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By Douglas McCulloch
Hometown Weekly Staff
Walpole High theater students are preparing to open their winter production of “Once on This Island,” which will premier on March 12 at 7:30 p.m. A second showing will occur on March 13 at 3 p.m. Both performances will be held at the Walpole High auditorium.
"Once On This Island" takes place on a tropical island in the Caribbean. When a young rich city boy washes up on the island, a young pesent girl falls in love with him. The story is a re-telling of the classic “The Little Mermaid” set on dry land.
The musical touches on several major themes, including income inequality, social injustice, diversity, forbidden love and more.
According to Walpole High drama director Jim D'Attilio, the school has put on a production of “One on This Island” in the past, and due to its popularity the school decided to put on the musical again.
“It’s always been a favorite, we did it many years ago,” D'Attilio said. “The music is beautiful and it is a great ensemble show because the entire cast is always on stage.”
As Walpole High theater students enter the final week of rehearsals, D'Attilio noted that he is seeing a strong chemistry between the actors and actresses who are performing.
“They are a really exuberant group,” D'Attilio said. “They love working together. For an ensemble show that really helps.”
Tickets for the production are $12 for the general public, and $10 for students and senior citizens. Tickets can be purchased at the door, or online in advance by visiting brownpapertickets.com/event/2513591.
Watch a preview of the musical below:
