“Albany musical’s diverse cast hopes to inspire young actors”

A landmark performance of “Once on This Island” is on the main stage at Capital Rep through Feb. 16. It’s the first time ever the Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate New York is staging a musical.

The group’s founder, Jean-Remy Monnay, grew up in Haiti.

His family emigrated to the United States when he was a teen, and he eventually settled in the Capital Region. He brought a deep love of theater, along with the desire to make sure little children of color had other Black faces to look at when they came to the theater.

The performance includes 24 actors who are Black, indigenous, or people of color.

Learn more about how Monnay hopes this performance inspires others to follow their dreams by watching the video of Dan Levy’s story.