Want to go?
WHAT: “Once”
WHERE: Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton
WHEN: Jan. 19-24; 8 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday
COST: $25-$82
MORE INFO: (937) 228-3630 | Website
The charming tale of a guy and girl unexpectedly falling in love in Dublin serves as the universal foundation of the 2012 Tony Award-winning musical adaptation of "Once," which will be presented Jan. 19-24 at the Schuster Center courtesy of the Victoria Theatre Association's Premier Health Broadway Series.
Here are eight reasons to catch this highly anticipated local premiere.
AN INTIMATE STORY
Sometimes you have to marvel at the scope of musical theater. Eye-catching spectacles are typically the hottest at the box office (“The Phantom of the Opera,” Disney’s “The Lion King” and “Aladdin,” “Les Misérables,” “Miss Saigon,” “Matilda,” and others). Even so, there has always been room for intimate fare resonating on a far more introspective level (“Fun Home,” “Next to Normal,” “Spring Awakening,” “Falsettos,” “The Scottsboro Boys” and “The Light in the Piazza” to name only a few). ‘Once” typifies the latter as a musical proud to boast a character and music-driven simplicity grounded in the attraction of a struggling Dublin street musician (named Guy) and a Czech immigrant (named Girl) connected through a shared love of music. With “Once,” it’s all about the story, characters and emotions. “This story is about a group of musicians, and we let the story unfold as they play their songs and move through this five-day story with each other,” “Once” associate director Shaun Peknic said. “The audience will feel as if they’re peeking over the shoulders of these characters, peering into a window and seeing the lives of Irish and Czech people in Dublin.”
THE GENESIS
The 2007 Academy Award-winning independent film “Once” was written and directed by John Carney, and starred Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, who wrote original music and lyrics. The critically acclaimed film, shot in 17 days, was made for $150,000 and ultimately grossed $20 million worldwide. In the film, Hansard and Irglová’s palpable chemistry inside a music store memorably fueled the emotional impact of their gorgeous, Oscar-winning ballad “Falling Slowly.” But if you haven’t seen the film, don’t worry. The musical is its own entity provides an expanded look into the lives of both characters and those within their respective circles such as parents and bandmates.
THE QUADRUPLE THREAT FACTOR
“Once” is a rare breed in that it requires its cast to act, sing, dance and play an instrument. This feat grew in popularity (and controversy) a decade ago due to British director John Doyle’s acclaimed actor-musician Broadway revivals of Stephen Sondheim’s “Company” and “Sweeney Todd.” So forget triple threats. “Once” impressively taps into the magnetism and artistry of the quadruple threat.
THE CAST
This latest national tour of "Once," featuring a cast of 20, will be led by Sam Cieri and Mackenzie Lesser-Roy. Before making a career in the theater, Cieri, recently seen in "Rock of Ages," performed at The Mirage in Las Vegas as a dueling piano player. Lesser-Roy, a graduate of the Boston Conservatory, has performed numerous roles in regional theater including the Beggar Woman in "Sweeney Todd" and Jenny in "The Threepenny Opera." "This story is about family, but we also form a family with each new touring company we put together," Peknic said.
THE MUSIC
Hansard and Irglová’s music, supervised and orchestrated by Tony winner Martin Lowe, is a fundamental element of the musical’s appeal. “Falling Slowly” is the signature number, but the exuberant Irish energy of such numbers as “When Your Mind’s Made Up” and “The North Strand” is balanced with quieter, reflective tunes such as “Leave,” “Gold,” “Say It To Me Now” and “If You Want Me.”
THE CREATIVE TEAM
“Once” assembles some of the finest artists working in the theater today. Tony- winning Irish playwright/librettist Edna Walsh, adapting Carney’s screenplay, recently wrote the book for David Bowie’s off-Broadway musical “Lazarus.” Tony- winning director John Tiffany will helm “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” in London’s West End this spring. Choreographer Steven Hoggett, five-time Tony-winning scenic and costume designer Bob Crowley, two-time Tony- winning lighting designer Natasha Katz, and Tony-winning sound designer Clive Goodwin add authenticity and evocativeness to the proceedings.
THE PEDIGREE
In addition to winning eight Tonys including Best Musical as well as the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, “Once” was named Best Musical by the New York Drama Critics Circle, Drama Desk, Drama League, Outer Critics Circle, and Lucille Lortel Awards. The show ran for more than 1,100 performances on Broadway and also had international productions in such cities as London, Melbourne and South Korea. The film soundtrack was nominated for two Grammys.
BELLY UP TO THE BAR
Talk about setting the perfect atmosphere. Crowley’s terrific single unit set is actually a working bar. Feel free to arrive at least 30 minutes before curtain for drinks. “It’s a first come, first served opportunity for the audience to come up on stage, have a drink, and check out the view from our Dublin pub,” Peknic said.
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