Theatre Review: "Once" at the Orpheum Theater

When it comes to Broadway musicals, people often expect something big. Stunning scenic effects, massive production numbers, solo vocal pyrotechnics reverberating to the balconies.

But then along comes Once.  A single, well-appointed, fundamental set. Folky stylized dance numbers.  Intimate songs. Elemental dialogue. By contrast, modest in every respect. It opened in New York in 2011 already well sold, being a staged remake of a much-admired, much awarded 2006 movie. More praise. More awards. Eight Tonys.

It’s easy to see why there’s been such acclaim when you attend a performance by the national touring company production in its short stay at the Orpheum here in Omaha. The tender story comes endowed with wonderful songs and dynamic staging. Yes. Dynamic. Calling it intimate and modest does not imply bare-bones simple.

The 12 cast members emphatically, compellingly stomp, swirl, and whirl. They sing to perfection, sometimes solo, sometimes duets, sometimes in ensembles. And collectively they play seven guitars, two eloquent violins, cello, piano, and other strings such as ukulele, banjo, mandolin and several. Plus several pieces of percussion. That doesn’t mean showing off virtuosity. It means a well-tuned  ensemble.

They serve the story. Not a complex one. An appealing one. Front and center are two characters generically called Guy and Girl. Within the framework of what looks like a Dublin pub, you see and hear how they came together and where they went. He’s a single obscure Irishman who sings and plays guitar in his owns songs and earns a few Euros repairing vacuum cleaners (generically called “Hoovers” in that part of the world.)  She’s Czech, sometime plays piano, takes odd jobs, sustains and tends her mom and little daughter while separated from her husband. Girl sees that Guy has true talent and does all she can to encourage him to pursue a career, even when she loves him which could mean they’ll separate.  

That part of the story comes across touchingly clear. But I found that much of the time I could not understand the more complex and amusing parts of the dialogue due to the Irish accents and the Czech-like ones. On opening night it was clear, due to laughter in many parts of the theatre, that quite a lot of people present had no such problem. FYI: There’s profanity.

Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová wrote most of the songs which range from intense, to wistful, to reflective and, at times, to passionate. Among them is the beautiful and famed “Falling Slowly” the Oscar winner for Best Original Song in 2008. A Grammy winner too. There is also the sweet “Gold,” made so endearing in choral a cappella singing in the second act. It’s by Irishman Fergus O’Farrell, who gets no mention in the program book.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glen_Hansard--

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark%C3%A9ta_Irglov%C3%A1

http://www.rte.ie/radio1/doconone/2013/0211/647350-radio-documentary-fergus-ofarrell-interference-muscular-dystrophy/

Stuart Ward as Guy makes the best and most of every song as does Dani de Waal as Girl. As for characterizations, they project sincere truth. But the superb ensemble singing, playing, dancing   leaves the most indelible impression.

Bob Crowley’s wonderful set adds to the magic. With its myriad mirrors and lights along the walls, you feel as if you are in a special place. Of course, you are. This once.

Once continues through May 17 at the Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16^th St. Thurs. 7:30 p.m. Fri: 8 p.m. Sat: 2 & 8 p.m. Sun: 1:30 & 7:30 p.m.  Tickets: $62-$524. www.omahaperformingarts.org