DTC Kids’ Production of Once On This Island JR

Book and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Based Upon the Novel “My Love, My Love” by Rosa Guy
Originally Directed and Choreographed on Broadway by Graciela Daniele
Playwrights Horizons, Inc. Produced “Once On This Island” Off-Broadway in 1990
Originally Produced on Broadway by the Shubert Organization, Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. Suntory International Corporation and James Walsh, In association With Playwrights Horizons
Directed & Choreographed by Megan McNellage
Music Direction by Sam Weich
Produced by Jenny Wheeler & Sarah Williamson
Performances May 15-17, 2026
All performances at Damascus United Methodist Church (Great Hall), 9700 New Church Street, Damascus, MD
AUDITIONS in February 2026, dates TBD.
Character Breakdown
Storytellers
These four narrators tell the story of Once On This Island JR. They can be female or male. 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 and focus the audience’s attention on important events throughout the production.
Mama Euralie
Mama is the symbolic mother of us all. She is loving, practical, funny and earthy. This is a great role for a good actress with a pleasant voice.
Tonton Julian
Tonton is the loving father to his adopted daughter, Ti Moune. Tonton is strong, practical, and supportive. He is faced with the difficult task of letting Ti Moune chase her dreams, even if it means that he may never see the daughter he loves again.
Little Girl / Little Ti Moune / Peasant Girl
Little Girl and Little Ti Moune are played by the same actress. Look for someone that can portray a frightened girl, as well as a spunky, young girl who enjoys running and playing around. These characters have no solo singing lines.
Ti Moune
Ti Moune is the focus of our story and is featured in solo songs and dance. The actress performing the role should have an excellent voice and be an excellent dancer. The music Ti Moune sings is written in a pop style. Ti Moune performs a pivotal dance solo which isn’t so much about choreography as it is about storytelling.
Daniel Beauxhomme
Daniel is the leading male character in Once On This Island JR. Cast a boy with a good voice and who is comfortable acting and moving. His role is dramatic and exciting.
Daniel’s Son
This is a very small walk-on part at the very end of the show. This is a non-singing and non-speaking role.
Gatekeeper
The Gatekeeper has one scene. This role can be portrayed by a boy or a girl, but he or she needs a booming voice and strong stature.
Daniel’s Father
Unlike Tonton Julian, Daniel’s father is not sympathetic or understanding of his son’s wishes. This is a small male role requiring some singing and acting.
Andrea
Andrea is Daniel’s refined and beautiful fiancée. Daniel and Andrea have been promised to each other by their parents since birth. She is sophisticated, educated and the exact opposite of Ti Moune. Andrea needs to come across as the ultimate snob.
Papa Ge
Papa Ge describes himself as “the sly demon of death.” He is also the closest thing to a “bad guy” in Once On This Island JR. The actor playing this role must be able to create a strong character and have an evil laugh!
Asaka
Asaka is the Goddess of the Earth and sings one of the most popular and fun songs of the show, “Mama Will Provide.” Cast an excellent singer who moves well and has a robust personality
Agwe
Agwe is the God of Water. He or she has a solo early in the show that requires an excellent voice (“Rain”).
Erzulie
Erzulie is the triumphant Goddess of Love.
Choir Of Storytellers
(Peasants, Villagers, Guests, Grands Hommes) The ensemble is easily expandable to accommodate kids of nearly any ability. The Ensemble has the opportunity to perform many roles, transforming from Peasants to wealthy Grands Hommes.
Gossipers
The Gossipers are a great way to cast performers who may or may not be quite ready for larger roles but deserve a few featured lines.
ONCE ON THIS ISLAND JR
Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.