Acclaimed Broadway musical, Once, is now playing at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre. This production by Darlinghurst Theatre Company was originally scheduled to open in 2021, before it was cancelled due to lockdowns. Now, it’s finally here for a limited season. Based on the film of the same name, Once is the only Broadway show with music to have won an Academy Award, Grammy Award, Olivier Award and Tony Award. The show is on from May 6 to June 4, and tickets are on sale now.
Once
This tender love story features a struggling Irish musician, and a Czech piano player who reminds him how to dream. Set on the streets of Dublin over five precious days, these two characters are stuck in life, and help each other to heal. Toby Francis (Kinky Boots) and Stefanie Caccamo (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) have reprised their lead roles from the 2019 Sydney production. They both do a superb job, sharing moments of vulnerability and humour. Caccamo was particularly wonderful in her stirring rendition of ‘The Hill‘.
The show features an ensemble of stellar performers who play their instruments live on stage. Let the music sweep you away as the performers dance and weave their way around. Anthony Craig as the Bank Manager was a crowd favourite, and Pavan Kumar Hari as Svec and Rupert Reid as Billy were also quite funny. All of the performers, including Jay Laga’aia, Abe Mitchell, Clay Crighton, Ruby Clark, Victoria Falconer, Patrick Schnur and Jennifer Trijo did a fantastic job.
“It asks for so much from its actors,” said director Richard Carroll. “Not only do they need to tell this beautiful story every night with truth, passion and humour – they also need to sing the exceptional songs with all of the same qualities. Plus they are their own band, so every one of them needs to be an exceptional instrumentalist. I am blown away by the capabilities of the cast and creative team with have assembled, and I can’t wait for Melbourne audiences to see them perform.”
The eight-time Tony Award-winning musical features breathtaking tracks like ‘Falling Slowly’ and ‘When Your Mind’s Made Up’. The book was by prolific Irish playwright Enda Walsh, with orchestrations by Martin Lowe, music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová.