On its journey from New York to the West End two years ago, Once dropped into Dublin's Gaiety Theatre for a short run, where I took my first look at the show. It was a great, and smart thing, for the producers to do, and I didn't mind one bit catching a West End show before it hit the West End. Normally, it's the other way round. Earlier this year Once's West End run came to an end with Ronan Keating in the title role, for which he received very good reviews. The show has 'come home' to Dublin (without Keating) for a Summer run, that brings it all full circle. This time, although the style and set are the same, its home is the Olympia Theatre (Riverdance is doing its now annual summer stint in the Gaiety) and it is produced by Landmark Productions. It is great to take another look at the show that cast its spell on me during its first visit. Being able to look at this multiple Tony Award winning musical again without having to leave Dublin is a plus. This time round, I managed to get onto Bob Crowley's pub set of mirrors reflecting those on the stage, and reflecting Nastashia Katz's wonderful lighting, for the session before the show. It is this session that blends seamlessly into the show itself; a wonderful soft start. There is also that wonderful city scape moment in the second act that is still glorious to look at and underpins the beauty and grace of the work, enhanced immensely by Steven Hogget's movements which here are still captivating.
The songs of Hansard and Irglova add to the moments well, bringing out the raw emotion on the two main characters, as the story covers the five days where Guy meets Girl in Enda Walsh's book. It also boasts the Oscar winning song, Falling Slowly. There is a gentle feel to it, in this character driven story, while also giving a glimpse of others' stories, all connected through music. The idea of life and choices, and going for what you want, in some ways, not to get too heavy, but all done with 'no fancy stuff'. Other musicals and shows might do that, but this pared back show is still glorious to watch and experience, proving that musicals can take many shapes and forms.
And while these aspects are similar, the cast is obviously different, with Tom Parsons and Megan Riordan taking the main roles, and it is good to see Phelim Drew there as well in this small cast, which is very much an ensemble. As before, they all play their own instruments and as music is the core, it feels right, although at times in one movement moment I always feel a little sorry for the guy with the cello. Once is a lovely, simple, but well put together musical, originally directed by John Tiffany, that is true to the source material and the story it is telling. It all flows along well, with dialogue that glistens in its telling, and whatever the production, it is what stands out, and I am thrilled to have been able to see it yet again in Dublin, although there were a number of phone screens lighting up around, reminding me of the reactions of one Patti Lu Pone, as well as, a rather unusual amount of noisy traffic to and from seats during the first act. Still, Once is a wonderful show, showing that musicals come in all shapes and sizes, but no matter how many times I'll see it, the first will always be special.
Runs until 22nd August