Coming off of its Tony win for best revival of a musical, “Once on This Island” is receiving more acclaim.
Actors’ Equity Association has chosen “Once of This Island” for its 12th annual award for outstanding Broadway chorus. The award, which honors “distinctive talents and contributions” by original chorus members, will go to the 10 chorus members who were part of the musical on opening night: Darlesia Cearcy, Rodrick Covington, Alysha Deslorieux, Tyler Hardwick, Cassondra James, David Jennings, Grasan Kingsberry, Loren Lott, T. Oliver Reid and Aurelia Williams.
“This talented cast brings to life the culture that gives Once on This Island its distinct personality,” said Jen Cody, 2nd Vice President and chair of Equity’s Advisory Committee on Chorus Affairs, which presents the award. “And they reinforce the messages of love and unity, which is what the show is all about. It becomes obvious when you see a show like this that everyone on that stage feels important.”
Every chorus member will receive a plaque during Equity’s National Council meeting Tuesday.
Members of Equity’s ACCA vote on the award by considering factors such as chorus requirements, technical skill and how the chorus contributes to the overall production.
Past recipients include: “Pippin” (2013), “Beautiful – The Carole King Musical” (2014), “An American in Paris” (2015), “Shuffle Along, Or The Making Of The Musical Sensation Of 1921 And All That Followed” (2016) and “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” (2017).
