Children’s Theatre of Winnetka Debuts Once on This Island

Children’s Theatre of Winnetka Debuts Broadway’s Popular Revival Once on This Island

Notable CTW Alumnus Stephen Schellhardt Co-Directs the Caribbean-Influenced Musical for All Ages

WINNETKA, IL—“There is an island where rivers run deep. Where the sea, sparkling in the sun, earns its name, Jewel of the Antilles.” So begins the dancing, singing and storytelling of Once on This Island, Children’s Theatre of Winnetka’s spring musical. Currently enjoying a critically acclaimed revival on Broadway, Once on This Island debuts at Winnetka Community House, April 26 through April 29.

“With its magical characters and Caribbean rhythms, Once on This Island illustrates how storytelling can heal a community and connect people of different backgrounds,” said co-director Stephen Schellhardt, who teams up with co-director Holly Francis and music director Betsy Balkin to lead 80 fourth-grade through eighth-grade performers in two different casts. “We chose Once on This Island because it is a true ensemble show that audiences of all ages will enjoy.”

A Barrymore Award winner and multiple Jeff Award nominee, Schellhardt has been acting, directing, choreographing, producing, casting and teaching for more than a decade. “I wouldn’t be where I am in my career without Children’s Theatre of Winnetka,” said Schellhardt, a Northwestern University theatre lecturer and director of The 87th Annual Wa-Muu Show. “It’s so important for kids to have a place to go like CTW where they are truly accepted and encouraged to follow their dreams.”

Inspired by Schellhardt, the Once on This Island experience has introduced Children’s Theatre of Winnetka to new ways of working both on and off the stage. Since late January, kids and parent volunteers have collaborated with the directors, exploring professional rehearsal and production techniques to ensure everyone comes together to deliver a memorable show. “It has been a pleasure working with this kind and talented cast and crew, and we could not be more proud of their accomplishments,” said Schellhardt.

A Tony-nominated Broadway musical written by the legendary Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Seussical and Ragtime), Once on This Island tells the story of Ti Moune, a fearless peasant girl who falls in love with a wealthy Frenchman named Daniel, whom she saves from death. Aided by the gods of Earth, Water, and Love in her quest to be with Daniel, Ti Moune must face the ultimate sacrifice in this love-conquers-all folktale inspired by Romeo and Juliet and The Little Mermaid.

Once on This Island opens Thursday, April 26 at 7:00 pm and continues Friday, April 27 at 7:30 pm; Saturday, April 28 at 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm; and Sunday, April 29 at 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm. The show runs approximately 90 minutes with no intermission. Performances take place at Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Avenue. Tickets for reserved seats are $10 and can be purchased at childrenstheatrewinnetka.com.

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Founded in 1974, Children’s Theatre of Winnetka is a not-for-profit volunteer organization dedicated to promoting musical theatre experiences for children in fourth grade through eighth grade residing or going to school in New Trier Township. Children participate both onstage and backstage in two productions held in the fall and spring each year. Children’s Theatre of Winnetka operates under the auspices of Winnetka Community House, a not-for-profit organization.