REVIEW: Once
Once is a musical that has won eight Tony awards, including the award for best musical
in 2012. At the end of the performance, the crowd jumped to its feet in a standing
ovation. Based on this information, I expect this review to be a bit controversial because
I frankly don’t understand the hype. I write this feeling rather conflicted: on the one hand, the music and performers are wonderful and really enjoyable, but everything else about the musical I found to be pretty disappointing. Allow me to explain. Once starts off casually, with a Gorbachev-level tearing down of the fourth wall: the audience members are invited to purchase their drinks at a bar set up on the stage(!) Cast members, who all play their own instruments, are interspersed with the crowd as they wait in line for a drink. This endeavors to set Once apart, but the gimmick wears off quickly. Eventually the crowd is shooed off the stage and into their seats. The performance officially begins with the house lights up and gradually transitions to telling the story.
The plot then rockets from “zero to sixty” with little character development to explain what is happening. I found myself wondering why the leading man would spend so much time with a woman that he finds annoying and bothersome. Eventually there are some developments to make the relationship believable, but the romance never gets off the launch pad. The story focuses mostly on this relationship between Guy and Girl (they don’t even get names), but there are a few comedic characters thrown in for, pat and cliche comedic relief. Whether this is meant to be artistic or is somehow related to the semi-autobiographical film upon which the musical is based, it’s hardly a reason to make the musical version such a snooze.
Alright, in spite of this blast of negativity, it really was not a bad musical. The music was fantastic. It’s hard to pick a favorite song, but Gold and Falling Slowly (reprise) stirred up a surprising amount of emotion considering I wasn’t fully engaged with the performance.
Once is at the State Theatre through June 28th.
Box office tickets start at $39.
DEAL ALERT #1: Advance Student/Educator Rush is available for all performances of Once. Policy: 2 tickets per valid ID; $25 per ticket, cash only; available at the State Theatre Box Office during regular business hours; student/educator must be present with valid ID at time of purchase; resale or transfer of rush tickets is strictly prohibited and all tickets are subject to availability.
DEAL ALERT #2: Some discount tickets are available on Goldstar.
