Once is based on the 2006 award-winning film of the same name. Following an Academy Award for Best Music (Original Song) and a Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Song, Enda Walsh transformed “Falling Slowly” and other songs into Once: The Musical. After making its debut on Broadway in 2012, it won 8 Tony Awards and a Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album. With music and lyrics written by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, the musical tells a story about a Dublin-based musician and a Czech immigrant with a broken vacuum cleaner.
In the original film, Glen Hansard plays Guy, a busker who sings heartfelt songs but has nearly decided to give up on his dream of becoming a songwriter. Girl, played by Marketa Irglova, approaches him and tells him he writes beautifully. The two form a friendship and begin to write songs together. Girl pushes Guy to record an album, pulling together a band along the way. Throughout the music, there are themes of heartbreak, pursuing your dreams, love, and hope.
After its debut, critics called Once “a gem of a show”, “a knockout”, and “the sweetest and most romantic show on Broadway.” The New York Times complimented the show as well, saying “Once uses song and dance in a way I’ve never experienced in an American musical.” Enda Walsh described his experience transforming the musical, “I think that the movie is beautiful. For me it also came at a really great time because my own sort of work has been getting darker and darker. I don’t know why, but it was a joy to spend some time on something so sweet – and so uncynical. It’s been extraordinary.”
Please note, in line with current COVID-19 public health guidelines, it is intended to run this show at full capacity, however proof of vaccination or immunity (accompanied by photo ID) must be shown to gain entry, and attendees will be required to wear face coverings for the duration of the performance. This is subject to change, depending on public health advice.