'Once on this Island, Jr.' musical opens Friday

by Kris Garrett

Special to The R-C

Douglas County School District presents the All-City Musical, "Once on This Island, Jr.," directed by Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School drama teacher Rich Garrett, starring students from Douglas High School, Carson Valley and Pau-Wa-Lu middle schools and Minden, Gardnerville and Meneley elementary schools.

Written by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, who wrote "Seussical" and "Ragtime," "Once on This Island, Jr." is based on Hans Christian Anderson's classic fairy tale, "The Little Mermaid" and adapted for the stage from Rosa Guy's "My Love, My Love." This is a classic tale of true love crossing the boundaries of class and racial discrimination and a testament to what a person will do for what they know in their heart to be true. With a Caribbean flair, this nonstop musical tears up the stage with energetic dance, choreographed by Carson High School junior Jessica Shull, and compelling music from haunting ballads to numbers that will make you want to jump out of your seat and dance on stage with the cast.

Island style concessions will be sold including barbecue pork and chicken sandwiches, Hawaiian slaw and fruit kabobs. Dinner is $6. The Pau-Wa-Lu steel drum band will be performing both before the show and during intermission and the art department will be displaying several of the students' works for your viewing pleasure. You don't want to miss this performance. The show is family oriented and will be an evening for all to enjoy.

Performances are Feb. 27, 28, March 6 and March 7 at 7 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on March 1 and March 8. All performances will be at the Pau-Wa-Lu Cafetorium, 701 Long Valley Road, Gardnerville. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, and $6 for children 10 and under. For tickets, call 265-6100 or e-mail rgarrett@dcsd.k12.nv.us