ONCE ON THIS ISLAND
A Musical Book and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Based Upon the Novel "My Love, My Love" by Rosa Guy
Originally Directed and Choreographed on Broadway by Graciela Daniele
Playwrights Horizons, Inc. produced Once on This Island OffBroadway in 1990
Originally produced on Broadway by The Shubert Organization, Capital Cities/ABC, Inc., Suntory International Corporation and James Walsh in association with Playwrights Horizons
ONCE ON THIS ISLAND
is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
PRESENTED BY:
With special Thanks to . . .
VCU Theater, Preston
Spence, Kevin McGranan,
Brok Decor, Benjamin
Burke, Chris Foote, Kerry and Linda Keenan, JS
Fauquet, Amber Depass,
Lensations By janay.
Welcome to Dogwood Dell!
Each summer, this stage comes to life with the voices, stories, and talents of Richmond’s vibrant arts community. As the Recreation Services Supervisor for this historic facility, it’s my honor to help steward a space that has been, and continues to be, a gathering place for creativity, culture, and connection.
Dogwood Dell is more than just a venue; it’s a reflection of the people who fill these seats, grace this stage, and make the magic happen behind the scenes. We are proud to offer programming that is accessible, inclusive, and rooted in the traditions of community-driven art.
If you believe in what we’re building here, I invite you to support the work of Friends of the Dogwood. As an established 501(c)(3), this nonprofit is dedicated to enhancing the Dell experience and supporting the artists who bring it to life. To make a donation, visit friendsofdogwooddell.com or drop a contribution in the donation bin at any show.
Thank you for being here, and for being part of Richmond’s living arts legacy.
With gratitude, CameronBooth
Recreation Services Supervisor
City of Richmond, Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities
DIRECTOR DESIREEE DABNEY
Musical
DIRECTOR Mara Smith
Christine c. Wyatt
Choreographer
PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER
Assistant
DIRECTOR Miciah Jenel
Orchestra
Mara Smith – Keyboard
Damiala Jones – Keyboard
Chet Frierson – Reed
Ryan Gary – Bass Guitar
Ralph Mason – Percussion
Nat Quick – Guitar
MEET THE Production Team
Production Staff
Executive Producer / Recreation Services
Supervisor
Cameron Booth
Production Manager Molly Montgomery
Assistant Stage Manager Nalo Bickersteth
Technical Director / Set Designer
Sophie Solomon-Resplandy
Asst. Technical Director / Paint Charge
Brigid Tamas
Dramaturge
Chayla Simpson
Vocal Coach
Beth Davis
Intimacy Coordinator Dee-d Miller
Lead Audio Engineer
Bryan Walthall
Asst. Audio Engineer / Carpenter Tristan O’Shea
Production Staff
Lighting Designer / Master Electrician
Head Props / Carpenter
Carpenter
Costume Designer / Costume Shop Manager / Stitcher / Draper
Lighting Assistant
Spot Operator Piper Stewart & Geo GOnzales
Production Photography Lensations by Janay & Dave Parrish
Tristan Ketcham
Erin Little
Carpenter
Paul Fulcher
Volunteer
Chris Foote
Tajma Graham
Dresser
Amber Walker
Ava Harper
MEET THE CAST
Brittney Slater
Mama Euralie
Jovan Long
Tonton Julian
Aalyhsia Bartley
Ti Moune
Kayen Wilborn
Daniel
James Whitfield Armand
Ensemble
Ensemble : u/s Erzulie
Ensemble Cameron
Ensemble
Ensemble
Michelle Washington
Gabby Klatt
Jaden Floyd
Corrin Lewis
Gardner
Te-Loriah Whitfield
Ensemble
Nena Daniel
Ensemble / u/s Asaka
Jada Paul
Ensemble : u/s Ti Moune
Robert Brown
Ensemble / u/s Papa Ge
Larry Lewis
Ensemble / u/s Agwe
Bios
Anjeolaoluwa Archer (Papa Ge)
Anjeolaoluwa Archer (she/her) is a performing arts and business finance major at Norfolk State University. Of both African and Caribbean descent, this story holds deep cultural significance for her. She’s thoroughly enjoyed the ensemble process and looks forward to sharing the stage with her castmates at Dogwood Dell.
Taesean Blanding (Agwe)
Taesean Blanding is an inspirational and soulful singer-songwriter from Hopewell, Virginia, with over 11 years of professional experience. He has released four mixtapes and two EPs, including Open Minded and I’m Perfecting, and his most recent album Love debuted in April 2023. An award-winning actor and playwright, Taesean has starred in indie films, web series, and theater productions. He is the recipient of the RVA Award for Best R&B Vocalist and won Fan Favorite for Best Supporting Actor in Once Upon a Christmas.
Caleb Brown McWhite (Gatekeeper / Daniel’s Father)
Caleb (he/him) is thrilled to be part of Once on This Island. A rising junior and Theatre III student at the Center for the Arts at Henrico High School, his credits include Chicago (Amos), You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Schroeder), and Sister Act (TJ). He thanks his family, friends, cast, and creative team for their endless support.
Desirée Dabney (Director)
Desirée Dabney is an award-winning actor, director, producer, and theatre educator/activist. She holds a BFA from Shenandoah University, a Master of Teaching from the University of Richmond, and is pursuing a doctorate in Education Curriculum. She is Head of Musical Theatre at Virginia Commonwealth University, where her inaugural production of Rent sold out nightly. Her accolades include the Shenandoah Distinguished Alumni Award (2022), Style Weekly Top 40 Under 40 (2023), and a Black History Month feature on NBC12. Desirée is the founder of Theatre Diva Productions and serves on multiple arts boards. She is passionate about supporting BIPOC performers and creating inclusive artistic spaces.
Journey Entzminger
(Andrea / Madame Armand)
Journey Entzminger returns to Dogwood Dell after playing an Ancestor in The Addams Family. A proud alum of VCU and NYU, her favorite roles include Dee Dee Allen (The Prom), Lady Macbeth (Macbeth), and Motormouth Maybelle (Hairspray). Offstage, Journey loves freestyling, practicing French, and exploring politics. She’s grateful to family, friends, and the crew, and leaves you with the words of Toussaint Louverture: “It will spring up again, for its roots are numerous and deep. ”
Jaden Floyd (Ensemble)
Jaden Floyd is an upcoming senior at VCU studying theatre and psychology. She is excited to be part of this amazing production. Past credits include Chasing George Washington at VaRep Kids and SALT productions at VCU. She thanks her family, friends, boyfriend, and teachers for their support and hopes you enjoy the show!
Cameron Gardner (Ensemble)
Cameron Gardner (she/her) is overjoyed to be taking the stage at Dogwood Dell in such a beautiful production! Most recently, she performed as Lucinda in the Virginia Theatre Festival’s production of Into the Woods. She is currently pursuing a degree in Theatre and Media Studies at the University of Virginia. Recent credits include As You Like It (Phoebe), Crazy for You (Irene Roth), Matilda (Matilda), Pippin (Charlemagne), Carrie (Margaret White), Footloose (Urleen), and Godspell (Celisse). She thanks the creative team, family, friends, and cast for their endless support.
Madison Gardner (Ensemble)
Madison Gardner is thrilled to be joining the wonderful cast of Once on This Island as a member of the ensemble! She has appeared in numerous productions throughout the Richmond area, with favorite credits including The Wiz, Hairspray, Into the Woods, and The Addams Family. Madison thanks God, her family, and especially her sister Cameron for their continuous love and support.
Tajma Graham
(Costume Designer / Costume Shop Manager / Stitcher / Draper)
Tajma is entering her senior year at VCU, pursuing a BFA in Fashion Design with minors in Costume Design and Fashion Merchandising. Her love for costume design began in high school at Henrico High School Center for the Arts and has only grown stronger since. She has built her experience across numerous theatre settings from wardrobe supervising Virginia Repertory’s inaugural children’s theatre season and mainstage productions, to working in costume shops at Virginia Rep, VCU, and Kings Dominion. She spent a summer in West Virginia as a shop intern and wardrobe supervisor for What Will Happen to All That Beauty at the Contemporary American Theatre Festival. She served as the assistant costume designer for For Colored Girls at VCU, and has worked for Broadway hits at Altria Theatre such as Shucked, Moulin Rouge!, and MJ: The Musical She is so grateful to show off her hard work, passion, and love for theatre on the Dogwood Dell stage.
Jovan Long
(Tonton Julian)
Jovan Long is a recent graduate from the VCUArts Theatre program where you may have seen him in Rent as a Swing/Ensemble member or Let the Right One In as Oskar. He also understudied Prentiss and Ted in Firehouse Theatre’s Peter and the Starcatcher. Jovan is so excited to make his Dogwood Dell debut as Tonton Julian. He would love to thank his friends and family for their continued support and give a loving shoutout to Desirée Dabney for consistently uplifting, supporting, and pushing him and many others to be the best they can be. Follow him on Instagram: @jovan john
Larry Lewis Jr. (Ensemble)
Larry Lewis Jr. (he/him) is a working actor, director, and choreographer in the Richmond and Norfolk theatre scenes. His previous credits include The Prom, Hairspray, and Into the Woods. He is very excited to perform Once on This Island and to be on the Dogwood Dell stage for the first time! He is incredibly proud of the cast and crew and hopes you all enjoy!
Corinn Lewis (Ensemble)
Corinn is thrilled to be a part of this production of Once on This Island! For the past two years, she has taken classes at HATTheatre and Cadence Theater, working hard to perfect her craft, performing in multiple showcases and two short plays with House of Cards Theater Company. In her free time, you can find Corinn educating young minds as a full-time preschool teacher of 15 years. Corinn would like to thank her family and friends for their continued support and always encourages everyone to follow their dreams!
Hazy Lynch (Little Ti Moune)
Violet-Hazel “Hazy” Lynch is thrilled to play Little Ti Moune in Once on This Island! Hazy is 11 years old and has a passion for acting, singing, and dancing. Past roles include Myra in Cooper the Movie and appearances in commercials for Optima Healthcare, DoorDash, Carmax, Sentara Healthcare, and more. She has trained at SPARC and Central Virginia Dance Academy since 2018. When she’s not performing, Hazy enjoys swimming, drawing, and reading graphic novels. She is obsessed with Lin-Manuel Miranda and knows every word to Hamilton! A fun fact: Hazy co-authored a children’s book with her mom and baby sister called Daddy’s 1st Dance, about overcoming stage fright. She is grateful for this incredible opportunity and thanks the cast, crew, directors, and her mom for their support and encouragement. Hazy hopes you enjoy the show as much as she has loved being part of it!
Molly Montgomery (Production Manager)
Molly Montgomery is thrilled to return as Production Manager at Dogwood Dell. With a B.A. from Sewanee and experience in sound, lighting, and scenic construction, Molly currently coordinates the scene shop at VCUarts Theatre. They are committed to creating safe and collaborative environments.
Nena Daniel (Asaka / Ensemble)
Nena Daniel is from Richmond, Virginia, and is 25 years old. She trained in the Meisner program at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University and graduated from Appomattox Regional Governor’s School. She is excited to be understudying Asaka and performing in the ensemble. She hopes this story brings you as much joy and inspiration as it did for her. She loves to daydream, sing, write songs, and listen to music from all time periods and genres. She is very thankful for the playwright Brittany Fisher and this brave narrative she has chosen to shed light on. She thanks Cadence Theatre Company for uplifting the voices of Black youth and sends her utmost gratitude to her spiritual team as well. She wouldn’t be here without them.
Jana Prentiss (Asaka)
Jana Nicole Prentiss is a Richmond-based performer and educator, returning to the Dell after roles including Violet in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Chorn in Firebringer, and Lisa in Mamma Mia!. She’s also performed with Margaritaville at Sea and in NYC’s 54 Below. Thanks to her support system and fans!
Sophie Solomon-Resplandy (Set Designer / Technical Director)
Sophie Solomon-Resplandy returns for her fourth year at Dogwood Dell and third as a designer. She co-designed Something Rotten and designed Firebringer. Now stepping into the role of Technical Director, she thanks her crew and collaborators for their support.
Mara Smith (Music Director)
Mara Smith (she/her) is a Richmond-based artist, music educator, and performer. She has worked on productions including The House That Will Not Stand, A Midsummer Night’s Slam, Beetlejuice Jr., and The Descendants. She performs original music as Finfeather and collaborates regularly in the Richmond music scene.
Michelle M. Washington (Ensemble)
Michelle M. Washington (she/her/hers) is thrilled to join the cast of Once on This Island. Although a newcomer to performing at Dogwood Dell’s Amphitheatre, she has been performing locally in the Richmond area and surrounding communities since 2020. After graduating from Virginia Union University with a BFA in Theatre Arts & Visual Arts, Michelle pursued more opportunities to advance her artistry in Charlotte, NC. There, she acted in web series, short films, and stage productions, including collaborations with UNCSA alumni. Notable credits include June in BLKS (BLK VA Theatre Alliance), Patience in Bell Blu (The Critical Race Theatre Project), and multiple roles in The Glorious World of Crowns, Kinks, and Curls (Three Bone Theatre, NC). Michelle thanks the cast, crew, and her loved ones for their continued support. Follow her on Instagram @themichelle.w.
#alopeciaawareness
James Whitfield (Armand)
He/him. Excited to be part of this uplifting and talented cast. Grateful for the opportunity and the support of the incredible director. Thanks for coming to see the show!
Te-Loriah Whitfield (Ensemble)
I am so excited to be a part of such an amazing production and to be performing at Dogwood Dell! Being surrounded by such a talented and supportive cast and director makes it all the better! This is truly a blessing, and I want to thank God. Truly thankful for the support of family as well. I hope you guys enjoy this beautiful story. :)
Kayen Wilborn (Daniel)
Kayen Wilborn is a multi-faceted artist making his acting debut as Daniel in Once on This Island. A seasoned performer, Kayen is a singer, songwriter, 15-year trumpet player, and 12-year professional DJ. He’s the bandleader of the Richmond-based 8-piece HipHop/Soul/Dance band Weekend Plans, which has been lighting up stages along the East Coast for nearly a decade. Known for bringing energy, heart, and groove to every performance, Kayen thrives on collaboration, connection, and creative exploration. When he’s not on stage, you can find him in the kitchen (ask about his wings), gaming, or making music with friends. A lover of travel, new experiences, and good food, Kayen brings a bold and curious spirit to everything he does. He’s thrilled to step into the world of theater and take on this exciting new challenge as an emerging thespian.
Christine C. Wyatt (Choreographer)
Christine C. Wyatt is a choreographer, dancer, and facilitator of movement experiences. Originally from Baltimore, MD, she earned her BFA in Dance & Choreography from VCU. For the past 10 years, she has taught, choreographed, and performed with multigenerational communities throughout the U.S. Her work emphasizes Africanist movement values and the power of art as joy and resistance.
Samantha Wilborn (Erzulie)
Samantha Wilborn is a performing arts enthusiast with a passion for music and education. She holds a degree in Music Education from VCU and serves as the Music Teacher and Choir Director at Barack Obama Elementary School. She also teaches for Free Horse Arts, a nonprofit offering nature-based and art-centered programming. While she’s long been behind the scenes directing musicals across the tri-city area, this show marks her on-stage debut in a community musical and she’s loving every minute! Samantha specializes in youth performing arts and is excited to flip the script and be a “student” among friends. She currently sings with the popular local band Deau Eyes and is reconnecting with her own songwriting. When she’s not on stage, you’ll catch her front row, fangirling and cheering on Richmond’s talented, diverse music scene.
Tristan Ketcham
(Lighting Designer/ Master Electrician)
Tristan is a full time Richmond lighting designer and electrician, and has had a lovely time during his fourth summer back at Dogwood Dell. Recent design credits include South Pacific (Homefront Players), 8-Track: The Sounds of the 70s (Henrico Theater Company), and Cyrano de Bergerac (Richmond Shakespeare Company). He originally hails from the desolate wastelands of Texas, where for many years he directed, wrote, and was production manager for Camp Half-Blood Austin (Between the Pages Literary Camps). He would like to thank Matt Landwehr for his constant support and his even more constant jokes at Tristan’s expense.
Gabrielle Klatt
(Ensemble/ U/S Erzulie)
Gabrielle “Gabby” Klatt (she/her) is thrilled to be back performing with Dogwood Dell. She was last seen as Keeri in Firebringer. Some recent credits include Some Enchanted Evening with Henrico Theatre Company, radio shows with Fire House Radio Players, and The Sunshine Boys with Rivercity Community Players. She is currently president of the board of On The Air Radio Players and recently directed A Jazzy Christmas with Mr. Dickens. When not on stage, Gabby enjoys ballroom dancing at Fred Astaire Studio in Richmond. She thanks friends and family for their love and support.
Aalyshia Bartley (Ti Moune)
Aalyhsia Bartley, appearing as Ti Moune in Once on This Island, is honored to bring this powerful story to life. Originally from York, Pennsylvania, Aalyhsia is a passionate artist who blends her love for music with her calling to ministry. She serves as a vocal arranger, director, and worship leader at Destiny Global Church, using her gifts to glorify God both on and off the stage. Some theatrical credits include the Feast of Fools Soloist at Sight & Sound Theatres, Lindsey in Godspell, and Ursula in The Little Mermaid. Aalyhsia’s artistry is driven by purpose, and every performance is a reflection of her faith, passion, and commitment to excellence. She is deeply thankful for the unwavering love and support of her family and friends, and above all, she gives all glory to God. Follow her journey and more on Instagram: @aalyhsia.