2001 Once on this Island Jr.

About

In 2001, the Gowanda stage first vibrated with the rhythmic energy of the Caribbean for our production of Once on this Island Jr. This performance was a beautiful exploration of storytelling, faith, and the power of love, as the cast brought the tale of Ti Moune and the four island gods—Asaka, Agwé, Erzulie, and Papa Ge—to life. Our students embraced the vibrant score and the emotional depth of the narrative, marking a memorable chapter in the department's history.

This production was a celebration of Creativity and movement. Without the aid of modern digital effects, the cast and crew relied on inventive staging and synchronized choreography to represent the elements of nature—from the torrential rain to the shifting sands of the island. The ensemble worked with incredible Collaboration, acting as a unified voice to share the "story of the island" with the community, all while showcasing undeniable Panther Pride. 💙

Program

Photo Gallery

Help Us Preserve Panther History

Our musical history is a shared story that spans generations of Gowanda talent. If you have production photos, behind-the-scenes snapshots, or cast memories from this performance, we want to include them in our digital archive! Please send your digital files or scanned memories to Mr. Bett (MrBett@gcslearn.org) to help us keep "The Gowanda Experience" alive for years to come. 💙