The acclaimed musical Once opens at the Arts Club’s Granville Island Stage next month. Adapted from the film written by John Carney, Once won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical. Like in the film, music and lyrics are by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, including the Academy Award–winning song “Falling Slowly.”
Once is the story of a struggling Irish busker, Guy (Adrian Glynn McMorran), and a determined young Czech woman, Girl (Gili Roskies), who pursue their musical ambitions while navigating the complexities of love. Packed with memorable folk rock songs, it combines the liveliness of a jam session with the nuanced emotions of a musical drama. Once is an enchanting theatrical experience that explores the power of music to draw people together.
Once closes off the Arts Club’s 54th season, the last programmed by Artistic Director Emeritus Bill Millerd, who will also direct the show.
Millerd says, “Once is not only an intimate and personal show, but also one that explores the cultural relationship between the Czech immigrants and the Dublin locals. The twelve cast members provide the musical accompaniment, playing numerous instruments to give the Irish-based music its unique flavour.”
Another distinctive feature of this show is its set. Set designer Ted Roberts says, “We are setting the show in a pub, which represents several locations throughout the story—and the audience gets to come up for a pint or two onstage before the show as it becomes a functional bar.”
Granville Island Stage
June 14–July 29, 2018
June 14–July 15: Mon–Thu at 7:30 PM, Fri & Sat at 8 PM, Wed at 1:30 PM, and Sat at 2 PM
From July 16: Tues–Thu at 7:30 PM, Fri & Sat at 8 PM, Sat at 2 PM, and Sun at 1:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Tickets from $29 at artsclub.com or the Arts Club Box Office at 604.687.1644
Photo by David Cooper