Over the past week or two, the entire touring company of "Once On This Island," has been at the Carson Center for technical rehearsals, where actors, costumes, music, set, makeup, lights and sound teams begin collaborating to familiarize each other with cues and streamline any problems. They had previously been rehearsing separately in New York City for about 6 weeks.
McKynleigh Abraham has been part of that process, and will hit the stage at 7:15 pm Saturday. She said her dad, City Commissioner Richard Abraham, told her a few days ago that she is the first local person to professionally perform on the stage.
Abraham said, "I was like, 'Wow!' I hadn't even thought of that, but that's pretty cool!'"
Once on This Island was on Broadway in the early 90s, and a revival of the show won the Tony Award for Best Revival in 2018. This touring production is an extension of that revival, and will be in Nashville next week, then tour across the nation through July 2020.
Abraham says the story is about an island girl who travels from one side of the island to the other to follow her heart.
"And it's funny and it's light-hearted, but it also accidentally teaches you something. You know, when it's over, you're kind of like, 'oh, wait, that was fun but I think I actually just learned something about acceptance and faith,' and it's honestly, just such a beautiful show," Abraham said.
Although she has been very busy with rehearsals, Abraham said it's been really special to be back home for this long, and mom (Cindy) and dad are meeting her for at least one meal every day.
Abraham said, "Mom and Dad were in my apartment last night, they left some goodies in my fridge, you know, they're beside themselves. They're really excited that I'm here."
She said she's had fun driving on the familiar streets of her hometown, and being near the Market House Theatre - where she used to perform - has stirred memories of when she was a younger performer.
Abraham said, "It's so crazy, it's like I can step back and see the younger me dreaming and wishing that she would get to perform in this theatre because it was always something that I wanted to do. I distinctly remember looking across at the Carson Center when I was younger, but also when I was in college and would come back on breaks. I was like, 'Wow, I really want to perform at the Carson Center.' It's truly a dream come true to get to do this."
Those watching the show can see McKynleigh through the entire show as part of the ensemble cast. She knows four different parts in the show and is an understudy for three bigger roles.
Another Paducah native, Jamey Jennings, is also back in town because he is the company manager for the touring production. Abraham said she was surprised to see another Paducahan was involved.
Another Paducah native, Jamey Jennings, is also back in town because he is the company manager for the touring production. Abraham said she was surprised to see another Paducahan was involved.
"It was so crazy when I joined the company, I was like, 'I've actually never met you before!' So, now we're here and we're both very happy to be home," Abraham said.
Tickets for the show are still available by visiting the Carson Center website at the link below.
On the Net:
Carson Center Website page for "Once On This Island"
