by Maryann Lopinto
The CD release and performance of the Broadway Revival of Once On This Island took place at Barnes and Noble on East 86th Street on Wednesday night after their matinee performance. It was hosted by the composers Stephen Flaherty and Lynne Ahrens.
Flaherty and Ahrens first met at a BMI Workshop in 1982 and a year later started working together birthing 12 musicals both on and off Broadway. In addition to this revival, Anastastia is currently running on Broadway. Once On This Island was their first Broadway Show and opened on the great white way in 1990. It garnered eight Tony Award Nominations.
The CD was released by Broadway Records and the cast performed three of the songs from the musical. Performing were Lea Salonga, Hailey Kilgore (making her Broadway debut, a mere 18 years old), Quentin Earl Darrington, Philip Boykin and Kenita R. Miller, all with extensive Broadway credits.
An interesting fact, I first met Stephen Flaherty at the cabaret room Eighty Eights where he played piano bar and accompanied many performers. Jason Robert Brown, Michael LaCuisa, Tom Kitt, Andrew Lippa and John Bucchino also played the piano there.
Photos: Maryann Lopinto