It’s that time of year again when the snow’s been around just a little longer then we might like and we are all living in fear of Storm Center. But, in Gorham, it’s also that time when Gorham residents can look forward to the high school musical that is always a crowd pleaser.

This year, the production team behind the musical program, “Once on this Island,” which is currently running on Broadway, is working hard to make sure they don’t disappoint. Based on the book ‘My Love, My Love,’ by Rosa Guy, this musical takes the tale of the Little Mermaid and sets it on a tropical island with Caribbean style music.

This is the third musical under the direction of Joshua Hurd who took over the program in 2016.

“I’ve always said I think this community really supports the high school musical. Even when I was in college here at USM (University of Southern Maine) I knew that the GHS (Gorham High School) production was important,” said Hurd. “It’s a real privilege to be getting to oversee this program now.”

Over the years, GHS has seen hits like “The Wizard of Oz,” “West Side Story,” “Oklahoma,” and many others. Last year, the school presented “Footloose,” which was a huge success for both the students and the community.

“There was so much excitement behind that show, and I think audiences really loved the music, and the staging of it,” said Matt Murray, the musical director at the high school.

Along with over 40 high school students performing in the show, and 10 high school students working behind the scenes, there are also six elementary students from Great Falls and Narraganset Elementary Schools, pulling even more of the community together for this year’s show.

“The story is full of music and dancing, something that I think Gorham really finds appealing in the annual musical,” said Hurd. “Only this story is about the music and the dancing. It’s a very unique musical and I think people will leave the theater really happy and warmhearted in the end.”

“Once on this Island” is a musical full of love, music, and heart performed by an incredibly talented cast. Performances are at GHS February 2 through 11 with evening shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. You can reserve tickets by calling 839-5754.