‘Once’ more, with feeling

Broadway adaptation of indie romance moves at the speed of love

Posted

Due to a reporting error, actor Alex Nee wasn't correctly identified in the role of Guy. This story was updated on Oct. 15 to reflect that change. 

In the universe of “Once,” music is both the lubricant that keeps souls from chafing and the fuel that keeps hearts pounding. Several times in the script, a character turns to another after a song and says something to the effect of, “That was a-MAZ-ing.” Really, there was nothing else to say — and this play won the Tony for Best Book in 2012.

It also won for Best Musical, as well as the Drama Desk award for Outstanding Musical and a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album, and all praise is merited. “Once” feels like the rush of a first crush infused with the wisdom of a heart that knows what it’s like to be wounded. These characters are so alive, so vibrant, so memorable that you don’t even realize our lovebirds don’t have names until you look at the program.

One night in a Dublin pub, a Guy (played by Alex Nee opening night) in the depths of a devastating breakup plays what he swears is his final music set ever. He’s in too much pain — the music re-breaks his heart every time he plays. But Girl (Dani de Waal) hears him play and locks onto his raw musical talent. She woos him out of his death-spiral and then pulls song after achingly gorgeous song out of him as he recovers.

But then just when you think you know where it’s going — you’ve probably even seen the Academy Award-winning movie it’s based on — “Once” does something incredible that shakes the foundations of theater down to its core. Fueled by the music they start to make together, Guy and Girl fall in love right in front of our eyes. Honest to goodness, you can practically hear their hearts begin to hammer in unison. It’s the best special effect you’ll ever see: You really believe you see love be born.

The music is sustained by a surprisingly traditional plot, which has been injected with moments of slapstick-lite levity that arrives like clockwork, but weave themselves seamlessly into the action. The karate antics of overprotective, love-struck Billy (Evan Harrington) and the wincingly bad, delightfully off-key singing of the Bank Manager (Benjamin Magnuson) keep the humor real. Characters begin to emerge from beneath the caricatures, and digital special effects are utilized to maximum efficacy. Dance numbers emerge from the songs like the aroma of a bouquet.

The minimalist set doubles as a working bar before the show and at intermission. Audience members are invited on stage to belly up to the bar for a pint (well, a plastic cup of NA beer) or a (non-hard) cider.

More than anything, what you take away from “Once” is the lofty idealism that it’s not too late — it’s never too late — to get cracking on accomplishing your dream. Wallowing in pity? Can’t see beyond your recent jam? You’re only wasting time. Get out there and make some music.

“Once”

Wharton Center Cobb Great Hall 7:30 tonight & Thursday, Oct. 16; 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17; 3 p.m. & 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18; 1 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19 $34-$69 750 E. Shaw Lane, East Lansing (800) WHARTON, whartoncenter.com

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here




Connect with us