Friday, January 27, 2012

Broadway Spring Wish List - Once

There are some new shows that are coming to Broadway in the Spring. Actually, there are a lot of new shows coming to Broadway in the Spring. As much as I’d hoped to see Bonnie & Clyde in the Spring, that’s not going to happen now. But there are some shows that will be on my MUST SEE list for any trips I make to New York in the near future.

Honestly, I’ll probably never get to see most of these, but in a dream world it would happen. So dream with me people! I’ll be writing a series of posts on this. It was my intention to include all the shows in one post, but in the interest of keeping the attention of my readers, I’m going to cover one show at a time.

First up is Once: The Musical.

This show is based on the 2006 film Once, that was independently filmed and went on to become a smash hit, grossing over $20 million worldwide. It’s about a “Guy” from Dublin and a Czech immigrant, “Girl” being brought together by music.

The website for Once says “Once is the celebrated new musical based on the Academy Award®-winning film. It tells the story of an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant drawn together by their shared love of music. Over the course of one fateful week, their unexpected friendship and collaboration evolves into a powerful but complicated romance, heightened by the raw emotion of the songs they create together. Brought to the stage by an award-winning team of visionary artists and featuring an ensemble cast of gifted actor/musicians, once is a musical celebration of life and love: thrilling in its originality, daring in its honesty... and unforgettable in every way.”

This show seems to be all the buzz. It was at the New York Theatre Workshop for a pretty much sold out run. All the reviews I read were great. The people I know in New York who saw the show loved it. And it extended quickly due to great reception. Even before the show was through the time for the initial run, a Broadway transfer was officially announced.

Honestly, I know the song “Falling Slowly” but I’ve never seen the movie and know very little about it. However I am dying to see the show partly because people seem to love it so much, but also because “Girl” is played by Cristin Milioti is related to a friend of mine. I’ve never met her, but I know her family is very, very proud of her. In turn, it makes me excited and happy for her.

If you saw the off-Broadway run at NYTW, what did you think? Let me know if my instincts are correct.

Once begins previews at the Bernard Jacobs Theatre February 28th and opens March 18th.

3 comments:

  1. Not to go too far off topic, but have you caught the new NBC show "Smash" yet? It officially premiers on Monday but it's available on-demand via cable already. It's sort of a combination of "Glee" but much more focused on the while Broadway experience -- I watched it and I think you'd like it! Let me know when you'll be in NYC, maybe we can get together then! Scott S

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  2. Great post!
    I saw the off Broadway production of ONCE & I have to admit - IT WAS AMAZING. Every single member of the cast is a triple threat as far as talent goes ( Every single person in the cast, sings, dances & plays musical instruments and does so perfectly,) and the show just pulls you in and wraps you in its arms.
    And the "Girl," is as talented and wonderful as she is beautiful - And I couldn't be prouder!

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  3. Scott, I did see it! I downloaded it on iTunes. So far I'm loving it. there are so many stage actors that I recognize! :) Also, I'm hoping for a late spring trip to NY. I'd love to get together while I'm up there. :)
    Kelly, you should be proud. :) I really can't wait to see it.

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