“Once”

Highly Recommended ***** Jim Corti is a genius! There, I said it! Last night, I was witness to his ability to take a wonderful Tony Award winning show to new heights with his production of “Once “, the musical based on the movie written and directed by John Carney.This beautiful “love” story was transferred to the musical stage with a book by Enda Walsh and music & lyrics by Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova. “Once” is indeed a “love story” about two young people. A young song writer,” Guy” ( a powerhouse performance by Barry DeBois) an Irishman, has lost the love of his life. She has fled Ireland for New York and her quest for fame and fortune. He has given up and thinks he has lost the “feeling” that is needed to continue to create his music.

He then meets “Girl” ( the adorable Tiffany Topol) is a Czech piano player working to rebuild life for her and her daughter, since her husband left her. Their paths cross when it turns out that she has a Hoover that is in need of repair and he, as it turns out, is a vacuum repairman. “Girl” works in a music shop/bar where the action takes place. By the way, the audience is invited to come on the stage and be a part of the musical festivities before the show and during intermission. I must note that every person who is in the play, plays some instrument and they are all glorious!

I will not give away any of the great sub-plots that take place during this two-hours-twenty-minutes (including an intermission) of pure magic. I will tell you that this charmer, which was loved by all during its Chicago stay ( the touring company of Broadway In Chicago) is even more loveable under Corti’s eye and heart. Yes, he directs with his heart and soul, giving this charming story an even more intimate feel. When the Girl and Guy meet, we start to see that they have some similar feelings. Girl is special and with the aid of her friends and family, she begins to see that Guy’s music has merit and makes it her mission ( along with the aid of her friends) to get him back on track.

The recent play, ” Bunny,Bunny”, the story of Gilda Radner’s “true love”, made it easier to see the bond that their music made in this wonderful story. Both Guy and Girl are open to caring for each other and each other’s needs. Is it the music that brings them together? Is it their need for one another? Is it just fate that drew them together? These are some of the questions you will be thinking in your head as you watch the tale unfold. Over my years, I have met a great number of people who tell stories about the one person that they met, who for some strange reason changed their path. That person who did something that made a difference in the avenue travelled. That is what this story represents. It seems that all we need is for this to take place- just “Once”!.

The stage is set as it was for the original show (set by Jeffrey D. Kmiec) and the costumes (Theresa Ham) are very authentic looking. The lighting ( Nick Belley) and sound (Adam Rosenthal) along with the props (Amanda Relaford) round out the typical tech aspects of the show and the projections (Mike Tutaj) are well done. The musical direction by Tom Vendafredo is a little different in that every actor/ensemble member plays something and the choreography (William Carlos Angulo) is perfection.

The cast is as good as it gets! Jeanne T. Arrigo, Jenn Chandler, Alex E. Haraway, Nil Kimiecik, Angel Lin, the adorable Everleigh Murphy, Jon Patrick Penick (who will bring some smiles to your face), Cassidy Stirtz, Charlie Strater, Larry Tobias, Grant Alan Watkins, Elisa Carlson, Cory Goodrich, Matt Kahler, Michael Kurowski, Doug Pawlik and Matthew C. Yee. Wow! I will tell you that this is not for the little ones as there is some language not suited for them and there are some situations that are also not for children, but this is a powerful love story (of a different nature) that deserves to be seen, and a theatrical experience that you will be glad you witnessed.

“Once” will continue at the famed Paramount Theatre in Aurora thru June 3rd with performances as follows:

Price: $36 – $64

Show Type: Musical

Box Office: 630-896-6666

www.paramountaurora.com/

The theater is located at 23 East Galena Blvd. in the heart of Downtown Aurora. There is valet parking and street parking as well as some garages. I never have a problem finding a space. Come early and enjoy the areas fine dining spots or the casino, only a block away.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Once”. If you saw the touring show and figured to pass on this one, I suggest you change your mind. “Once” is a play that should be seen more than once and this particular version makes it even better than the first!