by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - The Rigalu Foundation is gearing up for their big gala fundraiser next month, hosting the upcoming musical production "Once on This Island". According to the show's director it's going to be phenomenal.

Under the direction of Ernest Ochoco, the local production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical is going to be a big hit. "We have a chance to bring this really unique musical - the community it has so many great morals in it things that the community can really embrace and share and its also based on an island so that's kind of us," he said.

The cast and crew have been rehearsing almost nightly and today gave a special sneak peak to First Lady Christine Calvo and her Rigalu Foundation, which is a non-profit raising awareness and funds to improve the state of foster care, early childhood development and sports tourism on Guam. She said, "Assembled before you is a group of giving and caring individuals wanting to make a difference in the lives of others. The Rigalu Foundation was established to do just that make a difference."

Once on This Island is a theatrical Caribbean adaptation of the popular fairy tale The Little Mermaid with strong parallels to local cultural legends like "Puntan Dos Amantes." It has garnered eight Tony nominations for its Broadway run, including Best Musical, Book and Score.

The cast includes host of singes and dancers from all ages of the island community including KUAM's own Krystal Paco and local radio personality Kai the Pinai. Calvo said, "The production once on this island is in full swing please come out and support our talented cast who have been working hard to bring this award winning Broadway musical to you - their commitment and dedication is immense."

The production will kick off with an opening night gala dinner to celebrate the First Lady's birthday on December 7. Other shows are scheduled for December 9 and 10th. Tickets go on sale starting next Monday at Bestseller for the theatre shows. For the gala they can contact Rigalu Foundation chairperson Lina McDonald at 727-0115.