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A Unique Theater Experience Review by: , Apr 26, 2012 |
This is not a huge Broadway production.It is an ensemble piece with unending creativity. The staging, actors, musicians and story are all wonderful. I totally recommend Once for anyone interested in something different, creative, and willing to enjoy a theater experience. There were many laughs I didn't expect. The leads are hugely talented, as are all the musicians in the ensemble. I'd see it again.
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Alone
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Business Assoc., Seniors
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| 2 |
Not to be Missed Review by: Orson , Apr 20, 2012 |
| Once was wonderful. Can't wait to see it again. The music, the set, the acting all first rate. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Tourists, Adults
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| 3 |
The Puck of the Irish Review by: deartheatergoer, Apr 15, 2012 |
| I had a mixed reaction to this show due to my high expectations from the reviews that I had read about this production. My partner was disappointed and found it a bit boring. I enjoyed it much more, but then, I liked the film and he did not. We both thought that the music became derivative, that some added scenes didn't enhance the play, and some of the minor characters were Irish stereotypes ( brooding beer-drinking hotheads with a sensitive ... read more soul ). It follows the film's storyline, uses most of the original score, adding only 4 new songs. The transitions between scenes have some innovative movements. The staging and musicality of the cast works well due to the director's vision. The performers/musicians are highly talented and uniformly excellent, although I found some of the dialogue a bit too "cute" for my tastes. If you liked Once the Movie, then you'll probably enjoy this Broadway show. ( If you go a half hour before the show begins, the pub is open for business and the cast is playing music, which truly sets the right mood for the piece.) Still Once was an enjoyable evening, especially with its discount, but slightly overrated by the critics. (GRADE: B) |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Tourists
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| 4 |
Breakthrough Musical Review by: DoctorJoeE, Apr 12, 2012 |
It's about time something original and different came to Broadway. The last truly innovative show was Avenue Q -- 10 years ago -- and that was a comedic farce; "Once", although quite funny at times, is quite the opposite - and much further off the beaten path.
When was the last time a musical production moved you in a deep, personal way? Indeed, when was the last time you entered the theatre a half-hour before curtain to find the ... read more actors jamming onstage with a bunch of audience members? Have you ever seen an Irish pub set turn into a REAL pub at intermission, serving real drinks onstage?
There are lots of other surprises too; Cristin Milioti is an elite actress, we knew that - but who knew she could play the piano and sing? To reveal more would spoil it, so go see for yourself. Others have pointed out that the plot is thin - darn near invisible, actually - but this show, like opera, is not about the plot; it's about the music, which is absolutely magical. If Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova don't win a "Best Original Score" Tony, there's something fundamentally wrong.
It's easy to see why the producers decided to skip the off-Broadway run and jump straight to the White Way; this show was ready for prime time from the very start. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Anyone
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| 5 |
The Simplicity of Production is Good with Great Music and Genuinely Funny & Unique Characters (esp female lead) Review by: BroadwayJen, Apr 11, 2012 |
No opening curtain. Performers are playing music onstage before show - so come early.
There is profanity sprinkled thoroughout, but an unexpectedly funny, honest performance with great music. I fell in love with the female lead's character from her opening line.
Get in touch with your inner Irish at Once. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Tourists, Adults
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| 6 |
Good music, so-so humor. Review by: Shore Mary, Apr 2, 2012 |
| Saw "Once" on Sunday matinee, April 1. "Girl" was the understudy. I enjoyed the music very much. And found the start of the show unique, in that it's basically starting before 3pm with all the actors on stage just kind of jamming (or so it feels). Most of the actors play musical instruments; there is no traditional orchestra. I thought the story line was weak/forced, and while I did appreciate the simplicity of the non-changing stage set, you do ... read more expect to see something clever that wows you when you are in a Broadway theatre. They had one scene up higher with different lighting, and it felt like an afterthought. They were a very, very talented group of actors/musicians onstage, but when you have someone who can do everything... actor-singer-musician-sometimes dancer, you are not going to get the same level of talent as you would with someone who just is a fabulous singer or musician. I would buy the CD to hear the music, but I was a little bored by the end. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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I saw this show with:
Family
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Business Assoc., Seniors
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| 7 |
Do not expect a superb production but I touchy story and beautiful music Review by: bongo_rangel, Mar 25, 2012 |
| Only for people with experience in theater and broadway shows in general. The production is different than those of Wicked and Phantom of the opera; however, it is an original and lovely experience, art at its best. I am so glad I spent my time and money on this show. Lovely! |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Family
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Seniors, Adults
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| 8 |
Tender charming funny - a must see! Review by: gngal, Mar 21, 2012 |
| I really enjoyed this one. The dialogue was fresh and humorous and the music struck the right note throughout. Aside from a few 4-letter words it's great for the entire family. Go see it right away before ticket prices shoot up. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Recommended for:
Anyone
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| 9 |
Breath of Fresh Air on Broadway Review by: ActorSingerDancer, Mar 16, 2012 |
| If you're tired of gimmicks and over-the-top, conspicuous consumption style Broadway fare, be sure to catch ONCE. This delicate musical focuses on what's important: The music. I loved the fact that the ensemble cast consisted of artists who know their craft and didn't rely on simply "selling it." It's refreshing to see a play not driven by star power alone. If you are a true theatre lover, you'll appreciate the lighting, the simplicity ... read more of the staging, the live music and the skill of the director and musical director. This reminds me of the kind of theatre going on actually in Dublin... fresh, full of integrity and the very opposite of Disneyfied. P.S. Steve Kazee is really, really sexy. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Recommended for:
Anyone
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| 10 |
Review by: long island, Mar 15, 2012 |
I saw this show Sunday/matinee. I saw the movie, which I fell in love with; and have been listening to the sound track for 4 years. I had no expectations............I absolutely loved, loved the show. Incredible.........want to see it again, which I seldom do.
Recommend highly. Don't know if seeing the movie or knowing the music really matters; from the response of the audience I don't think so. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Alone
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Recommended for:
Anyone
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| 11 |
Review by: RobinW, Mar 14, 2012 |
| "Once" is a finely tuned and beautiful work. The simple staging is effective and helps to keep the focus on the people and their words. There is a fluidity of movement--whether it's characters moving tables and chairs or characters moving each other toward a new purpose or destination of thought. And the lyrics...wow. They are firmly planted in my mind and heart. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Alone
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Tourists, Adults
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| 12 |
Review by: Mike C, Mar 9, 2012 |
| I saw Once last night with my wife after reading the rave reviews. All I can say is that this was a major disappointment. There was no set to speak of. Only a pub scene with the actors moving tables and chairs around the stage. There was no orchestra, only the 12 actors with their various instruments. Once tried to be a comedy which worked at first. But then the attempts at humor became more and more forced. The language and ... read more sexual references became more and more in your face. True enough, the two lead actors were good, but in my opinion, not of Broadway quality. The rest of the cast was horrible, not much better than your average high school production. The music was, at times, annoying, with the only song of any worth being signature song, "Falling Slowly." Both my wife and myself were very close to walking out at the intermission, but regretably decided to stay for the entire play thinking that it might improve during Act 2. This was not the case. This is a play that should never have left Off-Broadway. My advice would be to skip this one and save your money. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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| 13 |
Creativity and Innovation in a sea of revivals.... Review by: Sheri, Mar 7, 2012 |
| "Once" will tug at your heart strings. Generally, I am turned off by a dimly lit stage and a lack of scenery changes. However, in this show it helps you focus on the music and performances which are spot on. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable. Cristin Milioti, there is a Tony Award in your future. This is a MUST see! I wanted to stay in my seat to see it again in the evening. I felt exhilerated....this is the best thing I ... read more have seen since "War Horse" and long before. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Business Assoc., Seniors
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| 14 |
Wow! Review by: McKenna, Mar 7, 2012 |
| The music is indeed the star of this show, although the multi-talented actors/musicians are terific also. Fresh and simple, yet powerful. I did not see the original movie, but if you love music, see this while you can get a ticket. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Recommended for:
Adults
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| 15 |
Worth a ONCE look over Review by: rskblueyes, Mar 7, 2012 |
I saw this show on its first preview performance. I had never seen the film, so I went in without any expectations.
The show is staged very simply, not much of a set to speak of except of an Irish Pub. This ended up being a good thing as you focused on the performers instead of the set.
The two leads were engrossing and both gave raw gut performances. Their singing amazing. The rest of the ensemble were all wonderfull.... read more.
The premise of the show is very simple, the music wonderfull.
This was a refreshing change as this show is almost like a chamber style musical, simple but full of raw emotion.
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Business Associate
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Seniors, Adults
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