Once: A New Musical

So my first night in New York and I just happen to see the show that I think is going to take the Tony for Best New Musical this year.

Once is based on the movie musical of the same name, which tells the story of a Guy who meets a Girl in Dublin and the two make beautiful music together.



I remember when it was out in theatres and I skipped out on work one afternoon to go for an extended lunch break and take in the film. There I was, one of a handful of folks in the afternoon catching a movie, and the film just brought me to tears.

I wasn't sure what to expect or how this would translate to stage at all, but amazingly, it was so simple and beautiful and there was not one dry eye in the house afterwards. It's not all jazz hands big Broadway. It's much more grounded and has a more realistic feel to it that doesn't come off as cheesy. You're involved from the get go, when audience members are invited straight up onto the stage, which is set up like a bar, and you can actually buy a drink from the bar!

Then a few musicians show up and start playing music while you're on the stage! Turns out, all the actors in the show also play all the music, so it's almost like watching a live band tell a story.

If you only get a chance to see one musical in New York right now, (and you can't get into Book of Mormon because it's sold out for infinity), then you NEED to go see Once!!!

SO. AMAZING.