After a month of preparation and a week of auditions, the cast list for “Once on this Island” was posted on Friday, Sep. 18. The female leads will be played by junior Madison Crees (Ti Moune), junior Anniston Weber (Erzulie), and senior Rachel Nansel (Asaka). The male leads will be played by senior Brandon Davidson (Daniel), senior Jared Thom (Papa Ge) and sophomore Eric Adams (Agwe).

Other featured roles include “Andrea” played by junior Kristen Neese, “Mama” by junior Rachelle Lumpkins, “Tonton” played by senior Gage Phillips, “Beauxhomme” played by junior Hayden Sillmon, “Armand” played by senior Aaron Jeffus and “Madame Armand” played by senior Michaela VonLintel.

“Once on this Island” also showcases a variety of storytellers. These roles will be played by sophomore Adam Klausmeyer, senior Courtney Ellis, junior Hayden Sillmon, senior Taylor Leiker, senior Aaron Jeffus, sophomore Shelby Knoll, senior Mikey Ploutz, sophomore Sarah Wyse, freshman Jessica Straight, sophomore Erin Muirhead, sophomore Dawson Rooney and senior Kinsey Ackerman.

Senior Rachel Nansel said she thinks it will be interesting to see how each lead voice comes together.

“It will be nice to see how our voices grow with one another,” Nansel said. “I absolutely love my role.”

Senior Courtney Ellis said she feels bittersweet about this being her last Hays High musical.

“I’ve been involved in the musical since freshman year,” Ellis said. “I am very excited about the show. It’s very different, but very interesting. I think it’ll be one that everyone can enjoy.”

Production dates for “Once on this Island” are Nov. 12 – 14 at 7:30 PM at 12^th St. Auditorium.

17aweber@usd489.com