The Riverhead Faculty and Community Theatre presents an all-junior cast in their musical, “Once On This Island Jr." -- and the cast was hard at work at a dress rehearsal Monday night.
The show, which will take place at the Charles Cardonna Auditorium at Riverhead High School on Friday and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday at 1:00 p.m., takes place on a Caribbean Island divided by social prejudice and features a calypso-flavored score, exuberant choreography, and costumes incorporating rich and colorful island traditions.
"Once On This Island Jr" focuses on of the story of Ti Moune, played by Hailey Nitti, a poor peasant girl who falls in love with Daniel, played by Samuel Mancini, a rich boy from the other side of the proverbial "tracks," or island, as the strength of true love is pitted against the powerful forces of prejudice, hatred and death.
Cast members range in age from 8 to 14, with direction, musical direction and choreography by Laura Nitti, assistant direction by Heidi Perry Hipp, costume coordination by Judy Schiavone and house management and publicity coordination by Christine Springer. The show is produced by Gretchen Chapman.
Ticket prices are $5 for students 17 and under and $15 for adults. Tickets are available for pre-purchase from any cast member, through the RFCT website www.rfct.org, or by calling Christine Springer at (631) 255-1205. Remaining tickets will be sold at the door before each performance.
The RFCT has been entertaining audiences since 1980, distributing over $100,000 in scholarships and awards. In addition, the group has supported the arts within the Riverhead Central School District through various projects and equipment donations.
