Middle Park High School drama students to stage ‘Once On This Island’

Lately, if you walk down the halls of Middle Park High after school, you may hear the occasional basketball from the gym. Nowadays, however, you can also hear harmonious sounds resonating from the auditorium.

The Panthers are preparing for opening night of their fall musical, “Once On This Island.”

“Once On This Island” is a classic Caribbean tale of how peasant girl meets rich boy and they fall in love. Despite this, the four Gods the islanders worship place bets on the couple’s love and whether love can conquer death. The peasant girl is the pawn in their game.

Director Echo Zoyiopoulos has directed four other shows at the high school thus far and is looking forward to a large turnout from the community.

“It is going to be a spectacular show. We have an awesome cast and live music and have received help from many people so that this show runs well,“ said Zoyiopoulos.

This show, unlike many others, is highly student driven. The entire show has been choreographed by two of the shows stars, Seniors Meme Matteson and Sarah Brown. Each has participated in every theater production since their freshmen year, and they are eager to present this show to everyone to showcase some of the things they have learned over the years.

“Blood sweat and tears, that’s what it took to try and make this show a success,” said Matteson.

The musical will feature a live bass guitar, drums, and a piano. A 9-year-old actress will also be involved in the performance.

“We have worked especially hard on this show, everyone has committed countless hours into the show to make it a success,” said Senior Will Colley.

Opening night for Once On This Island is Thursday Nov. 6. The show will begin at 7 p.m.. Two more performances will also occur, one on Friday Nov. 7, at 7 p.m., and the finale on Saturday, Nov. 8, beginning at 6 p.m.