Theatre Now Sydney Review: Once

Alana’s Score: 4.5 Guitars

How many instruments does it take to make an incredible musical for people who don’t like musicals? 43 apparently, according to the program…

Once at Darlinghurst Theatre is one of the highlights of theatre this year. Heart-warming, uplifting, invigorating and beautiful, you’ll want to try and score yourself a ticket.

Based on the delightful film by John Carney and adapted for the stage by Enda Walsh, Once is set in Dublin and tells the story of The Guy, a heartbroken busker on the precipice of giving up music, who meets The Girl, a passionate onlooker with her broken vacuum cleaner in tow. Together, they reignite each other through music… but will they make it through unburnt?

You can see why they call it the musical for non-musical lovers, and in the fantastic Darlo space it is beautifully, simply, intimately brought to life.

Hugh O’Connor’s set evokes the welcoming warmth of a classic Irish pub. And, like many pubs these days, the space offers versatility to be more than just a watering hole. It feels spacious yet homely, which is perfect.

Director Richard Carroll has assembled a sickeningly talented team for this production. Musical Director Victoria Falconer (who also doubles as sultry Reza) oversees a phenomenal ensemble – the music and musicianship are truly incredible, with the whole cast singing and playing the various aforementioned 43 instruments to complement and underscore the main action. The songs of Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová are beautifully brought to life by these multi-talented performers. 

Toby Francis is The Guy, in a pleasing role that sees him embrace his vulnerability without losing any of his vocal power. His shaggy beard and sombre demeanour could render him almost unrecognisable to those who’ve seen him in much higher-energy roles, but those powerhouse vocals remind us why he’s a force to be reckoned with.

As The Girl, Stefanie Caccamo is magnetic. She’s a firecracker right from the start, with a charming strength and fantastic comic timing. But it’s her vocals that astonish – in “If You Want Me” and “The Hill” she is utterly captivating. Singing together with Francis, “Falling Slowly” is achingly lovely.

Smaller roles of note are Drew Livingston as the musically enthusiastic Bank Manager, Rupert Reid as endearing Billy, and Joe Accaria as weird but harmless Svec. Some other performances verge on being too much, but in the gypsy, folksy spirit of the show they just manage to slide. Just.

For anyone who appreciates music and musical skills, this is a must-see. Alec Steedman plays the violin on roller-skates, for goodness’ sake! And if you’re someone who doesn’t like musicals, give this one a go. I could have watched it all over again as soon as the house lights came up.

Playing at the Eternity Playhouse, Darlinghurst Theatre until 21^st July.

Alana Kaye – Theatre Now

Photos by Robert Catto

 

 

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Guy meets Girl in this smash-hit Broadway musical.

Once is a tender love story of a struggling Irish musician on the verge of giving up and a piano-playing Czech immigrant who reminds him how to dream.

Featuring an outstanding ensemble of performers playing instrumentals live on stage. Once is a modern-day musical that reminds us of the power of music to connect us all.

With songs from the critically-acclaimed film, including the Oscar-winning song Falling Slowly, this spell-binding score will have you holding your breath from beginning to end.

By arrangement with Music Theatre International (Australasia).

“When the violins begin to play – and the accordion and the mandolin and the guitars and the cello – the instruments swell into a collection of distinctive voices melded into a single, universal feeling… Once massages that feeling until it hurts quite exquisitely.
– The New York Times

Original and unforgettable, Once draws you in from the very first note, grabs you by the heart strings and never lets go.

Director Richard Carroll
Movement Director Amy Campbell
Musical Director Victoria Falconer-Pritchard
Production Designer Hugh O’Connor
Lighting Designer Peter Rubie
Sound Engingeer Dylan Robinson
Stage Manager Gayda de Mesa
Voice & Dialect Coach Linda Nicholls-Gidley

Starring: Joe Accaria, Stefanie Caccamo, Cameron Daddo, Brenden Dodds, Victoria Falconer-Pritchard, Toby Francis, Conrad Hamill, Drew Livingston, Rupert Reid, Alec Steedman & Joanna Weinberg.

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Ticket Prices
Standard: $76
Senior: $68
Concession*: $58
Industry/Under 30**: $58
Groups 8+: $68
Preview: $58

No booking or transaction fees.
$4 per ticket exchange fee for non-Subscribers

*Proof of concession required at Box Office
**Available Tue, Wed & Thu only

 

 

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