Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova’s “Once” hits the big stage in NYC

Adaptation of the Oscar winning musical movie receives warm welcome en route to Broadway - VIDEO

The New York Times however, felt that the characters who were so natural and nuanced in the film, devolved into generic caricatures of themselves. Guy, for example, morphs into a “handsome leading man” from the shy and nebbish bloke in the film and the quiet yet strong Girl to “a kooky, life-affirming waif” who is meant to be irresistible.” Milioto also delivers very hammy lines about love and taking chances, including, “these songs need to be sung for you, for me, for anyone who has lost a love and still wants to love,” and “wasting your life because you’re frightened of it.”

The background characters, including the Martial art-loving piano store owner, the country-and-western bank loan aficionado, Girl’s mother, and her brothers, bring humor to the production. Stand outs include Claire Candela, David Patrick Kelly, Erikka Walsh, and J. Michael Zygo. 

Variety sums up the play as being a “tender love story and the soaring songs that make "Once" a winner.” The New York Times finds the musical fun but rather shallow. “Unlike most musicals, “Once” is most at home in the depths; it’s on the surface that it feels out of its element.”

The only way to judge is to see the show for yourself. “Once” is currently running through January 15th at the New York Theater Workshop. 

The Broadway Preview for the show begins on February 28th and officially opens on Broadway on March 18th.

Here are Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova performing “Falling Slowly” on “Letterman”:

​
Nster.com