Happy 25th Anniversary to ONCE ON THIS ISLAND

It opened at the Booth Theatre on October 18, 1990.

The Broadway debut of the songwriting team Ahrens & Flaherty, the show starred LaChanze and Jerry Dixon, directed and choreographed by Graciela Daniele.

I've been obsessed with the score for YEARS and love love love the cast album. "Waiting for Life" is an all time classic solo, the bridge and key change before the last chorus gives me chills in the best way! "Rain" is another favorite of mine, and of course "Forever Yours."

Anyone have any memories to share?

Updated On: 10/18/15 at 12:52 AM

I quite like the show, though I don't have the same love for it as a lot of people. I think it's gentle and enjoyable, though hardly world-beating. I'm glad these anniversary threads are back, as I've missed them over the past few months. Is that because you stopped doing them or were there just no important anniversaries in recent months? Lovely spread as always, Nowack.

Fantod, there are just not many shows that opened during the summer, especially in the olden days. August is generally as early as a show would open (though there was a time where shows opening early was April were counted in the following fall's season) and that's fairly rare. For example the earliest musical to open Fall 1965 was DRAT THE CAT! on October 10.

I briefly started the vintage theatre pictures threads to make up for the lack but reception was sorta tepid so I stopped those.

Updated On: 10/18/15 at 02:54 AM

I was a part of a student production of Once On This Island as well but back in high school. In fact, that's my only performing credit, haha! I truly love this show and its score. It's an Ahrens & Flaherty gem.

Thanks for the beautiful photos, Nowack. What I wouldn't give to have seen all of that first-hand.

Updated On: 10/19/15 at 09:36 PM

Fun fact, this show actually got me into musical theater. I have it to thank for even being on these boards today!

These photos are actually from the Playwrights Horizons run of the show. I believe the entire cast continued with the show.