The yearly musical at Gorham High School (GHS) is always a sight to see, with every year bringing
in superb additions to an already talented cast.

This year, the stage is filled with an enchanting production of Lynn Ahrens’ “Once On This Island.” Joshua Hurd directs the show with Mathew Murray directing the music portion and Michael Lortie as producer.

Gorham High School alum Mariel Roy’s choreography helps bring to life the story of the Antilles Archipelago Island with a respectable funky Caribbean feel. The Little Mermaid meets Romeo and Juliet in this story of “Once On This Island,” where two different worlds exist on the same island (the grand hommes and the peasants) although they were never meant to meet.

Maddie Rossignol is stunning in her lead role as Ti Moune, an orphan who is chosen by the Gods to bridge the rift between the peasants and the grand hommes. This bridging is in the form of a bet between Erzulie, goddess of love, and Pape Ge, demon of death, to see which is a more powerful force: love or death.

Love is in the shape of Jackson Robbins who plays Daniel, a grand homme who Ti Moune falls for and must decide, love or death. Abbie vanLuling’s endearing portrayal of Erzulie contrasts against the captivating darkness of Papa Ge, played by Sierra Cummings.

The spotlight is also on Westley Brinegar in his role as Agwe, disastrous God of water; Shelby Leach who plays Asaka, Mother of Earth; Nathan Bachner in his role as Ton Ton Julian; and Joy Lemont who portrays Mama Euralie.

This story of two worlds meeting is perfectly depicted through an extremely talented cast, exceptional dance numbers, and directors who are able and thorough in their jobs.

“The music is amazing, and the show is so high energy,” said vanLuling, the lovely Goddess of love. “Every single actor keeps his or her focus while on stage, which makes the show flow so well.”

“Once On This Island” may be a story of two separate worlds but that doesn’t stop the cast from being a family.

To reserve tickets for the final weekend, call 839-5754. Final shows are February 9-11, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.