(Cover Photo: The CAST of the musical, "ONCE" by Edna Walsh, Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová from Wilbury Theatre Group in Providence, R.I. now playing through June 23, 2024. Photo Credit: Erin X. Smithers)

By Kevin T. Baldwin

METRMAG Reviewer

# 774-242-6724

“Raise your hopeful voice. You have a choice. You've made it now." 

     - ("Falling Slowly") / Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová 

Wilbury Theatre Group 

Presents the Broadway Musical   

"ONCE" 

Book by Edna Walsh 

Music and Lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová 

Directed by Josh Short

Music Director Milly Massey

Choreographer Ali Kenner Brodsky 

Cast Includes: Nile Scott Hawver* as "Guy," Alison Russo* as "Girl," Actor/Musican Ensemble: Chelsea Aubert, Zan Berry, Jose Docen, Galen Donovan, Grace Graham, Maggie Hall, Leola Hogan, Colette (Coco) Hogue, Teddy Lytle, Vince Petronio, Jason Quinn, Dave Rabinow, Tessa Sacramone, Claudia Traub, Florence Wallis, Am Wyckoff.   

Additional Creative Team:

Assistant Director - Jeffrey Ginsberg; Dialect Coach - Becky Gibel; Costume Designer - Matt Oxley; Sound and Projection Designer - Andy Russ; Scenic Designer - Monica Shinn; Lighting Designer - Alexander P. Sprague; Technical Director - Dave Carney; Stage Manager - Allison Marchetti*; Assistant Stage Manager - Lauren Keiler; Assistant Stage Manager - Kerin Hagan; Costume Assistant - Arianna C. Davey; House Management - Christine Treglia; Volunteer Management - Renee Bessette; Production Photographer - Erin X. Smithers.

*Appears courtesy Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Performances: 

May 23, 2024 through June 23, 2024 

(Contact Box Office for Exact Times)

THE WILBURY THEATRE GROUP, Inside the WaterFire Arts Center, 475 Valley Street, Providence 

TICKETS:            

For tickets and more information, visit https://www.thewilburygroup.org/tickets.html

BUY TICKETS 

COVID 19 PROTOCOLS

Contact Venue for Most Updated COVID-19 Safety Protocols and Information. 

Wilbury Theatre Group presents a dynamic production of the musical "ONCE," not only enjoyable for musical theatre enthusiasts but also for musicians and music enthusiasts, as well. 

The stage musical has its book by Enda Walsh, based on the 2007 film "ONCE" by John Carney.

Like the film, music and lyrics were by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, including the Academy Award-winning “Falling Slowly.” 

The Wilbury Theatre Group production continues the musical's sterling legacy by hitting all the right notes.

"ONCE" premiered in a workshop at the American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge, MA. in 2011, before making its Off-Broadway debut following previews in 2012. 

The production won the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Musical. 

The musical opened on Broadway in 2012, running until 2015 playing a total of 1,167 regular performances and 22 previews. 

"ONCE" would ultimately receive 11 Tony Award nominations, winning eight including Best Musical, Best Actor and Best Book. 

The musical also won the 2012 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical and the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. 

Yet, with all its accolades, "ONCE" is still considered one of those shows that tends to "fly under the radar" having more of a "quiet" cult following rather than instant blockbuster name recognition.

This is truly a shame because this charming, "quiet" story comes to life with a tremendous joyful "noise" which is its stellar score. 

(Photo: Nile Scott Hawver as "Guy" in a moment from the musical, "ONCE" by Edna Walsh, Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová from Wilbury Theatre Group in Providence, R.I. now playing through June 23, 2024. Photo Credit: Erin X. Smithers)

The story of "ONCE" concerns “Guy” (Nile Scott Hawver) a 30-something Dublin busker, recently separated from his girlfriend.   

Hawver is gripping as the distraught Guy who, from the outset for, as the musical begins, Guy mourns a great love lost by singing the heartbreaking song, "Leave." 

Guy is seemingly ready to abandon all hope when enters the “Girl” (Alison Russo) to change the trajectory of Guy’s life forever.

Russo is sheer perfection as the perky, quirky young Czech woman, who slowly begins to share, in bits and pieces, her own story to Guy. 

The Girl aggressively inserts herself into Guy’s life, immediately identifying with his music. 

Without divulging much about herself, at first, the Girl presses Guy on highly personal details as to his inspiration for the music he writes, seemingly recognizing his emotional pain. 

(Photo: Alison Russo as "Girl" in a moment from the musical, "ONCE" by Edna Walsh, Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová from Wilbury Theatre Group in Providence, R.I. now playing through June 23, 2024. Photo Credit: Erin X. Smithers)

To make ends meet, Guy works as a vacuum cleaner repairman in his father's shop and, coincidentally, the Girl just happens to need a vacuum cleaner repaired. 

We then meet “Da” (Vince Petronio), Guy’s father who is instantly charmed by the quirky young Girl. 

The Girl plays piano for Guy, who joins her on guitar as they being to play the song most identified with the show, the superbly rendered “Falling Slowly.” 

Simply said, the song will give one chills as presented, especially as soon as the talented Wilbury Theatre cast of musicians joins in.

The couple begins to write, rehearse and record songs together. 

Together they start a band with a friend of hers, the equally humorous music store owner Billy (Jason Quinn) and a Bank Manager (David Rabinow) on guitars.

Also in the band are fellow Czechs Andrej (Galen Donovan) an employee at a fast food chain who plays guitar, and Svec (Teddy Lytle), a high-strung, over-caffeinated percussionist. 

All of the above supporting performances are equally impressive.

(Photo: Nile Scott Hawver as "Guy" and Alison Russo as "Girl" in a moment from the musical, "ONCE" by Edna Walsh, Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová from Wilbury Theatre Group in Providence, R.I. now playing through June 23, 2024. Photo Credit: Erin X. Smithers)

The Girl introduces Guy to her family, including her eccentric mother, Baruska (Claudia Traub), and young daughter, Ivanka (alternating performances between Leola Hogan and Colette Hogue). 

An integral part of the musical is how the cast also serves as the orchestra and this is also a critical component of the musical’s overall distinctive charm. 

An immersive but minimalist set is used in a theatre in the round style, with only a few set pieces that include a standup piano, bar and some movable furniture pieces. A simple yet effective design.

However, there will be the occasional obstructed views during the show as exiting cast members move to various sides of the house to play their respective instruments or harmonize as needed.

(Photo: The CAST of the musical, "ONCE" by Edna Walsh, Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová from Wilbury Theatre Group in Providence, R.I. now playing through June 23, 2024. Photo Credit: Erin X. Smithers)

The exquisite use of string instruments heightens the overall execution of the score. 

Each song is worth the price of admission thanks to the insightful blocking and collective efforts by director John Short, music director Milly Massey and choreography by Ali Kenner Brodsky. 

Ultimately, though, it is the story of this Guy and Girl which is at the heart of "ONCE" and, thanks to the phenomenal chemistry between Hawver and Russo, from the moment they meet, we instantly begin rooting for them.  

An interesting element comes when, at the end of some musical numbers, just as one wants to applaud, the musical progresses in such a way that it almost seems inappropriate to applaud as the story continues to unfold.

That is almost a shame seeing as almost every single musical number in this show is a winner. 

Additional standout numbers include: “The Moon,” "If You Want Me," the hilarious "Broken Hearted Hoover Fixer Sucker Guy," "Say It to Me Now" the Act One closer, "Gold" and "When Your Mind's Made Up."

"ONCE" continues in Providence through June 23rd and, regardless if you get there by foot, by bike, by car, bus or train, DO NOT MISS OUT on experiencing this fabulous production.

Kicking off the start of the 2024-25 season at Wilbury Theatre Group will be "WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME" by Heidi Schreck.

For tickets and more information, visit https://www.thewilburygroup.org/tickets.html

BUY TICKETS 

Approximately two hours with one intermission.  

Kevin T. Baldwin is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA)

@MetrmagReviews 

@Theatre_Critics 

ABOUT THE SHOW 

This Tony-winning gem of a musical took Broadway by storm with its romantic folk-rock ballads and an ensemble that plays its own instruments. 

Set in contemporary Dublin, a street guitarist is about to give up on his dreams when he meets a curious woman who wants to know all about him. 

Captivated by her optimism, the two embark on a remarkable music-making journey that includes a cadre of unlikely companions -- immigrants, oddballs, and lonely hearts.

Featuring all of the magical songs from the acclaimed film, including the Oscar-winning "Falling Slowly," this achingly beautiful, joyously uplifting show performed by some of the most talented actor/musicians in the area now memorably and intimately re-staged by THE WILBURY THEATRE GROUP, "ONCE" strikes an unforgettable chord in audiences and speaks to the power of music to connect us all. 

ABOUT THE WILBURY THEATRE GROUP

Winner of the 2018 National Theater Company Award from the American Theatre Wing, THE WILBURY THEATRE GROUP is a professional, nonprofit theatre company that engages our community in thought-provoking conversation through new works, reimagined classics and adventurous playmaking. We are idealistic, ambitious, and stubborn in our resolve to create theatre that entertains, enlightens, and inspires.For more information visit thewilburygroup.org