Writing a “review” of a Broadway show is far outside my
domain. Doing so for a Tony
Award-winning production seems unnecessary on the part of anyone. With that in mind, consider this the inspired
musings of someone who just saw “Once” at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theater and
wants to share some words with people, like myself, who are not Broadway connoisseurs.
I thoroughly enjoyed the 2006 movie starring Glen Hansard
and Marketa Irglova, who also wrote and performed the soundtrack. Like everyone else, I fell quickly for the
feature song, “Falling Slowly,” and, like far too few, I was, and am, a fan of
the mostly overlooked film.
“Once” on Broadway is better.
Glenn Hansard’s grittier voice and look might have been
truer to the “Guy” role, but, as his Tony win states, Steve Kazee is
remarkable, too. Kazee’s voice is superb
and he is able to convey a fine blend of pain and lost love with the
determination of a dreamer.
Yet, for me, Cristin Milioti, from Cherry Hill, NJ, shines
like a super nova as “Girl.” Her voice
is more than able to stand beside Kazee, but it is her convincing portrayal of
the Czech immigrant that wins the audience over. Milioti’s comedic timing is perfect, as she is
given most of the performance’s humorous dialogue. More, though, is how effective she is at
bringing emotion to her role. Petite and
very pretty, she tugs at your heart constantly.
Subtle facial expressions, smiles, glints in her eye, and depth of soul
seem so clear within her. Milioti is
able to jump from her marriage’s aches to her daughter’s innocent joy to
boundless and infectious enthusiasm to inspired artist to deeply vulnerable and
in love woman. All her emotions take you
with her as you experience each high and low of the story through “Girl’s”
spirit and craving for life.
“Once” as a play is
something more, as well, as to what makes it special. The direction and choreography of the stage
and all the actors is brilliant. Get to
the theater as the doors open. You will
be allowed on state to order a drink at the fully operational bar near the back
of the stage that also serves as part of the set design throughout the play. As I walked about, I noticed various
instruments – guitars, violins, mandolins, banjoes, and more – lying about. I soon found out why.
With the exception of the two leads, the entire cast quietly
appears on stage milling about with the audience members. Soon, a musical free for all of wonderful Irish
songs is in full force; the crowd claps and foot stomps along with the
performers. Particular praise for the
fine musicianship of David Abeles, Will Connolly, Elizabeth Davis, David
Patrick Kelly, Anne Nathan, Andy Taylor, and Erikka Walsh. What a fun Broadway version of a romping
house party!!
This goes on for 15 to 20 minutes (Too short!). Quietly, ushers escort audience members from
the stage as the singing continues.
Finally, someone, Steve Kazee, chimes in, suggested he’d like to sing
something, and, without even knowing it, “Once” has begun.
To further add to the uniqueness of “Once,” the cast serves
as “orchestra” on stage throughout the show.
The movement and flow through scenes is seamless and clever.
“Once” might not be the best Broadway musical of the era,
and the cast might not go down as legendary performers; the place of the play
and actors can be determined elsewhere. But this is certainly a brilliantly staged,
acted and performed musical. I loved it
all and walked out wanting to sing and dance down Broadway.
