Mebane Acting Company heads outside

The Mebane Acting Company's "Once on This Island" is such a laid-back show that parents don't have to be worried about getting up in the middle of it to take their children to the restroom.

Since it's performed outside, it gives a great indication of what the musical is all about - think Hans Christian Andersen's "Little Mermaid" (not the Disney version).
 

"It's a combination of fairy tale/ mystical-driven storyline with great music," said director Tami Kress. "Once on This Island" was written by Lynn Ahrens, who also provided lyrics, with music by Stephen Flaherty. There won't be any songs by Ariel or Flounder. But this show is just as kid-friendly.

Unlike the Disney version, the main character is a peasant girl named Ti Moune. She falls in love with a rich boy (Daniel), who is promised to someone else (Andrea). Ti Moune loves Daniel so much she is willing to sacrifice her life for him.

It may sound like a dark drama but Kress said it's light and can be comical, given the mystical Gods and their various powers. Kamu Mimy choreographed the dance numbers, and she's a member of Chuck Davis' African-American Dance Company in Durham.

The show runs an hour and a half with an intermission. The sets are colorful and the Firelight Amphitheatre at Mackintosh on the Lake, 3953 Bonnar Bridge Parkway, Burlington, provides an intimate setting, which gives the audience a chance to feel like they're part of the show.

The show is produced in conjunction with the Central North Carolina Guild for the Arts. Performances are 8 p.m. July 10-12 and 17-19. Story-telling, crafts and fun for the whole family begins one hour prior to showtime. Rain dates are July 13 and 20.

"We have a really flexible cast ranging in age from kids through adults," Kress said.

Jenny Smith, a recent graduate of Eastern Alamance High School, stars as Ti Moune. Prior to trying out for this show, Smith said she wasn't as familiar with "Once on This Island" but knew that if Mebane Acting Company founders Thomas and Alexis Drago were involved, the show had to be good.

Thomas Drago taught Smith her freshman year at Eastern and she served as stage manager for the acting company's first production. She's also been involved in a number of shows there. Smith is set to begin her freshman year at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall, where she will major in journalism, but theater will remain a big part of her life.

"I love community theater," she said. "It's a great way to become involved in our community."

Andrew Bosworth, who plays Daniel, most recently appeared in the Gallery Players' "Kiss Me, Kate." He's also performed improv shows with the Mebane Acting Company.

Bosworth described the show as "touching, casual and cool with a bunch of kids singing through scenes."

Joni Creekmore, a music teacher at B. Everett Jordan Elementary School in Graham, is used to teaching elementary school students. But directing adults and children at the same time proved to be a challenge for the bubbly young woman.

"I've had such a great time working with everybody, though," she said of the cast which ranges in age from 5 years old to mid-40s. "I feel if I can be a better teacher, I can be a better performer and that's what I strive for. It's been fun to see it all come together."

For those who haven't heard of "Once on This Island," Creekmore had this to say: "Everyone can relate to the characters. There's a division in society - rich and poor - and conflict, but it's so well-done and the music is amazing."

 If you go
• What: Mebane Acting Company presents "Once on This Island"
• When: 8 p.m. July 10-12 and 17-19; seating is limited (bring lawn chairs or blankets)
• Where: Firelight Amphitheatre at Mackintosh on the Lake, 3953 Bonnar Bridge Parkway, Burlington
• Admission: $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and students; credit card reservations are accepted. Call (919) 304-4008 for more details