Once is a musical with a book by Enda Walsh, and music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová. Based on the 2007 film of the same name, the musical adaptation of Once premiered at the New York Theatre Workshop in 2011 and then transferred to Broadway the following year. The musical won eight Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Book. It also won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. The film won an Oscar for the Best Song – ‘Falling Slowly’.
Following the Broadway success, Once opened in Dublin, the West End, and then embarked on a US Tour. In 2015, Once made its Australian premiere at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne’s East End Theatre District, a co production with Gordon Frost Organisation and Melbourne Theatre Company, however the production didn’t tour. In 2019 Once made its Sydney debut in a new production by Darlinghurst Theatre Company, later touring to Melbourne.
This latest production of Once is by independent theatre company AG Theatre. Chapel Off Chapel provides a much more intimate space than previous productions, and it works well for this musical.
In the lead up to the original Australian premiere of Once, Glen Hansard came to Australia and described the storyline as “so simple you could fit it on the back of a postage stamp”. In reality, there is so much more depth to consider than it may first seem. Once tells the story of a guy, aptly known simply as Guy, who meets a girl, known as Girl. It’s a unique musical in that the two leads are the only characters without names. Yet, it is in its simplicity that the beauty of Once can be found. The music is soul stirring, the story doesn’t follow the usual romance narrative.
Director Pip Mushin has captured the beauty and the tenderness of this musical, allowing the depth and complexity of this profound musical to unfold. Musical director Timothy John Wilson has brought these beautiful and heart-rending songs to life.
A simple set design by Abbey Stanway is instantly recognisable as an Irish pub, and the use of the bar as a platform is well used to add some height variation to the performances. Without any visual set changes to guide the audience to a new location, it does rely on the audience paying close attention to the dialogue to indicate each new setting. Choreography by Jaimee White captures the movement-based style that transitions each scene, despite the limited performance space.
A stunning lighting design by Ian Scott adds warmth to the show, and the streams of light shining down like sun beams during the performance of ‘Gold’ was absolutely gorgeous and draped the cast in a natural looking radiant golden hue. Sound design by Noah Chrapot was well balanced and the diction of the cast was crisp and clear.
Once is a musical that relies on a cast of quadruple threats who not only sing, act and dance, but also have to play an instrument (or several!) The adult cast of twelve all sing, dance and play an instrument to a quality professional standard.
Leading the cast is Mark Taylor as Guy. I’ve seen the musical version of Once numerous times, and I’ve met Glen Hansard – who wrote the songs and starred in the original film. Mark Taylor is arguably the most authentic version of Guy I’ve seen. If there was ever a role Mark Taylor was born to play, it’s this one. His performance is extraordinary and worth the price of the admission ticket alone. It is apparent that Taylor understands this character. The heartache and despair in Guy is immediately palpable and hooks the audience from the start. It’s worth noting that the guitar Taylor is playing during the performance actually belongs to Glen Hansard.
Sian Fuller is delightful as Girl. Fuller brings a unique interpretation of Girl – more quirky and colourful than the usual straightness of the “always serious” Czech. However, this quirkiness works really well and makes her instantly loveable and endearing.
Frazer Shepherdson is wonderful as Billy, bringing a warmth and charm to the role that makes him likeable. Rose Chambers delivers a strong and passionate performance as Reza.
James Frampton is outstanding as Andrej. His return from his job interview, although a fleeting moment in the show, was surprisingly gut-wrenching. John Yanko (having already starred in Theatrical’s recent production of School of Rock) continues to impress as Svec.
William Lopez is excellent as the Bank Manager. Although he probably sounded a little too good in his rendition of ‘Abandoned in Bandon’ the diction was clear and I heard phrases clearly for the first time!
Bridget a’Beckett delivers a strong performance as Baruska. Misha Gordan is suitably sweet and likeable as the Ex-Girlfriend, making the ending feel right. Don Bridges is charming as Da.
Rounding out this exceptional cast of quadruple threats are Felix Star as Eamon and Kye Tamm as Emcee. Three young girls share the role of Ivanka: Lila Colombi, Emeryson Orchard and Imogen Young.
AG Theatre’s production of Once remains true to the original script – and that’s really the only flaw. Some productions, including the Australian premiere, deviated from the original script just enough to deliver a much stronger and more profound ending. From the start, Girl makes it very clear that you must always say hello to the piano before playing it. Previous productions have ended the show with Girl picking up a card, reading it and then saying hello to the piano in the final scene. It’s incredibly powerful and reduces many an audience member to tears in that moment. The original script, however doesn’t give the space for this to happen, rushes the ending and results in a response from Girl that feels almost wrong for her character, and doesn’t land the same emotional punch. This is a flaw in the script that some productions have chosen to move away from.
AG Theatre’s production of Once is beautifully staged and showcases the talent of an extraordinary group of performers who could easily belong on any commercial stage in Melbourne.
Once is now playing at Chapel Off Chapel until June 6th. with some performances already sold out.
Photo credit: Natalie Edge
