Once

        When fan favorite Newsies was beat out by Once at the 2012 Tony Awards ceremony for Best Musical, I have to admit that I was one of those people crying foul. At the time, I had only seen Newsies, but based on what I'd seen from Once I could not fathom how it could have beaten out those heart rending street urchins singing and dancing their brains out every night. Just two weeks ago I saw Once for the first time, and now I can safely say that Newsies should have won Best Musical.

       The above paragraph probably makes it sound as though I didn't like Once. I actually loved it. I thought that it was wonderful. The book by Enda Walsh based on the screenplay by John Carney is superb. It's filled with heart, soul, humor, and everything else you could want from a play. The music by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova (who also starred in the film, and whose story this is based on) are also quite good.

        So, why do I feel as though Once should not have been named Best Musical? I don't think that Once should have ever been called a musical. It's a play that is about musicians, so they sing to one another, but it's not a musical. There is not one song in the Once that is not being performed in the context of the play. There is no moment where the characters break from speech to song and sing to further the story. There is no orchestra, all of the actors also play instruments. The music is, of course, integral to the story, and I would even venture to say that it is a character unto itself. I would not classify Once as a musical though.

       Now that we've gotten that bit out of the way, let's talk about the show. When you enter the Theater, you are instantly transported to an Irish Pub. There is a working bar on stage, and patrons of the theater are invited up (in small controlled groups) to make their beverage purchases and be entertained by the "pub musicians" playing old Irish standards before the show begins.

      The audience is eventually herded to their seats and the play begins with the entrance of "guy". Through the course of the rest of the play, we are guided through "guys" journey of meeting "girl", and how they both teach each other to love again. It's the same story as the Academy Award winning film of the same name, so if you've seen the movie you're in the know. The music is also the same. There is only one song in the stage version that is not in the movie.

     I did not have the pleasure of seeing original cast members Steve Kazee (who won a Tony) and Cristin Milioti (who is now Mom on TV's HIMYM). Replacements, Arthur Darvill (Dr. Who), and Joanna Christie were both excellent. Arthur Darvill is sweet, likable, and endearing in the role of guy. He brings a humor to the role which is good, because otherwise many of his lines would be quite depressing. There is humor already written into the role of Girl, but Joanna Christie has great comic timing. Her chemistry with Arthur Darvill is also palpable. My one gripe is that her Check accent isn't that great and her British accent often bleeds through. Both are adept at playing their instruments, though Christie is a better singer than Darvill is. Though his voice is perfectly suited to the singer/songwriter vibe of the character.

     The supporting cast is absolutely brilliant. Not only are they playing their characters to near perfection, but they also play all of the music in the show. Most of them are playing two or three instruments a piece. It's quite impressive. Anne L. Nathan, David Patrick Kelley, and Paul Witty are particular standouts.

    Scenic Design by Bob Crowley is simple and effective. The entire show is done in an Irish Pub, and other locations are merely suggested by the addition of a table and chairs or a desk. It is the perfect use of objects and imagination. His costume designs also complement each character. Natasha Katz lighting is as beautiful as it always is. John Tiffany's direction coupled with  Steven Hoggett's movement are stunning.

    Once is sure to run for quite some time. There is a national tour beginning in the fall, though I don't know how such a small and intimate story will play in huge touring houses. The London Production is also set to begin performances soon. Either way, see this show and you'll be the better for it. Once continues on Broadway at The Bernard B. Jacobs Theater.