ONCE ON THIS ISLAND

Book by Lynn Ahrens
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Based on My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy

Director: Dianna Schepers
Music Director: Isa Chu
Choreographer: LaTonya Watts

This highly original and theatrical Caribbean adaptation of the popular fairy tale, The Little Mermaid, garnered eight Tony nominations for its Broadway run, including Best Musical, Book and Score.

Ti Moune, a peasant girl, rescues a wealthy boy from the other side of the island, Daniel, with whom she falls in love. Unbeknownst to Ti Moune, the pompous gods who preside over the island make a bet with one another over which is stronger, love or death, the stakes being Ti Moune’s life. When she pursues Daniel, who has returned to his people, Ti Moune is shunned because of her lowly status. Her determination and capacity to love, though, is not enough to win Daniel’s heart, and Ti Moune pays the ultimate price; but the gods turn Ti Moune into a tree that grows so strong and so tall, it breaks the wall that separates the societies and ultimately unites them.

Performance Dates

Performed at the California Theatre, Pittsburg, CA

• Friday, May 7, 2027, 7:30 pm
• Saturday, May  8, 2027, 7:30 pm
• Sunday, May 9, 2027, 2:00 pm
• Friday, May 14, 2027, 7:30 pm
• Saturday, May 15, 2027, 2:00 pm
• Sunday, May 16, 2027, 2:00 pm

Tickets

Purchase tickets through the California Theatre Box Office.

Call 925-427-1611 or visit www.tickets831.com

Season tickets and individual tickets available beginning November 1, 2026.

Audition Information

Audition Links

General Information

In Person Auditions

• Initial Auditions: Sunday & Monday – January 3 & 4, 2027
• Location: TBA, Pittsburg, CA
• Callbacks: Saturday, January 10, 2027, if necessary by invitation.

Video Submission

• Video submissions are accepted if received by Sunday, January 3, 2027 – 5pm.
  Send video to ptc@ptcca.org.
• CONTACT INFORMATION Production and audition inquiries:
  Director, Dianna Schepers: ptc@ptcca.org

WHAT TO PREPARE

• Review this audition packet for Once Upon this Island.
• Select and prepare a monologue of your choice from this document.
• Provide headshot (printed snapshot is acceptable).
• Prepare song from a musical – 32-40 bars.

Character Descriptions

The production team and PTC believe in the importance of authentic representation and are committed to showcasing the full spectrum of lived experiences. Therefore, we are specifically seeking Black and Brown actors to portray most all characters. Some roles can be cast with light skin or white actors as prescribed by MTI (the Grand Hommes specifically).

Female Roles

TI MOUNE	A to Eb (Soprano)	Ti Moune is the focus of our story and featured in solo songs and dance. Needs an excellent voice and dancer (has dance solo). Black or dark-skinned woman
ERZULIE	A to D (Soprano)	Erzulie is the triumphant Goddess of Love. She has a pretty voice and can sing in a pop style.
ASAKA	A to E (Belty Soprano)	Asaka is the Goddess of the Earth and sings “Mama Will Provide”. Needs an excellent voice who moves well, earthy look, open personality and is fun to watch.
MAMA EURALIE	G to B (Alto)	Mama is the symbolic mother of us all. She is loving, practical, and earthy. Needs a nice voice and good acting skills. Black or dark-skinned woman.
ANDREA	A to D (Mezzo)	Andrea is Daniel’s refined and beautiful fiancé. Promised to Daniel since birth. She is refined, educated, and the exact opposite of Ti Moune. White or light-skinned woman.
LITTLE GIRL/ LITTLE TI MOUNE	N/A	This role is perfect for a very young performer. Needs to be able to stay focused, and listen. The role requires some singing with the ensemble. Black girl. A peasant girl

Male or Female Roles

STORYTELLERS 1-4	Men–Ab to E (All voice types), Women–Ab to E (All voice types)	These four narrators tell the story. These four roles are perhaps the most difficult of the show. Not only do they sing the bulk of the show, they also tell the story.
GOSSIPERS 1-7	Men–Ab to E (All voice types), Women–Ab to E (All voice types)	These performers have fun one-line features.
Ensemble	Men–Ab to E (All voice types), Women–Ab to E (All voice types)	Peasants, Villagers, Guests, Grands Hommes

Male Roles

DANIEL BEAUXHOMME	C to E (Tenor)	Daniel is the male ingenue in Once On This Island. Daniel needs to have a nice voice and should be able to move well. Casting as white or lighter-skinned man.
PAPA GE	D to Ab (Dark Tenor)	Papa Ge is the self-described “sly demon of death” – closet thing to a “bad guy” in the show. Needs a nice voice and an evil laugh.
AGWE	B to High G# (Tenor)	Agwe is the God of Water. Has a solo early in the show that requires an excellent voice (“Rain”).
TONTON JULIAN	Bb to E (Baritone /Tenor)	TONTON is the loving adopted father of Ti Moune. He s strong, practical, and supportive. He is faced with the very difficult task of allowing Ti Moune to chase her dreams, even if it means that he may never see the daughter he loves again. Black or dark-skinned man.
DANIEL’S FATHER	C to High Ab (Baritone)	Unlike Tonton Julian, he is not sympathetic, or understanding of his son’s wishes. This is a smaller role but requires some singing and acting. White or lighter-skinned man.
DANIEL’S SON	N/A	This is a very small walk on part at the very end of the show. White or lighter-skinned boy.
GATEKEEPER	E to B (Gruff Baritone)	The Gatekeeper has one scene. He should be impressive in size and have a booming voice. Capable of stage combat. Performs with the ensemble. White or lighter-skinned man.