Once The Musical

Based on an indie movie released in 2006 with the same title, Once is a beautifully written emotionally-​charged production with well-​composed music and strong actors. Cristin Milioti’s performance and voice were especially memorable.
The stage director did a good job with placement and a minimal amount of props compared to some of the popular long-​running productions with more of a mainstream appeal. The lighting was lovely and played a huge role in setting the ambiance across multiple scenes.
I did find the ending a bit too abrupt, but it’s likely that was the effect they were going for.
BONUS: The band plays music before the show. I arrived late so I missed it, boo. During intermission, the stage turns into a bar.

I’ve never seen the movie, so this review is absolutely just for the show. I’ve heard such great things about Once from family friends and others who have seen it.
If you show up earlier than the show time, you can enjoy the band playing and singing music unrelated to the show. Unfortunately for me and my parents, we got there a little before the show was about to commence, so we only got to enjoy this for a few minutes.
Once definitely has a unique type of set up. There is no orchestra per say, but rather the band is on stage, and they all interact with one another. This truly was refreshing to me and was one of the aspects that I liked. I love when plays and musicals do something out of the ordinary. Although at some points, it was hard to hear what they were saying, the music was beautiful. It’s been a while since I have gone to a show where I enjoyed myself. The cast was great, set was unique and interesting, the music was awesome, and I enjoyed the story line. Overall, my family and I had an enjoyable night here at the theater. Our only complaint was that it is winter, why was the AC on full blast?

** 2,900^th review **
Had to save this landmark review for something really special.
Once was seriously a wonderful musical. No, it’s nothing like the movie. (Thank goodness!) The characters a lot more authentic, and even the side characters had interesting stories that you wanted to invest in.
You’ll laugh. You [might] cry. The songs will be in your head when you leave the theater and ever more.
The stage is simple, which lends to its charm and how it draws you in. There are one-​liner, funny quips and also really profound messages that aren’t overdone and aren’t too cheesy.
This musical has the right amount of cheese.
One pro-​tip — we got slightly obstructed seats in the 3^rd row, and it wasn’t that bad. I’d say it was worth it to be that close and see the facial expressions of the actors and actresses.

Enjoyable musical! Wonderful songs, beautiful melodies, and good singing (the male lead has a particularly great voice). This show is different from other Broadway shows.
Once uses simple props, no elaborate stage sets. It relies on the voices, simple acting, and simple storyline.

To be honest, least favorite show that I have ever seen on broadway (and I’ve seen a lot). The music was good, but the show just left a lot to be desired. After I saw the musical, I ended up watching the movie, which I hated for the filming style. The tickets were super cheap though because we did rush. We originally were in a box (partial view), but the staff let us move to better seats. That was nice. It was freezing in here. I had my jacket wrapped around my entire body and my scarf spread out.

Love Love Love! Ten stars!
The music was absolutely amazing. I am still listening to the songs featured in the play. However its closing January 4^th, i advise all to run and get tickets asap. You will not regret.

It’s hard for me not to compare Once The Musical to Once The Movie for two reasons:
1) I’m a big fan of the film, and;
2) I can count the number of Broadway shows I’ve seen on one hand.
Therefore, the whole play angle is not my forte, per se. And it’s the movie that got me interested in seeing the show in the first place. So, I’ll try to avoid the comparisons when I can, otherwise, well, deal with it.
As expected, the music is the absolute star of the show, and must be addressed first and foremost. Hearing these tunes live was an incredibly moving experience. For passionate, folksy, Irish ballad rock, these songs shook the foundation of the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. I felt like the male lead could’ve cracked some cathedral glass with his soaring gruff voice at times, particularly during «Say It To Me Now». Act 1 closer «Gold» was a full-​ensemble crowd-​pleaser, one the most memorable and beautiful pieces I’ve ever seen on stage (and the one featured most prominently in their local TV ads, for good reason). And the freight-​train fervor of «When Your Mind’s Made Up» showcased a super talented cast so in sync with one another musically, you’d think they were a veteran rock band on their twelfth world tour. In fact, the performances here bested the majority of concerts I’ve been to. And I’ve been to a lot of damn concerts.
Now, if you aren’t moved by these stirring songs, you likely have no soul. If you aren’t moved by the occasionally awkward dialogue, I feel you. The opening scene between to the two leads was kinda hokey and had me concerned this was going to be a long night, but they eventually regained themselves. Even the secondary characters they added (again, still comparing to the film) were smart moves, filling out a small story with some big personalities, namely cantankerous barkeep Billy.
I was a fan of how they used the stage, wheeling and rotating only a few props to change the setting in what was essentially a pub set-​up. Even when characters were not in a particular scene, rather than exit, they sat in chairs around the perimeter, acting as an on-​stage, audience-​facing orchestra. The barroom mirrors covering the half-​dome backdrop offered nice angles to the crowd. You have a chance to go up and check it our first-​hand (and even grab a pint!) during intermission, or prior to start. Note, the pre-​show leads directly into the real show, so come early if you can.
I still hold Once the Movie in pretty high regard, and there’s something to be said about it being the original version of this Guy meets Girl sorta-​love story. But the on-​stage adaptation here is impressive and worth your time and money, if only to see these outstanding tunes performed live. You can watch the indie flick anytime (and you should), but if you’re in New York, I suggest treating yourself to this pub concert-​cum-​Broadway play while you still can.

Wow. This show is unlike any other show I’ve ever seen. It truly is a new kind of musical in many ways and it’s Tony Award was well deserved. This isn’t a jukebox musical and doesn’t have any elaborate special effects or other gimmicks. It simply has truly moving music and exceptional story telling through emotionally engaging characters.
If you get there early enough you can order a drink on the stage where some of the actors are playing instruments, but be sure to bring cash as that bar doesn’t accept credit cards (the traditional bars in the back of the theater do, though). They also allow audience members on stage during intermission.
I’ve seen many many shows throughout the years but never one like Once. I’d already downloaded half of the soundtrack before I even left New York. If you truly love theater — not just the over the top theatrics found in many shows — check this show out, at least Once.

Once was once too many.
For us, nothing special about the show, perhaps only the Pre-​Show, where audience members get to stroll around the stage in an informal way while cast members play instruments and sing some fun songs.
There was nothing special, thrilling or sweeping (musically or otherwise) to support what we learned was a Tony Award winning musical.
We actually almost nodded out several times during the less-​than-​packed show. We’re left scratching our heads wondering how a show like this can be side-​by-​side with some of the best musicals ever.
Don’t bother.

Can someone please help me understand how Once won the Tony for Best Musical a few years back?
I have seen 26 shows on Broadway… and I would have to say that Once falls into the bottom 5. It wasn’t horrible. No Broadway show is truly horrible. But I just don’t think it is worth spending a lot of money on. Apparently a lot of people agree with me because when i saw it, the audience was half empty. (I luckily did not spend a lot of money on tickets because I got Rush tickets, which were only $ 40 each.)
Basically, the show was very lack-​luster. It did not have much of a plot, which I think was intentional to be «artsy» and «deep.» But honestly, I don’t think it worked. Also, the characters were not very likeble; it was hard to really feel connected to them. The best part of the show was when they sang the famous song from it, Falling Slowly (you may know it as «Take this sinking boat…»).
I had heard that they try to make the theater like a real pub because the show is set mostly in a pub in Dublin. To accomplish this, they let people up on the stage before the show. But the people working at the theater were so strict and controlling when we were up there (dictating exactly where we stood and such), that it really was not a fun experience.
If you really want to see a Broadway show, I would recommend Gentlemen’s Guide, Jersey Boys, Book of Mormon, Wicked, and others instead of Once.

Love love love love it!
Granted it’d never beat Wicked as #1 musical in my heart, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The Boyfriend, who isn’t really into folksy love stories (actually neither am I, neither of us watched the movie), really loved it as well. We both really liked the music.
I agree with a lot of the reviews below me, the two leads didn’t really have that great chemistry. You don’t really believe that they’re in love that much. But we absolutely loved everyone else in the music. Guy’s father was super adorable and so enthusiastic about his performance. Girl’s friends were also hilarious and you can really relate to them.
We had side seats in the front orchestra so during some parts we couldn’t see the leads cause they were covered by the back of another actor but in general, I didn’t have any complaints.
The theatre is super small so I can’t imagine that there could be a bad seat.

An amazing display of musical talent that leaves you with a feeling of bewildered excitement for Irish music mixed with Broadway shazam.
Definitely on the top five if not the top two shows on Broadway. A genuine MUST SEE!

We arrived about 15 minutes before the show and the ushers were completely useless and directed us to the wrong row. She glanced at our tickets and just randomly showed us to a row where there were two empty seats in the middle. I wasn’t fully assured that these were the tickets we paid for so I asked the lady next to me to compare our tickets. The lazy useless usher put us in a row that was BEHIND what we had paid for. I quickly apologized to the people around us so we could climb back out and forced the usher to reseat a family who insisted that they were in the right seats since they «wanted to sit together.» Oh HELL NOES. Go back to the seats that you paid for and stop trying to steal my seats!!!
Aside from the two lazy ushers, the show was pretty good. Music was done well and the set design was minimalistic. Definitely appreciated that the performers had to be musicians, be able to sing, and somewhat act!

I find it odd that some shows (I assume the more popular ones?) have their own listing, while others are clumped together under the theater that houses them. I guess «Once the Musical» is awesome enough to have it’s own entry on Unilocal,so yay «Once!»
Before the show & during intermission, the stage is a bonafide bar. All you lushes, we know who you are — you’re up front & center!
I love that «Once» doesn’t have your typical fairytale ending. The people who should end up together don’t. This is real life, & in real life there is heartbreak. Shit is real up in this musical.
The actors are triple threats; they play their own instruments, dance, & act well.
The music is emotional & melancholy, but hauntingly beautiful.
Show’s been running for some time, so consider TKTS (& its long line) for discounted tickets before buying direct from the theater.
I resisted seeing this musical for a long time; a love story set in Dublin where the actors play sad music with their own instruments didn’t appeal to me, but I’m glad I put my reservations aside because it is an engrossing story with a smart script. The folksy-​type music only detracts from the positive attributes a little.

This is a rather unique and unconventional musical, but it succeeds on every level. There is no orchestra beneath the stage playing the music, instead the cast is responsible for acting, singing and playing the score. The actors are immensely talented and they all carry an instrument with them at all times during the show.
Before the show you can join them on stage (if you show up early enough) and enjoy some drinks and a short live performance. This is a great experience and I’d recommend getting to the theater 30 minutes early for the pre-​show. Up close you can see just how amazing the actors are at their craft. How often do you get the chance to be ON STAGE with the cast of a Broadway show?
I don’t want to spoil any part of the plot, but I’ll just say that the story is moving and captivating. The theme song (Falling Slowly) is beautifully rendered by the two main characters. My only regret is I wish I had seen the original cast with Cristin Milioti. Once is one of the better shows on Broadway at the moment, so stop reading this and go see it!

When in New York… gotta catch a Broadway! Once The Musical is such a beautifully produced musical that was worthwhile and I enjoyed every minute of it. I sat in the lower level of the Opera section and thought any seating would have a good view since the theater was considerably smaller than other shows I have seen. Sure there are other bigger Broadway shows to see, but Once is just just as good. You’ll find yourself enjoying the show with its comedy and romance to the drama as well as their spectacular musical performances. I highly recommend checking out Once the Musical. I loved it so much that I have their songs playing on You Tube.

This was my first time at this particular theater and I was surprised how intimate and cozy it was. The stage was literally right there after you enter. Once was a great show! I loved all the songs! The performers were very entertaining and I’d definitely recommend this show to family and friends.

This is the first Broadway show I have been to where you are invited on stage to get a drink! This warm welcome translates into the rest of the show and I really felt like I was sitting on a cozy couch on a cold Ireland evening listening to an epic old love story.
All I could think the entire time of the show was «Where did they find people who can sing, act and play instruments oh and are beautiful!» The only thing NOT to like about this show is that you feel like you are a total goon compared to the talent on stage.
The set was perfect for the story being told and there were plenty of moments to laugh and cry. I would see this show again and again.

Unfortunately, Steve Kazee was not performing the day I went and we got an understudy. Maybe, if it were Steve, I’d give it 3.5−4 stars.
I understand why people would be upset. This is definitely a lower budget musical compared to the others on Broadway. There’s not really much choreo. It’s more about the music and the story.
So if we talk about that:
1. The Music — It was good but mostly taken from the movie, so I was not very impressed. However, the singers are definitely more talented, especially Cristin Milioti in «If You Want Me» and «The Hill». I was a little disappointed with the understudy for the guy role, but what can you do.
2. The Story — No. Just no. The movie’s struggles and the reality of it just didn’t translate well in this production. Instead, they tried to make it quirky and funny and it really didn’t work for them, as the fundamental motivations for the characters are more dark and desperate and sad, as per the songs.
Overall, I was disappointed. The music was good, thank god. But even the music was ripped off mostly from the movie.

Once upon a time, I fell asleep at a Broadway show. It was so boring, and a waste of money since I was asleep, at least the chairs were comfortable.
Once the show started, I realized there was no pit orchestra, just guitars, banjos, violins… its very country-​side like.
Once the cast started talking/​singing, I realized how hard it was to understand heavy Irish accents.
Once, is enough.