Broadway Success ONCE to Open in Melbourne This May

PRESS RELEASE

Darlinghurst Theatre Company’s acclaimed production of the breathtaking Broadway smash-hit, Once, is arriving at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre on 6 May 2023 for a strictly limited season. Tickets are on sale now at ticketek.com.au.

This exquisite tale of unexpected love mesmerised audiences when it premiered at Sydney’s Eternity Playhouse in 2019, enjoying a sold-out extended season and playing to nightly standing ovations.

Based on the film of the same name, Once is the only Broadway show with music to have won an Academy Award®, Grammy Award®, Olivier Award and Tony Award®, including Best Musical.

Toby Francis (Kinky Boots) and Stefanie Caccamo (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) will reprise their roles from the 2019 production, portraying characters inspired by the real-life love story of Once songwriters, Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová.

The production was originally slated to open in Melbourne in 2021 before the season was cancelled due to COVID lockdowns. Now Melbournians have a second chance to experience the intoxicating melodies of the eight-time Tony Award-winning musical, including beloved tracks ‘Falling Slowly’ and ‘When Your Mind’s Made Up’.

Darlinghurst Theatre Company’s Executive Director Suzanne Pereira describes this as a momentous feat for the organisation and shared their intention to invest further in a rich touring program over the coming years.

“We are thrilled to finally bring this stunning work to Melbourne as part of our ongoing development of ambitious, high-quality productions that are representative of our inclusive approach to theatre-making, which we want to share with as many people as possible. 

“Despite the challenges of the past few years, we have evolved from a theatre company that presented a small season of work, to a creative arts hub that last year saw us create and present 35 shows across five venues in three states, selling more than 50,000 tickets and employing roughly 200 artists, creatives and crew.”

Stage and screen star Jay Laga’aia will join Francis and Caccamo alongside an impressive line-up of the country’s most outstanding actor-musicians including Pavan Kumar Hari, Abe Mitchell, Patrick Schnur and Jennifer Trijo.

Director Richard Carroll described Once as one of the most challenging musicals for the artists involved.

“It asks for so much from its actors. Not only do they need to tell this beautiful story every night with truth, passion and humour – they also need to sing the exceptional songs with all of the same qualities. Plus they are their own band, so every one of them needs to be an exceptional instrumentalist. I am blown away by the capabilities of the cast and creative team we have assembled, and I can’t wait for Melbourne audiences to see them perform.”

Once is a modern-day urban love story of a disheartened Irish musician and a Czech piano player who reminds him how to dream. Featuring a stellar ensemble of performers playing their instruments live on stage, Once reminds us of the power of music to connect us all.

Once features a book by prolific Irish playwright Enda Walsh, orchestrations by Martin Lowe, music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová. The Darlinghurst Theatre Company production is directed by Richard Carroll with musical direction by Victoria Falconer, movement direction by Amy Campbell, production design by Hugh O’Connor, lighting design by Peter Rubie and sound design by Dylan Robinson.

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★★★★1/2

“A beguiling, touching production of the gorgeous, bittersweet musical, based on the cult film”
Limelight

★★★★
“Hearts soar and music shimmers in deeply-felt, generous musical”
The Guardian

★★★★
“It’s wonderful”
Time Out

SEASON INFORMATION
Once
6 May – 4 June
Comedy Theatre, 240 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tickets available exclusively via ticketek.com.au
www.darlinghursttheatre.com/oncemelbourne