Megan Riordan and Tom Parsons in Once the Musical at the Olympia Theatre, Dublin. Picture: Patrick Redmond
Once the Musical continues at the Olympia Theatre, Dublin until 22 August.
Rating: 4 stars ★ ★ ★ ★
There is something rather thrilling about seeing Once the Musical in the city that gave birth to it.
It’s been quite the journey for this musical film turned musical. There was its growth from low budget movie to a smash hit built on whisperings from the people who loved it. They loved its simple message of Guy meets Girl, Guy likes Girl, Girl likes Guy… and then it’s complicated.
Then came an Academy Award for stars Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová’s self penned tune, ‘Falling Slowly’ – a dreams can come true moment. And then it was delivered into the safe keeping of Enda Walsh who was responsible for making writer/director John Carney’s cinematic dream a theatrical reality. I can’t think of a safer set of hands and in them his script is a humorous and more irreverent tale than the movie.
The promo material is keen to point out the stage show ran for three years on Broadway, two in the West End and received an impressive eight Tony Award nominations. But can it stand up to the home crowd? That is the big question, we all know there’s nothing tougher than a home crowd.
Well, if the standing ovation on opening night is anything to go by, the answer is yes.
As many who have seen the show already will know, the action is moved to the interior of a traditional Irish pub courtesy of designer Bob Crowley. With its walls lined with mirrors, the story and the characters’ faces are viewed from alternative angles, creating an intimacy with the audience. This production also keeps the tradition of having a bar onstage before the performance begins, which means audience members can interact with the actors and feel part of a good old Irish session.
Director John Tiffany has assembled a strong ensemble, members of which not only play every role, but provide the musical accompaniment too. They work hard throughout and deserve credit for the energy and skill required to deliver the atypical numbers in this piece.
There are a few moments where the movement in the group numbers might feel a little detached from the songs, but it’s worth remembering this isn’t your common-or-garden musical, something that makes it all the more challenging to stage. There’s not one core showstopping number which means the emotional denouement comes to a slow build. Indeed, the final rendition of signature tune ‘Falling Slowly’ is touchingly understated.
Tom Parsons takes the lead role of Guy, Megan Riordan is Girl. While their accents might not be rock solid and the scenes with dialogue are a little lacking in chemistry at times, they really come into their own in the musical numbers. Their voices complement each other perfectly, and in songs like ‘Falling Slowly’ and ‘When Your Mind’s Made Up’ they captivate the audience completely.
Moments that stand out include the whole cast’s a cappella version of ‘Gold’ in Act II which is delivered in a beautifully muted way. Particular mention has to be given to Phelim Drew who perfectly captures the humour and aul Dublin charm of music shop owner Billy.
Louise Finn
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