4 Reasons Why You Should Go See 'Once' at Hershey Theatre

When I first saw the musical Once a few years ago on Broadway, it quickly joined my "Top 5" list of all-time favorite musicals. Seeing Once at Hershey Theatre only reaffirmed my love for this show. There's a reason (actually quite a few reasons) why this show won eight (EIGHT!!!) Tony Awards. While I could easily list 20 great things about Once, here are four of the main reasons why I fell in love this show (and why I think you will too!):

1. The story
"Guy" (played by Stuart Ward) is a musician from Dublin who is just about to call it quits, when "Girl" (played by Dani de Waal) unexpectedly comes along and inspires him to keep on going. She has faith in his music, and he has faith in her. While it may sound like the classic tale of boy meets girl, this love story takes some unexpected turns. Even the ending can be interpreted as happy or unhappy, depending on how you look at it.

2. The music
With the setting of the show in Ireland, much of the music has more of a folk sound to it as opposed to the typical show tune style found in many musicals. With a simply beautiful and at times haunting score, it's easy to see why Once won a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album in 2013. Adding to the beautiful music is the fact that the actors are also the musicians. The song "Gold" is one of my favorite songs from a musical ever, and it proves how talented the whole ensemble really is. The first performance of the song at the end of Act One is one that I could watch over and over, but equally good is the A capella reprise in Act Two. "Falling Slowly" is another favorite of mine from the show and really showcases the musical talent of Ward and deWall.  

3. The humor
The first time I saw Once, I was caught completely off guard by how genuinely funny it is. Seeing it again, I found myself laughing just as much as I did the first time. While the story is ultimately a complicated love story, funny moments are sprinkled throughout the whole show at just the right moments.

4. The pre-show experience

I absolutely love when musicals do creative things to enhance the audience's experience, which is maybe one of the reasons why I was so quick to fall in love this show. Much of the show takes place in a bar, which happens to be open to the audience upon arriving to the theatre. Simply walk up on stage to purchase a glass of wine, bottle of beer, or even just a water. How cool is that?! You can't take pictures or touch anything, but just being up on the stage and seeing the set up close is an amazing and unique experience. There are a few other surprises that I won't give away, but I'll offer the following tip: If you're up for the full experience, try to be on the stage about five minutes before the start of the show.

With a genuine story told through top-notch performing, beautiful music, and unexpected humor, Once is easily one of the best musicals to come to Hershey Theatre. There's no reason why every seat in the house shouldn't be filled for the next few days!

Once plays at Hershey Theatre through September 20. For more information and tickets, please visit www.hersheytheatre.com.

'Once' Kicks off 2015-16 Broadway Season at Hershey Theatre

 

Once, winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical and winner of the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, will play Hershey Theatre for a limited engagement from Tuesday, September 15 through Sunday, September 20.

Tickets for this show are $25.00, $35.00, $38.00, $53.00, $68.00, $73.00, $78.00 and $83.00 (tax and applicable fees apply) and are available at Hershey Theatre Box Office. They can be charged by phone at 717-534-3405 and online at www.HersheyEntertainment.com or www.TicketMaster.com.

Once features the Academy Award-winning music and lyrics of Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, a book by award-winning Irish playwright & screenwriter, Enda Walsh (Penelope, Hunger, The New Electric Ballroom), direction by the acclaimed Scottish director of Black Watch, John Tiffany, movement by Steven Hoggett (Black Watch, American Idiot) and music supervision and orchestrations by Martin Lowe (Mamma Mia!). The set and costume design are by five time Tony Award winner Bob Crowley (The Coast of Utopia, Mary Poppins), lighting design is by Tony winner Natasha Katz (Aida, The Coast of Utopia), and sound design is by Clive Goodwin.

Once is the celebrated new musical based on the Academy Award-winning film. It tells the story of an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant drawn together by their shared love of music. Over the course of one fateful week, their unexpected friendship and collaboration evolves into a powerful but complicated romance, heightened by the raw emotion of the songs they create together. Brought to the stage by an award-winning team of visionary artists and featuring an ensemble cast of gifted actor/musicians, Once is a musical celebration of life and love: thrilling in its originality, daring in its honesty... and unforgettable in every way.

Please note: There is a 25-minute hold for late patrons, during which patrons will not be allowed to enter the house or proceed to their seats. In order to not miss a moment of this Tony Award-winning production, we encourage you to arrive to the Theatre early. In addition, due to some adult language, this show is recommended for ages 10 and above. 

For more information, please visit www.OnceMusical.com.