Theater patrons line up waiting to grab a pre-show drink. We’re not at the lobby bar though. Theater goers stand against the far wall of the house to grab a drink from the onstage bar serving Harp Lager and Jameson whiskey. Some are still on stage as members of the cast join them onstage and begin playing as though we’re at their regular pub in Ireland. This is just the beginning to an intimate production of ONCE.
Paramount Theatre’s Love Story in Music
Most artists draw inspiration from their lives and our main character Guy is no exception. Dealing with a heartbreak of his now ex-girlfriend moving to New York, he’s written songs about his love and pain. When Girl hears him performing his songs, she realizes there’s something worth fighting for here.
With endless amounts of patience, prodding, and encouragement Girl pushes Guy to keep pursuing his music and along the way the two form an inexplicable bond through music.
Capitalizing on Moments
Though ONCE has passed through Chicago a few times in the past few years, Paramount’s production still feels fresh. ONCE is about moments as we follow Girl and Guy’s budding relationship. We bounce from place to place and those moments feel accented more than other productions.
Aided by lighting and an intimate set, when there’s a moment shared by our two leads or there’s a emotional song being sung, everything else seems to fade away. Our focus is solely on what is happening right in front of us. We’re sucked into those moments until the spell is broken and we don’t even realize how enraptured we were.
Irish & Czech Cultures Collide
Two music styles emerge in the soundtrack of ONCE. We hear Irish folk/pop music inspiration with fiddles, acoustic guitars, and mandolins. Other times we’re treated to the Czech, bohemian style sounds with an accordions, violins, and tambourines. The best part about all this music is it’s played live on stage by the entire cast!
Girl played by Tiffany Topol stuns with her soulful and passionate renditions of “If You Want Me.” She steals every scene she’s in with her sharp wit and unending energy, all very serious because after all, “she’s Czech.”
Her Irish counterpart, Guy played by Barry Debois also packs an emotional punch with his raw vocals, especially in his opening number “Leave.” When they sing together it’s easy to see how music can make anyone fall in love.
Altogether the music and the emotions behind the music are what make ONCE a gorgeous show. It may not be the best show for those looking for a fast moving musical. ONCE is a good pick for those who love acoustic music and nontraditional love stories.
RECOMMENDED
Note: This is now added to the Picture this Post round up of BEST PLAYS IN CHICAGO, where it will remain until the end of the run. Click here to read – Top Picks for Theater in Chicago NOW – Chicago Plays PICTURE THIS POST Loves.
When
Now through June 3, 2018
Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Thursday at 7 p.m.
Friday at 8 p.m.
Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sunday at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Where
Paramount Theatre
23 E Galena Blvd.
Aurora, IL 60506
Tickets
$36-$64
For tickets, visit the Paramount website, call (630) 896-6666, or stop by the Paramount box office.
Photos
Liz Lauren
CAST
Barry DeBois
Tiffany Topol
Jeanne T. Arrigo
Jenn Chandler
Alex E. Hardaway
Nik Kmiecik
Angel Lin
Everleigh Murphy
Jon Patrick Penick
Cassidy Stirtz
Charlie Strater
Larry Tobias
Grant Alan Watkins
Elisa Carlson
Cory Goodrich
Matt Kahler
Michael Kurowski
Doug Pawlik
Matthew C. Yee
CREATIVE
Jim Corti
Tom Vendafreddo
William Carlos Angulo
Jeff Kmiec
Theresa Ham
Nick Belley
Mike Tutaj
Adam Rosenthal
Katie Cordts
Amanda Relaford
Susan Gosdick
Klára Moldová
Trent Stork
Kory Danielson
Jinni Pike
Kelly Montgomery
Note: An excerpt of this review appears in Theatre in Chicago
About the Author
Alexis is a theater reviewer, travel bug, media specialist, and burger & beer enthusiast. During the day she works in the advertising business as a senior communications designer. When night falls, or when she can escape to New York, she’s hitting the theaters to see as many shows as she can. And whenever she’s not at her desk or in the audience, she’s out seeking the best burger and beer offerings in Chicago.
Editor's Note: Click here to read more Picture this Post articles by Alexis Bugajski
Hi – just a correction: The picture of the character “Reza”, the violinist, is captioned as Everleigh Murphy. That is incorrect. Everleigh is the little girl, Ivonka. The actress pictured is Cassidy Stirtz.
Lovely review Alexis of an incredible production. Just wanted to submit a correction. Your photo caption of the character “Reza” (which is powerful and fits the character well) was played by Cassidy Stirtz. Everleigh Murphy was the little girl in the production.
Thanks!
Thank you Catherine and Jeanne- -and apologies for the delay in making this correction. Our theater writer Alexis who penned this review is in NY now- among other things- scouting best Broadway plays to review…
THANKS