Impact Theatre Saigon stages Broadway musical Once on this island

Impact Theatre Saigon (ITS) is performing the Broadway musical ‘Once on this island’ in Ho Chi Minh City. The production, performed entirely in English, tells the story of Ti Moune, a girl saved by gods, and her romance with a nobleman named Daniel, exploring themes of love and class differences.

Music director Anh Tuấn noted that while the material initially seemed foreign, the melodies and lyrics possess a universal community connection. To bridge the cultural gap for Vietnamese audiences, the production incorporates local elements into the staging and costumes, such as a hat shaped like a traditional boat.

The production utilizes a 360-degree circular stage to create an immersive experience, moving away from heavy technology to focus on human storytelling, music, and minimal sets like sand to represent the Caribbean setting. Performances are scheduled for August 15 and 16 at the C30 Hoa Binh stage.