Braeden Garrett as Papa Ge with Cassia Giustra as Ti Moune during a rehearsal for "Once on the Island, Jr."
Youth Theatre Carson City is preparing for the opening night of “Once on this Island, Jr.” an adaptation of the classic fairy tale “The Little Mermaid” but with a Caribbean flair.
The show will run two weekends in the Bob Boldrick Theatre at the Carson City Community Center.
In song and dance, the show tells the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl who rescues and falls in love with Daniel, a wealthy boy from the other side of her island. When Daniel is returned to his people, the fantastical gods who rule the island guide Ti Moune on a quest to test the strength of her love against the powerful forces of prejudice, hatred and death.
The cast is made up of children ages 5-18. Ti Moune is played Cassia Giustra, 12, and Sara Session, 16. Also featured are about 40 young people including Trenton Lynn, 13, and Lucas Abreu, 11, as Daniel; Brianda Diaz, 13, and Alexa Haight, 13, as Erzulie, the Goddess of Love; and Braeden Garrett, 18, as Papa Ge, the Demon of Death.
“I can’t be more proud of this cast,” said Andie Anderson, director. “This has been one of our most challenging productions to date and these students have more than risen to that challenge.”
The show will run at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Aug. 16-17 and at 2 p.m. Sunday and Aug. 18 at the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St.
Tickets are $12 for general admission and $10 for students and seniors. For tickets or more information, go to www.youththeatrecarson city.com or call 775-882-0358.