THE BIG STAGE: Central High Drama Program Celebrates Return May 13-14

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The drama program at Central High School is set to return to the stage following a pandemic-induced hiatus, as the school is set to host three productions of "Once On This Island Jr.” on Friday and Saturday.

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Tuscaloosa City Schools Public Information Officer Lydia Avant told Patch that while classes have put on individual productions in recent years, Central High has not has an official program for some time. She also said the TCS Board of Education's decision to resurrect the program followed extensive input from the Central High community.

The show will include more than a dozen student performers, with TCS touting the opportunity is has given for students to do something many of them have never done before.

“It’s really fun, and for one, I always like to try new things,” Central High drama student Jayden Jemison said. “This is my first time being in a play at all, and it’s actually been a great experience for me. I’m not a singer, but apparently I am one now.”

The play is also the culmination of a statewide search that resulted in Central High School hiring Jameel Lewis as the school's drama teacher. Previously serving as education director at the Princess Theatre for the Performing Arts in Decatur, Lewis is a 2004 graduate of the University of South Alabama with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in drama.

“It’s a beautiful show, with lots of beautiful music, a great storyline, and we have a whole lot of talented kids who are involved in it," Lewis said. “You will hear some beautiful voices and see some beautiful, touching moments.”

TCS says Central High student Madison Mills is another who will be featured in the performance, in addition to helping design the costumes for the production.

“It’s definitely been a great experience,” Mills said. “I’ve learned diversity is key, especially with plays and being open to learning what people are open and comfortable with in terms of costumes and with their role.”

Here's how TCS described the production:

“Once on This Island Jr.” is a Carribbean-flavored adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid, and based on the novel “My Love, My Love” by Rosa Guy. The musical focuses on the story of a peasant girl, Ti Moune, who rescues and falls in love with a wealthy boy from the other side of her island. When the boy, Daniel, returns to his people, Ti Moune goes on a quest and the strength of her love is tested by the forces of predjudice, hatred and death. The musical production of the show was written by Tony-nominated Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.

TCS announced three showings of the play at Central High School on Friday and Saturday, with general admission tickets priced at $10 each, which will help fund the drama program.

• Friday, May 13 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, May 13 at 2 p.m.
• Saturday, May 14 at 7 p.m.

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