The
first love story was that of Adam and Eve and ever since love stories
have made up the bulk of the arts from theatre to films, books,
paintings and opera. The bottom line becomes what makes a particular
love story different and the musical version of “Once”, based on the
movie, has a lot of differences starting with the two leads not having
names but just called Guy and Girl. Added to that is there is no
orchestra with most in the cast playing a musical instrument, being the
orchestra. The original award winning film score is in the show with a
few new songs. The most startlingly aspect of “Once” is the combination
of direction, movement and the music supervision not really knowing
where one starts and the other leaves off. The cast of 13 are precision
artists in all facets of their movements and have the audience in a
state of awe throughout most of the show.

The
show starts as soon as the auditorium doors are open with the curtain up
showing an Irish pub in Dublin. The audience is invited on stage, Irish
songs and jigs are danced until at one point Guy (played by Stuart Ward
who plays the guitar) starts singing “Leave” and the lights dim. We
immediately meet Girl (played by Dani de Waal who also plays the piano.
She is impressed with Guy’s singing and playing being even more
impressed when she learns he wrote the words and music. He explains that
he has written most of his songs about his ex-girlfriend who has moved
to New York. He is ready to give up on his music and make a life working
for his father fixing vacuum.

Guy meets Girl,
they fall in love and... Along the way we meet Da Guy’s father (played
by Raymond Bokhour who plays the mandolin, Baruska, her mother, (played
by Donna Garner who plays the accordion and concertina) and Girl’s
daughter (Kolette Tetlow who seems to be the only one not playing an
instrument). The rest of the cast includes Matt DeAngelis (guitar,
mandolin, banjo, drum set, percussion), John Steven Gardner (piano,
guitar, percussion, melodica, harmonica), Evan Harrington (guitar,
percussion, ukulele), Ryan Link (guitar, banjo), Benjamin Magnuson
(cello, guitar), Alex Nee (electric bass, ukulele, guitar, percussion),
Erica Swindell (violin, percussion) and Claire Wellin (violin).

The
star of the show is definitely Stuart Ward, who appears as part of the
exchange program between American Equity and UK Equity, has a powerhouse
voice not only to put over his solos but to modulate his tones to blend
in when singing with others. And he, as are the others, are given a
score with music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova.

There
wouldn’t be a “Once” without the actors/musicians, score and book (by
Enda Walsh) but the names above the title should be Director John
Tiffany, Movement by Steven Hoggett along with music supervisor and
orchestrations by Lowe. All make theatre magic at the Adrienne Arsht
Center in Miami.

Next show at the Center will be “WarHorse” March 4-9 to be followed by “Blue Man Group” May 13-18 and “Evita” May 27- June 1