Its title may be Once On This Island, but for Jiana Odland, it won't be the first time.
The statuesque high school senior first appeared on stage at the age of six in the Village Players Theatre production of Once on This Island. Her last performance before leaving for college will be in the same musical, premiering Saturday at the Oak Park and River Forest High School Auditorium.
This time Odland plays the Goddess of Earth, one of four deities who lead the protagonist, Ti Moune, on a journey to save her one true love.
Set in Haiti, the story shifts between two contrasting societies: the sarong-wearing peasantry, to which Ti Moune belongs, and the Grand Hommes, descended from French settlers.
First-time actress Annie Riles landed the part of Ti Moune after theatre director Tracy Strimple encouraged her to audition.
"I was walking down the hall singing with a group of friends," said Riles, a senior. "We passed Ms. Strimple's room and she stuck her head out and was like, ‘You should try out for the musical!'"
Though she had no acting experience, Riles was an obvious choice for the lead role. As a cheerleader, Riles is used to performing and has cultivated a powerful voice from years of singing in church.
In contrast, senior McLean Peterson, who plays the Goddess of Love, has a growing list of stage credits.
"I started acting in fifth grade because it seemed like a good way to make friends," said Peterson. Once on This Island marks her 15th show at OPRFHS.
She says her favorite song of the show is "Ti Moune," in which the title character asks her parents if she can leave for the big city, where lover’s people reside.
“Her parents are trying to let go,” said Peterson, “and it just reminds me of going to college. It makes me really sad, but it’s also sincere and sweet.”
Like Ti Moune, Peterson will leave for parts unknown this fall. The exuberant brunette has already been accepted by Emerson College in Boston and, regardless of where she goes, plans to study acting.
“I love the camaraderie of it,” she said. “And I really love being on stage.”
Some 75 OPRF students will share the stage with Peterson, Riles and Odland starting Saturday at 7:30 p.m. African-inspired dance numbers and Caribbean beats played by a live pit band complement the vocal performances.
“The music is phenomenal,” said sophomore John Clay, who plays the God of Death. “And there are so many messages in it.”
But love is the overarching theme, says Odland.
The beginning is about the familial love between Ti Moune and her parents. When she meets Daniel, romantic love becomes the theme. By the end, human love takes center stage.
“In the end we’re all on stage together singing the last song. As the song slows down, that’s when I really get to stop and think,” Odland said. “I think ‘Yeah, this is what it’s all about.’”
IF YOU GO
Once On This Island debuts 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the OPRF Auditorium, 201 N. Scoville Ave. in Oak Park, and continues with performances on Sunday at 3 p.m., Friday, March 4 at 7:30 p.m and Saturday, March 5. at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets to the musical may be purchased online or at the door, though the supply is limited. The cost is $10 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens.
Oak Park and River Forest residents age 65 and older are invited to attend Sunday's matinee “on the house.” Guest can meet in the South Café before the 3 p.m .performance for light refreshments and priority seating.
