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Once Is Not Enough For Broadway In Detroit's "Once"

By Kris Kelly, CBS 62/CW50 Community Affairs Manager

How can you not love a musical that invites the audience to walk on stage before the show and buy a drink at the bar?  Then, as you're standing there, the cast slowly filters in and begins to perform as the stage manager gently encourages you to return to your seats.

I had no idea what to expect from "Once" but it was off to a good start…and I was totally blown away after that.
The music is haunting and filled with emotion.  The actors/musicians sing, dance, and perform their own instruments.  Some of them perform multiple instruments.  Their energy they produce is electric.

The storyline is very simple.  It's about a complicated love affair that drastically changes the life of one of the characters.  It's about helping someone with no expectations of anything in return.  It's about the power of music.  It's about love.

The set is very simple…a homey, corner bar with soft lights and silvered mirrors where everyone gathers to chat, drink, and play music.  The scenes that take place outside the bar are set up with simple props and lighting effects.

Once
Credit: Joan Marcus Stuart Ward and Dani de Waal from the ONCE Tour Company © Joan Marcus

All of the actors are incredibly talented, but the Girl (Dani de Waal) and Guy (Stuart Ward) play their parts to perfection.  As the characters awkwardly get to know each other and try to deal with their unanticipated feelings, there's a lot of silence in the play:  Pregnant pauses.  Waiting for comments to sink in.  Shy hesitation.  Those quiet moments say so much about their blooming relationship. But those silences show just how powerful their performances were.  It was actually silent in the theatre during those moments.  No rustling programs.  No uncomfortable coughing.  No candy wrappers crinkling.  No whispers.  People were listening, spellbound, just as I was.

I'm not a professional theatre critic.  I'm just a fan.  But this is a show I would recommend to anyone.  Well, almost anyone…Parents should note that a specific four-letter word makes an appearance multiple times.  Other than that, I can't find a single bad thing to say.  As for me, once is definitely not enough for Broadway in Detroit's "Once."  I will be back.

"Once" is playing at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit now through February 15th.  For ticket information, visit www.broadwayindetroit.com.

 

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