Averett University’s theatre department has teamed up with the music department for “Once on this Island.” The play will be performed April 14-16 at 7:30 p.m. and April 17 at 2:30 p.m. in Pritchett Auditorium in the Violet T. Frith Fine Arts Center.

“We chose this show because of the great story and the great music,” said Director Jackie Finney ’80, theatre professor. “It gave us an opportunity to use a culturally diverse cast in a show that highlights the singing, dancing and acting talents of our students.” The show features 20 Averett students, seven community members ranging in age from 9 to 19 years old and an Averett staff member.

“Once on this Island” is a Broadway musical based on a Haitian folktale with lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music composed by Stephen Flaherty. The musical tells the story of a young peasant girl who prays for a better life. The answer to her prayer comes in the form of a young man from society’s upper class. Two different worlds collide. Will love be enough? Can good come from heartbreak? Come find out in the theatre department’s last production of the season.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students/senior citizens. They may be purchased in advance by calling 434-791-5867, or at the door on the night of the performance.