets for Once on This Island are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors, students and children. The park opens at 7:15 for picnicking, with curtain at 8:30 pm. Group rates and subscriptions are available; chair rentals may be arranged with advance reservation.

For further information, visit www.MusicalsAtRichter.org, leave a message at 748-6873, or send email to info@musicalsatrichter.org.