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HAMILTON — To close the 2007-08 season, Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre presents "Once On This Island," an energetic Caribbean-themed love story rich in visual appeal.

"There is so much going on at one time," said director Rhonda Lucas. "The show includes storytellers, children who are hearing the story, characters within the story and four island gods, whose actions force the story to happen.

"It has been like a puzzle at times, fitting together all the moving pieces."

To present such a complicated work, Lucas said she called upon some GHCT newcomers as well as old friends, beginning with choreographer Alison Strickland, doing her first show anywhere.

"The dancing in this show has been inspired by traditional salsa, hip-hop, the waltz and a splash of techno," Lucas said. "We agreed we wanted the dancing to be fun, edgy and unique."

Vocal director Tisha Patton, however, has worked on many plays before, as has scenic designer Mary Slocum.

"Not being musically inclined myself, I had to have the right person to teach the cast the difficult rhythms," Lucas said.

Slocum's colorful set design is Caribbean-inspired and arranged to emphasize the different levels of the story.

Because the show is about "two different worlds never meant to meet," Lucas said make-up is playing an important role in distinguishing the large cast.

"We are using make-up like cultural, facial tattooing which will represent our island peasants and differentiate them more clearly from the rich French," she said.

How to go

WHAT: Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre presents "Once On This Island"

WHERE: Parrish Auditorium, Miami University Hamilton Campus

WHEN: 8 p.m. May 1-3, 2 p.m. May 4

COST: $15

MORE INFO: (513) 737-7529 or visit www.ghctplay.com

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