Once on this Island is a highly acclaimed Broadway adaptation (by Tony Award-winning authors Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens) of the popular fairy tale, The Little Mermaid. Presented in early 2007 in New Orleans and produced by Oscar winner James Lecesne and directed by Gerry McIntyre, the musical features a cast comprised entirely of young people from the stricken city. Once on this Island, starring this special cast from New Orleans, will again be presented - in New York on June 18 - 2007.

The musical weaves the story of a Black peasant girl (Ti Moune) on a mythical Caribbean island who survives a hurricane and then must discover her purpose in life. The unpredictable “gods” who rule the island decide to guide the girl on a quest, and to test the strength of her love against the powerful forces of prejudice, nature, hatred and finally, death. It was a perfect parallel with the story of New Orleans and Hurricane Katrina.