ONCE

Theatre review

Anita Weedies (Jody B)

When Jerry Cunningham asked me to go to the musical ‘ONCE’ down at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, I started screaming like a little girl on the inside because its been a while since I’ve been to a musical and I love them!

I had no idea what ONCE was about, honestly believing it was going to be a ‘fairy tale type’ musical. The stage setting was an old bar with lots of mirrors and minimum props, set in Ireland. Opening song started off, ‘I don’t know you, but I want you’ played by the male lead Sam Cieri ‘Guy’ played on an old Martin guitar and sounded a lot like John Mayer, and he had the cutest Irish accent. I enjoyed his red and black flannel shirt as a ‘classic lesbian’ look he had going on.

The female lead, Mackenzie Lesser-Roy ‘Girl’ played the piano beautifully and sounded like an angel on the stage. It was enjoyable and very creative to see her play the piano in the mirrors’ reflection that was above the bar setting, giving the audience a unique perspective.

The banter back and forth between the two of them through out the play was very humorous and quick witted. My favorite line was when he told her he could fix her vacuum and the response was ‘Hoover man…this man is gonna suck!” (Jerry started laughing).

My favorite part was seeing all the actors and actresses playing different instruments like the cello, violin, ukulele, and an accordion during the play. There were 12 people in the cast, singing and dancing. They also all played instruments, which I found very impressive, because at first I thought there was a separate band or orchestra somewhere providing the music- but no, it was all the people on the stage!

Overall, ONCE was a great love story, falling in love quickly, and lovers making music together and then parting but not before changing each other’s lives. I can see why it has won numerous awards (8 Tony Awards) over the last few years. The cast and crew are very talented and it was magical to be able to go see it. Thanks Jerry!