It’s been 16 years since Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe presented the musical Once on This Island, and while my memories of that earlier show are vague, it is clear enough that, since then, WBTT has made big strides in terms of its production values.

That earlier production offered talent onstage in the coming-of-age story (a riff on The Little Mermaid) of a young, Black peasant girl in the French Antilles who falls in love with a lighter-skinned, mixed-race aristocrat, Daniel (Jermarcus Riggins), and is willing to die for him. But the production was probably fairly basic, compared to the one now onstage.

It shows in everything: the costumes designed by Suwatana Rockland (especially those of the four gods of the island on which the characters live), the projection designs by Michelle Harvey (which immediately take us to the waves along a beach, a stretch of road, or an upscale hotel), the scenic design by Harlan Penn (which features a center circle that rotates to good effect in more dramatic scenes), the lighting by Michael Pasquini, and more. All enhance the touching tale of Ti Moune (Ilexis Holmes), a charmer from her first number, “Waiting for Life,” which wins the audience over early on.

The production is also a reminder, if we need one, of the musical talents of longtime team Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. Over several decades, they’ve roamed the musical lexicon in terms of style, depending on the story; here, they feel quite at home with the calypso-flavored rhythms of the Caribbean, energetically delivered by the ensemble cast.

That ensemble is important, as they sometimes shift from being “storytellers,” moving the narrative along and explaining background, to portraying specific characters, like Daniel’s forbidding father, Armand, or his betrothed, Andrea. They are also adept at moving to director/choreographer Jim Weaver’s dances, which spring naturally from the island atmosphere and people.

And let’s not forget music director Dan Sander-Wells and his band, who smoothly power the show forward through songs both uplifting and heartbreaking. Nor the gods and their dueling powers: Nate Summers as god of water Agwe, so crucial to islanders’ way of life; Jazzmin Carson as the goddess of love, Erzulie; Lee Hollis Bussie as a truly frightening demon of death, Papa Ge; and, fresh from her off-Broadway debut, Tarra Conner Jones as Asaka, mother of the earth, whose signature tune, “Mama Will Provide” kicks off the second act in rousing fashion.

About that: When originally produced on Broadway and elsewhere, more than 30 years ago, Once on This Island played as a one-act. At WBTT, the story is here divided into two acts—not really necessary from a storytelling point of view, but perhaps a practical matter for cast or audience.

In any case, the show is a vibrant piece of work, showcasing the abilities of WBTT’s cast and backstage crew. It continues through Nov. 19; for tickets, call (941) 366-1505 or visit westcoastblacktheatre.org.