[NEohioPAL] Review of "Once" at PlayhouseSquare

[Bob Abelman]

'Once,' at PlayhouseSquare, is not your grandfather's musical 

 

Bob Abelman

News-Herald, Morning Journal, Chagrin Valley Times, Solon Times,

Geauga Times Courier

Member, International Association of Theatre Critics 

 

This review will appear in the News-Herald on 11/15/13

 



The Irish don't own melancholy, but they have certainly raised it to an art form.  The 2012 Tony Award-winning musical "Once," on tour and currently on stage at PlayhouseSquare, is perhaps the latest and greatest testament to this. 

 

The screen-to-stage story that drives this play, written by Irish playwright Enda Walsh for a 2007 Indie movie with music and lyrics by the team of Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, revolves around a disheartened, disenfranchised young street musician.  His condition is so typical of Irish-born dreamers - most dreamers, really - that he is simply referred to as "Guy."  

 

He has become stopped up with grief over the loss of a girl, the lack of commercial prospects for his folk-rock songwriting, and the isolation of living with his Da above their tiny repair shop on an island.  "Once" opens with Guy playing one of his gorgeous, angst-filled anthems in a half-empty Dublin pub.  He throws away his pick when the song is through and walks away from his guitar and his music forever.   

 

It doesn't get more melancholy than that.

 

Before he walks out the door he is stopped by an optimistic, energetic Czech immigrant simply referred to as "Girl."  She keeps him from wallowing in his misery, selflessly gets his life back on track by reinstating his passion for music, and helps record his songs so they can be heard by others.  She is married and has a young daughter, but is estranged from her husband and in as much need for love as Guy.  They are, in fact, deeply in love with each other but know that they can never act on it.  

 

What makes "Once" more than just another romantic tale of despondency and unrequited love is the absolutely charming way the story is told and the unparalleled quality of the storytellers.

 

Previous press has referred to the cast as "actor-musicians," since they accompany themselves during musical numbers.  But they are master musicians first and foremost, as well as brilliant, natural actors.  This brings a palatable sense of musicality to the production, even between musical numbers, and the omnipresence of string instruments on stage waiting, no, wanting to be played, adds to the ambiance. 

 

Lyrical words ride on charming melodies in the place of stagey show tunes and spring organically from the dialogue, as if they are natural extensions of the emotions being spoken.  

 

Characters overhearing these conversations are so moved by them that they impulsively join in on the harmonies and instrumentation, as if they can't contain their own emotions.  Audience members would most assuredly do the same if they knew the lyrics and had a guitar handy.

 

Movement replaces choreography in this production, which also evolves organically from the music.  Bodies sway as limbs lean and lead the performer into dance, as if gently pulled by unseen forces.  

 

Clearly, this is not your grandfather's musical, though your grandfather would surely love this enchanting production tenderly pieced together by director John Tiffany, choreographer Steven Hoggett, and scenic and costume designer Bob Crowley.  Natasha Katz's isolating lighting allows the players to appear to be in different locations without ever leaving the pub.

 

All 12 performers in this cast are interesting, full of energy and on top of their game, bolstered by the material they are privileged to perform and performing early in the run of their national tour. 

 

Still, Stuart Ward and Dani de Waal, as the would-be lovers, stand out.  They are so endearing and so in-sync with each other that the show soars when they are on stage together and takes your breath away when they sing.

 

Simple.  Sentimental.  Stellar.  This is a show to see. 

 

"Once" continues through November 24 at PlayhouseSquare's Palace Theatre.  For tickets, which range from $10 to $95, visit www.playhousesquare.com.
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.neohiopal.org/pipermail/neohiopal-neohiopal.org/attachments/20131115/60742010/attachment.htm>