The Black Theatre Troupe Of Upstate NY (BTTUNY) announced their first musical production and the second show in their 2024-2025 season, “Once On This Island” by Lynne Ahrens, with music by Stephen Flaherty. The show is directed and choreographed by Hettie Barnhill, with musical direction by Emily Rose Rivera, and runs February 6-16.
“Once On This Island” is a Caribbean retelling of the Disney classic “The Little Mermaid,” set in a fictionalized version of Haiti. A peasant girl, Ti Moune, rescues Daniel, a wealthy boy from the other side of the island. When Ti Moune falls in love with Daniel, the pretentious gods who watch over the island make a bet with one another over which is stronger, love or death– at the expense of Ti Moune’s life. This musical is only one act but is exceedingly funny and touching, with passionate music, memorable characters, and age-appropriate for the whole family. This award-winning show is a crowd favorite and not to be missed!
“Once On This Island” is BTTUNY’s first musical production and a milestone for the company both in scope and talent. The show features 24 BIPOC actors, including a combination of both seasoned and new performers, and five local children. This show is the result of community effort and involvement, with a production team of over 15 people supporting the actors, resulting in an outstanding and professional product.
The mission of Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate NY is to create more diversity on stage and in theatre by highlighting, producing, and promoting performances by marginalized artists in upstate New York. BTTUNY hopes to foster a cross-cultural understanding of the arts and create outlets that may not have been there before.
Performances will be at the Main Stage at the Capitol Repertory Theatre, 251 N. Pearl Street in Albany. Performances are Feb. 6-16, 2025, 7:30 pm Thursday and Friday and 4 pm Saturday and Sunday. To purchase tickets, visit attherep.org or blacktheatretroupeofupstateny.org. Groups of 10 or more can get tickets by calling (518) 382-3884 x 139.
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