In a groundbreaking first for Limelight Theatre, Once on This Island takes the stage this May with a cast and creative team made up entirely of artists of color, marking a powerful new chapter in the theatre’s 35-year history. Running May 7-May 24, Once on This Island is a vibrant, moving musical that blends Caribbean rhythms, folklore, romance, and myth into a powerful story about love’s ability to challenge division. Inspired by Rosa Guy’s novel My Love, My Love, the musical follows Ti Moune, a fearless young peasant girl on a tropical island divided by class, color, wealth, and destiny.
When a violent storm sends Daniel, a wealthy young man from the island’s elite class, crashing near Ti Moune’s village, she rescues him and nurses him back to health. Her devotion sets her on a journey beyond the safety of her community and into a world that was never meant to welcome her. Guided, tested, and manipulated by the island gods—Asaka, Mother of the Earth; Agwe, god of water; Erzulie, goddess of love; and Papa Ge, demon of death—Ti Moune risks everything for the belief that love can bridge the distance between two worlds.
At its heart, Once on This Island is both a love story and a fable about sacrifice, resilience, and the stories we pass down to make sense of suffering. Though Ti Moune’s journey is tender and heartbreaking, the musical ultimately offers a hopeful message: love may not always change the world in the way we expect, but it can plant seeds of transformation for generations to come.
With its sweeping score, energetic ensemble storytelling, and themes of faith, identity, and human connection, Once on This Island invites audiences into a world where the line between earth and spirit is beautifully blurred—and where one girl’s courage becomes a legend.
“This production is incredibly special not only because of the beauty of the story, but because of the voices bringing it to life,” said Missy Schmotzer, Interim Executive Director of Limelight Theatre. “It represents an important moment for our theatre as we continue to grow and create space for a broader range of artists and perspectives. At its core, Once on This Island is about love, community and humanity—and that message feels more relevant than ever.”
Photo credit: Limelight Theatre
Karish Kato plays Ti Moune. Having performed in productions with The Muny and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Karish is making her debut at Limelight Theatre in the lead role of Ti Moune. As the heart of the musical, Ti Moune is a peasant girl whose rescue of Daniel sparks a journey driven by love, faith, and sacrifice as she challenges fate, class divisions, and even the gods themselves.
Ritter Chavez-Castillo plays Daniel. Ritter, a sophomore at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, is making his first appearance at Limelight Theatre as Daniel. Portraying a wealthy young man from the other side of the island, Ritter brings to life the character whose relationship with Ti Moune drives the musical’s central conflict between love and social status.
Felecia Ewing plays Mama Euralie. A mother of three and seasoned veteran of the Limelight Theatre stage, Felicia returns as Mama Euralie, Ti Moune’s deeply protective adoptive mother. Inspired by her own experiences as a parent, she brings warmth, care, and heartfelt concern to the role.
Israel Haynes plays Tonton Julian. Drawing on his passion for storytelling, Israel Haynes takes on the role of Tonton Julian, Ti Moune’s adoptive father. As a grounding and compassionate presence in her life, his character helps guide and support Ti Moune throughout her journey.
J’Nelle Holman plays Little Ti Moune. At just six years old, J’Nelle makes her debut at Limelight Theatre as Little Ti Moune. A dancer, actor, and singer, she brings youthful energy and charm to the role, helping introduce audiences to Ti Moune’s story.
Nylah McDowell plays Andrea, Daniel’s Fiancé. Having appeared in several productions with Limelight Theatre and Bartram Trail High School Theatre Department, Nylah brings her vibrant stage presence to the role of Andrea. Representing the wealthy upper-class society Daniel comes from, Andrea becomes Ti Moune’s romantic rival.
Phedre Delinois plays Armond. Known for bringing high energy and flair to the stage, Phedre takes on the role of Armand while also performing in the ensemble. Armand represents the wealthy side of the island and serves as part of Daniel’s influential social circle.
Zoe Pruitt plays Erzulie, Goddess of Love. Returning to the Limelight Theatre stage, Zoe is excited to portray Erzulie, the goddess of love. Through this role, she brings to life the compassion, beauty, and belief that love can endure even through suffering and loss.
Michael Clifton-Plummer plays Agwe, God of Water. A 2024 Theatre Arts graduate of Flagler College, Michael returns to musical theatre in one of his dream roles as Agwe, the god of water. Drawing on his musical background, he portrays the powerful deity who controls the seas and storms and helps set Ti Moune and Daniel’s story into motion.
Elijah Simms plays Papa Ge, Demon of Death. After appearing in productions across Jacksonville, Elijah makes their debut at Limelight Theatre as Papa Ge. As the story’s dark and seductive force, Papa Ge challenges Ti Moune’s faith in love with his belief that death is ultimately more powerful.
Facia Lee plays Asaka, Mother of the Earth. A familiar face at Limelight Theatre, Facia returns as Asaka, the nurturing Mother of the Earth. Through her warmth and humor, she brings to life the goddess’s deep connection to nature, healing, and community.
Ensemble
- Charlie Mack
- Anthony Green
- Troy Brightson — (U/S Ton Ton)
- Anthony Romero — (U/S Daniel)
- Kelvin Nieba — (U/S Papa Ge)
- Akeelah Monroe
- Vanessa Pearson
- Paola Cruz
- Trinity Wheaton
- Justice Wheaton
- Journee Wheaton
- Athena Bell
Behind the Scenes Crew
- Rhode Jackson — Director
- Joy Manning — Assistant Director
- Keith Teepen — Music Director
- Angel Rewis-Johnson — Stage Manager
- Jocelyn Geronimo — Choreographer
Admission Details
Evening performances are held Thursday through Saturday at 7:30pm, with Sunday matinees at 2pm. The production runs from May 7th-May 24th. General admission tickets are $35.00 and can be purchased at the box office 1-4pm, or reserved in advance online. Student “Rush Tickets” are $15 and are available 60 minutes before the curtain.
11 Old Mission Avenue, St. Augustine, Florida 32084. There is free parking behind the theater—enter from Old Mission Avenue and drive to the back to park in the lot on Bernard Street.
