“Once”

[rating=5] There are “musicals” and then again, chamber musicals. Writers Theatre is a perfect venue for “chamber” pieces. It is an intimate space where the audience, no matter where they are seated, has full access to the stage and the performers. Many of us were lucky enough to see the touring production of “Once” as part of the Broadway In Chicago series. Based on the 2007 film written and directed by John Carney, “Once” features the music  and lyrics of Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova with a book by Edna Walsh. It is truly a love story and perfect for this intimate space. Many of us agreed that what we saw on Writer’s stage is far superior to what we saw in Chicago. No fancy set! No bar with lots of bottles! Just a simple story told by a cast that has been keenly directed by Katie Spellman, who also handled the choreography and with music direction by Matt Deitchman.

Guy ( played to perfection by Matt Mueller ) is a young Irish songwriter/singer, who is about to give up his dream since losing the woman that was the reason for all of his music. Singing these songs opens up the wounds of a failed love story. He meets “Girl” ( an amazing performance by Dana Saleh Omar), a Chech woman, impressed by his music, tries to convince him that the songs could win back this woman. As she encourages him to form a band, do a recording and bring his music to life, something happens between them and we are witness to an amazing love affair.

Their lives are complicated. She is a married woman, who’s husband has left and has a daughter , Ivonka ( Viva Boresi is adorable and I am sure that Kajsa Allen is as well). While the story is mostly about their relationship as we watch it from start to finish, the ensemble in this show is an integral part of making the show work. There is no orchestra or band. The actors in the show play every instrument that makes the music reach into our hearts and souls. These are a terrific group of actors/singers/musicians, and they should be a Jeff Award nominee for Ensemble for sure!

While Mueller and Omar are the story, the ensemble composed of Elisa Carlson, Yuchi Chui, Elleon Dobias, Matt Edmonds ( as the Girl’s dad, Billy ,is a stitch), Jordan Golding ( the emcee), Lucas Looch Johnson, Liam Oh, Ron E. Rains, Bethany Thomas and Matt Deitchman. This is the ensemble, and they are magnificent.

The production relies on the cast to make it work. There is no actual set, although Joonhee Park has created the mood thru what we see. Yael Lubetzky’s lighting works and sets moods as needed. Sarah Ramos and Christopher M. LaPorte have made sure that we hear every word either said or sung by this glorious cast. Each word is of great importance .Rachel Wilson handles the props, which in this particular production are in reality the set ,and the costumes by Gregory Graham add a nice touch.

As previously stated this is a “chamber” musical. A simple love story that is impossible not to get caught up in. As we begin to get to know Guy and the Girl, we start to feel the emotions that they feel and if you don’t  see it happening, you are missing the story. It is a beautiful love story and one where we learn that  inspiration and challenge are often obstacles that we must find a way to overcome. This is a wonderful production that has already been extended and could possibly be again, BUT I say don’t wait, Find a way to make this production fit into your schedule.

“Once” will continue at Wrters Theatre thru April 16th with performances as follows:

Wednesday  3 p.m. and  7:30 p.m.

Thursdays  7:30 p.m.

Fridays  7:30 p.m.

Saturdays  3 p.m. and  7:30 p.m.

Sundays  2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

EXTENSION: 3/29 no matinee

                                                                       4/1  no evening show

Tickets range from $35-$90 and are available by calling 847-242-6000 or online at boxoffice@writerstheatre.org

for more information, visit www.writerstheatre.org

Writers Theatre is located at 325 Tudor Court in Glencoe.  Run time 2 hours and 15 minutes including 15 minute intermission.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click “Once”.