©201 Joan Marcus
Once
Once
Once, winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards® including Best Musical and winner of the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, will play Texas A&M University’s Rudder Auditorium on April 11 and 12. Both shows will begin at 7:30pm and tickets for range from $26-$95.
Once, which was also named Best Musical by the New York Drama Critics’ Circle, Drama Desk, Drama League, Outer Critics Circle and Lucille Lortel Awards, ran for more than 1,100 performances on Broadway with acclaimed international productions from London and Melbourne to Japan and South Korea.
Once features the Academy Award-winning music and lyrics of Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, a book by award-winning Irish playwright & screenwriter, Enda Walsh (Penelope, Hunger, The New Electric Ballroom), direction by the acclaimed Scottish director of Black Watch, John Tiffany, movement by Steven Hoggett (Black Watch, American Idiot) and music supervision and orchestrations by Martin Lowe (Mamma Mia!). The set and costume design are by five time Tony Award winner Bob Crowley (The Coast of Utopia, Mary Poppins), lighting design is by Tony winner Natasha Katz (Aida, The Coast of Utopia), and sound design is by Clive Goodwin.
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.
The Oscar winning independent Irish film, Once was made for $150,000. Shot in 17 days, it went on to gross $20M worldwide becoming a critically acclaimed international smash. It stars Glen Hansard, from the popular Irish Rock band The Frames, and Markéta Irglová. Glen and Markéta won the 2007 Academy Award for Best Original song for “Falling Slowly,” the Los Angeles Film Critics Award for Best Music, and the soundtrack was nominated for two Grammy Awards. For more information, visit www.oncemusical.com.
Tickets are on sale now at the MSC Box Office (979) 845-1234 or through www.MSCOPAS.org. Special ticket prices are available for Texas A&M students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Once? Once is a truly original Broadway experience. Featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage, Once tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who's about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights... but their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than your everyday romance. Emotionally captivating and theatrically breathtaking, Once draws you in from the very first note and never lets go. It's an unforgettable story about going for your dreams... not living in fear... and the power of music to connect all of us.
Was the show based on a movie? The musical is based on the 2007 Academy Award-winning film of the same name which was written and directed by John Carney, and starred Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, with original music and lyrics by Mr. Hansard and Ms. Irglová.
How is the musical different than the movie? The musical stays true to the movie and at the same time presents a truly unique presentation of the story. The musical features an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage and the set is structured to look and feel like an Irish pub. There is a real power in seeing the songs and the story unfold live in front of your eyes.
Did Once win any awards? Once received eight Tony Awards including Best Musical and received the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. ONCE was also named Best Musical by the New York Drama Critics’ Circle, Drama Desk, Drama League, Outer Critics Circle and Lucille Lortel Awards
Who wrote the music? Once features the Academy Award-winning music and lyrics of Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová.
My child is nine years old. Is s/he too young to see Once? Once is a beautiful story about love and music that resonates with fans of all ages. There is some adult language, so it is generally recommended for those ages 10 and up.
Can you tell me more about the pre-show jam session and the bar on stage? There is a pre-show jam session that begins 15 minutes before advertised start time. The pre-show performance consists of a variety of musical numbers performed on stage by the cast. During this time the audience is invited to come up on stage and purchase drinks from the bar. Audience members shouldn’t try to directly interact or touch the cast during this time. This is completely voluntary. Nobody should feel pressured to be up on stage. The on stage bar is also open during intermission. Please note that the drinks being served at the bar vary market by market.
Most people find this to be a special experience that is both energizing and transporting.
What is the running time? Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, including intermission.
