Come Down from the Tree - A Response from Stephen Flaherty
Dear Readers:
I recieved several questions and comments about the song "Come Down from the Tree" and where it figured into the original plan for Once on this Island. In an effort to get to the bottom of this, I emailed composer Stephen Flaherty and he generously shared this response:
“The song, based on a scene in the novel by Rosa Guy upon which OOTI is based, was sung by the character of Ti Moune in the workshop production. It was placed after MAMA WILL PROVIDE and before SOME SAY. Ti Moune finds an orphaned girl in a tree and sends the girl back to her village to take her place. Though lovely, the song delayed TiMoune’s journey and arrival on the other side of the island. The song was cut before the show’s off-Broadway premiere but has since been recorded by Lillias White and Audra McDonald.
Hope this helps! ”
So there you have it, folks!
