Do you remember how you meet that special someone in your life?
My husband and I recently attended “Once” on Broadway at the Aronoff. It was unlike any Broadway play I’ve ever seen before… in a good way. We were not that familiar with the plot of ONCE prior to the play but now I see why audiences LOVE it so much.
ONCE is the celebrated new musical based on the Academy Award-winning film. It tells the story of an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant drawn together by their shared love of music. Over the course of one fateful week, their unexpected friendship and collaboration evolves into a powerful but complicated romance,heightened by the raw emotion of the songs they create together. Brought to the stage by an award-winning team of visionary artists and featuring an ensemble cast of gifted actor/musicians, ONCE is a musical celebration of life and love: thrilling in its originality, daring in its honesty… and unforgettable in every way.
The set and costumes were minimal, which kept our focus on the characters. The music was absolutely incredible with songs that spoke from places of heartbreak and hope. I was excited to learn that the song “Falling Slowly” was from this play. I remember hearing it for the first time as a duet by two American Idol contestants several years ago. It’s such a beautiful song. You will definitely want the soundtrack after watching the play!
The Broadway play is based on the 2007 Academy Award-winning film. The play Once, won eight Tony Awards including Best Musical and won the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.
You will also want to make sure that you arrive a little early to watch the performers playing a few songs on stage before the show begins.
ONCE features the Academy Award-winning music and lyrics of Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, a book by award-winning Irish playwright & screenwriter, Enda Walsh (Penelope, Hunger, The New Electric Ballroom),direction by the acclaimed Scottish director of Black Watch, John Tiffany, movement by Steven Hoggett (BlackWatch, American Idiot) and music supervision and orchestrations by Martin Lowe (Mamma Mia!). The set and costume design are by five time Tony Award winner Bob Crowley (The Coast of Utopia, Mary Poppins), lighting design is by Tony winner Natasha Katz (Aida, The Coast of Utopia), and sound design is by Clive Goodwin.
The 2007 Academy Award-winning film, ONCE, was written and directed by John Carney, and starred GlenHansard and Markéta Irglová, with original music and lyrics by Mr. Hansard and Ms. Irglová.
The Oscar winning independent Irish film, ONCE was made for $150,000. Shot in 17 days, it went on to gross$20M worldwide becoming a critically acclaimed international smash. It stars Glen Hansard, from the popularIrish Rock band The Frames, and Markéta Irglová. Glen and Markéta won the 2007 Academy Award for BestOriginal song for “Falling Slowly,” the Los Angeles Film Critics Award for Best Music, and the soundtrack was nominated for two Grammy Awards.
ONCE was originally developed at the American Repertory Theater (Cambridge, Massachusetts) in April 2011;Diane Paulus, Artistic Director; Diane Borger, Producer.
The Oscar winning independent Irish film, ONCE was made for $150,000. Shot in 17 days, it went on to gross$20M worldwide becoming a critically acclaimed international smash. It stars Glen Hansard, from the popularIrish Rock band The Frames, and Markéta Irglová. Glen and Markéta won the 2007 Academy Award for BestOriginal song for “Falling Slowly,” the Los Angeles Film Critics Award for Best Music, and the soundtrack was nominated for two Grammy Awards.
ONCE was originally developed at the American Repertory Theater (Cambridge, Massachusetts) in April 2011;Diane Paulus, Artistic Director; Diane Borger, Producer.
ONCE will play the Aronoff Center from November 11 – 23
ONCE will play the Aronoff Center from November 11 – 23:
Tuesday – Thursday at 7:30PM,
Friday at 8:00PM,
Saturday at 2:00PM and 8:00PM
Sunday at 1:00PM and 6:30PM
Tickets for ONCE start at $29.
They are available at the Aronoff Center Box Office downtown at 650 Walnut Street, online at CincinnatiArts.org or by phone at 513.621.ARTS.
For groups of 10 or more, contact the group sales department at 513.369.4363.Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice.
For more information, please visit www.BroadwayInCincinnati.com.
www. once musical.com
*Photo Credit for ONCE on Broadway images- Joan Marcus
Disclosure: I was given tickets for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
