“Once” brings Dublin, Ireland, to the Julia Morgan Theater in Berkeley, for an evening that feels like a cross between a Broadway musical and a tuneful night in an Irish pub.
The Tony Award-winning show is based on the 2007 film by John Carney, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, “Falling Slowly.”
“Once” begins Feb. 20, Berkeley Playhouse, 2640 College Ave., Berkeley. Fridays-Sundays, and select weekdays. Tickets $19-$66 with group discounts at Berkeleyplayhouse.org or (510) 845-8542 ext. 351.
The musical version of “Once” features music and lyrics by Irish singer-songwriter and musician, Glen Hansard, and Czech-Icelandic singer-songwriter, musician and actress, Markéta Irglová, with a book by Enda Walsh. Hansard and Irglová appeared as the leads, Guy and Girl, in the 2007 film.
The story follows an Irish busker and a Czech immigrant who meet and connect instantly through their shared love of music. Over the course of one week, sparks and chords fly, and their chemistry leads to a new level of songwriting they couldn’t reach alone.
Their friendship quickly evolves into a beautiful but complicated love story, underscored by a bevy of gorgeous melodies, emotionally charged pleas, and passionate collaboration.
Jake Gale and Gillian Eichenberger perform in Berkeley Playhouse’s production of ‘Once,’ directed by Josh Marx, beginning Feb. 20. Credit: Thomas Campitelli
Hansard and Irglová began a romantic relationship during filming, but broke up in 2009. Since 2006, they have performed together as The Swell Season.
To put the audience right in Dublin, the Julia Morgan Theater will feature pub style seating closest to the stage. Audience members can opt for these seats — specially priced and limited availability — and feel like they have a front row view at an Irish pub. The production will also bring the instruments from the orchestra pit right onto the stage, with the cast doing double duty as musicians.
Berkeley Playhouse’s production is directed by Josh Marx. The music is directed by Michael Patrick Wiles.
“I’ve always loved “Once,” Marx said, “because it digs into something I think about a lot: what music really is and how it connects us as human beings.”
“I loved the movie ‘Once’ when I first saw it — and then the Broadway production pulled me in even deeper, especially the way it evoked a sense of community; similar to drinking a pint of Guinness in an Irish pub while patrons play music together.
“For Berkeley Playhouse’s production, we’re looking to put something truly special together; each actor plays their own instrument (sometimes more than one!), and we want to create an unforgettable experience that capitalizes on the amazing talent that we’re bringing into the room.”
The “Once” cast includes: Jake Gale as Guy, Gillian Eichenberger as Girl, John Mannion as DA, Dyan McBride* as Baruska, Cassidy Hill as Eamon, Nicholas Contrad as Svec, Michael Doppe as Andrej, Christina Walton as Ex Girlfriend, Sean Hoffman as Bank Manager, Billy Raphael as Emcee, Michael Barrett Austin* as Billy, Sarah Jiang as Reza, and Kay Kawashima and Selma Jeyathurai White as Ivonka. (*Denotes members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.)
“Once” is a musical that doesn’t come around often, and Berkeley Playhouse’s production offers a story of one ordinary meeting turned into an extraordinary connection, and all of the love, heartbreak, song, joy, humor and friendship that follow. Come on down to Berkeley Playhouse for a pint and a show — a lively affair and an unforgettable experience await.
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