ONCE has found its way back on the stage with an electric performance at the Cadillac Palace. With eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical and winner of the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, ONCE brought wit, attitude, and energy to Chicago.
ONCE tells the tale of life and love and the power of music. When a heartbroken, Irish musician meets a spunky, Czech immigrant, his world gets flipped around. The “Guy”, Stuart Ward, tells himself he is no Bono, and that pursuing a music career is pointless. The “Girl”, Dani de Waal, tells him that his talent will send him far and wide. Both connect through their love of music, which develops into a deep friendship. They write songs together, she instills confidence in him, and he falls head over heels for her. Quickly, their situation becomes complicated, and their modern romance is cut short when reality steps in.
ONCE is unlike your average musical. The instruments were on stage, rather than being in the pit. An ensemble cast of actors and musicians seamlessly transitioned into each scene. Their timing and demeanor impeccable. The set barely changed, only when a Hoover or piano rolled out on stage. Each actor remained on the wings of the stage (instead of going backstage), instruments in hand, as if they were football players waiting on the sidelines at their big game.
The Guy and the Girl (Ward and Waal) battled against each other with playful banter and sang inspiring duets together. Both of their voices blended into harmonious perfection, add the piano, and it was just beautiful. The 2007 Academy Award for Best Original song for “Falling Slowly” (starring Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová) was from the hit soundtrack. Whether it was sung as a duet, or with all cast members, it filled the entire theatre with energy. The “Falling Slowly” opening line “I don’t know you, but I want to” sums up the Guy and the Girl’s strong feelings for each other, and by the end of the story, both know each other too well.
The Cadillac Palace stage transformed into an Irish pub, complete with the mismatched wooden chairs, a bar, and rusty mirrors which covered the walls of the pub. As a surprising bonus, the audience is invited on stage to interact with the actors and musicians, and to grab a drink at the pub, before settling into their seats.
ONCE is filled to the brim with humor and raw emotion. It’ll have you laughing one minute, only to bring you to tears the next. For people who haven’t researched the ending, it is somewhat left for interpretation. Although, it is not a typical romantic ending, it is realistic. ONCE is sweet, raw, and powerful. Recommended for romantics, realists, musicians, comedians, or all of the above.
Individual tickets for ONCE at the Cadillac Palace Theatre range from $30- $95. Group sales: (312) 977-1710. The Broadway In Chicago Ticket Lane at (800) 775-2000. For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.
