Based on the Oscar winning independent Irish film Once is a celebration of love, friendship and music. The movie, shot in 17 days, was made on a budget of $150,000 and went on to gross $20m worldwide becoming a critically acclaimed international success.
John Tiffany’s West End production of the hit musical opened at the Phoenix Theatre in April this year where it has been well received by audiences and critics alike. A stellar cast led by Declan Bennett and Zrinka Cvitešić perform the show on the West End’s only stage bar where audience members can join the cast for the start of the show and at the interval.
Once has a rich history and is years in the making with the original book penned by award-winning Irish playwright and screenwriter Enda Walsh. Based on the 2007 move and directed by John Carney, music and lyrics are by Academy Award winning Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová who each have an Oscar to their name for Best Original Song in Falling Slowly.
Once has become an international smash hit and across the Atlantic it has has similar success. The American Tour begins this autumn as it continues at Bernard B. Jacob’s Theatre on Broadway. Originally developed by the American Repertory Theatre in April 2011, the developmental run of Once at New York Theatre Workshop began performances in November 2011. The production went on to break box office records and concluded a sold out engagement including a two week extension.
Once truly is a Once in a lifetime story and a must see for any theatrelover.