Musical Review: ONCE

Broken hearts and the possibility of second chances linger in the air in Once, a musical poem to Dublin and its struggling buskers.

Dealing with heartbreaks due to losing his mom and breaking up with his girlfriend, Guy (Morgan Hollingsworth) holds on to his fading dreams by playing music in the streets of Dublin. Girl (Emma Laird) listens to his music and gets hooked. As both are in desperate need of human connection, music becomes the spark that links their hearts. But John Carney avoids predictability. Even though the characters develop feelings for each other, destiny has other plans.

Guy’s girlfriend moved to New York and has a new man in her life. Girl has a daughter living with her in Dublin, and a husband in the Czech Republic. But music is powerful, and the mutual appreciation of this art form starts to shape a strong bond between Guy and Girl. Despite the lack of physical contact between them, their music and lyrics awaken the mythical and compelling Irish Romance.

In this subtle imprint of passion in Carney’s writing, Director James Michael McHale, Hollingsworth, and Laird are able to display the fire of love in a subdued manner, never over sentimental, but always magnetic and magic, in a raw manifestation of basic human need. Hollingsworth and Laird effectively capture the characters’ loneliness and their search for a second chance in life.

Hollingsworth has the ability to create that mesmerizing aura reserved for actors who can also sing, displaying the rich spectrum of emotions and hardships of Dublin buskers. He has enough feeling to move the audience with his voice, like a modern day medieval troubadour. Laird also shows her musical talents as the Czech pianist-singer who starts to fall for her soulmate, one song at a time, in a silent heartache. She’s fascinating in “If You Want Me”, crafting a sensual and atmospheric melody that illustrates the deep sensibility of her character.

The secondary characters offer a significant contribution to the success of this production as well. Will Huse as Billy and Mike Bradecich as Bank Manager are highlights that bring the comedic relief to balance out the gritty aspects of the story. These characters make the production more dynamic by adding a great dose of quirkiness to the action and dialogue.

The somber background of the city is synthesized by the desaturated colors of the set and the low key lighting used throughout most of the play. McHale does a great job resembling the mood board of the movie, which had a documentary-style look that was part of the raw, realistic appeal of the story.

The movie captivated audiences worldwide a few years ago with the simple but honest depiction of love and music. Likewise, McHale infuses ONCE with charm and wit, honoring this authentic poem to Dublin and the extraordinary power of music. The selection of each member of the cast elevates the value of this musical; all of the performers can really sing and play instruments. The timing for comedy of the supporting cast and the dramatic skills of Hollingsworth and Laird add a new dimension to the script. With this production, The Chance Theater continues to show its place as a premiere stage for vibrant and appealing live performances, a true paradise for theatre lovers.

ONCE

Book by Enda Walsh
Music & Lyrics by Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová
Based on the Movie Written & Directed by John Carney
Directed & Choreographed by James Michael McHale
Music Directed by Lex Leigh

Tickets: chancetheater.com

Cast: Morgan Hollingsworth plays Guy, Emma Laird plays Girl, Will Huse plays Billy, Leota Rhodes plays Reza and Ex-Gf, Jennifer Richardson plays Baruska, Mike Bradecich plays Bank Manager, Lex Leigh plays Da, Austin Ledger plays Svec, Jonah Meyer plays Andrej, and Joseph Dailey plays Eamon and Emcee.

Creative team: scenic designer Bradley Kaye, costume designer Sara Egger, lighting designer Jacqueline Malenke, sound designer and engineer James Markoski, projection designer Nick Santiago.