Once the Musical has arrived at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre and it’s already creating quite a buzz among the theatregoers. The opening night was a huge success with the who’s who of Melbourne’s entertainment scene in attendance. The audience was thrilled with the mesmerizing performances of the talented cast and the heartwarming story of the show. Goggle Box star Anastasia Katselas said, “It was absolutely amazing. The music, acting and storyline had you laughing and crying. It’s a must-see for all.”
Lauren Saylor, Smooth FM’s Breakfast producer says, “It was such an incredible night and show the chemistry between the characters was electric.”
Based on the Academy Award-winning film, Once is a musical that tells the story of an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant who are drawn together by their shared love of music. The show features an impressive score of folk-infused songs, played live on stage by a cast of actor-musicians.
The Melbourne production of Once features a talented cast of performers, including Toby Francis as Guy and Stefanie Caccamo as Girl. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, and their performances are both powerful and moving. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with each member bringing their unique talents to the stage.
One of the things that sets Once apart from other musicals is the way the music is performed. Rather than having a traditional orchestra in the pit, the cast members play all the instruments themselves. This adds an extra layer of authenticity to the show and showcases the incredible talents of the performers.
RHOM star Cherry Dipietrantonio was also in attendance at the opening night and was blown away by the performance. “It was breathtaking! Those voices, plus so many playing multiple instruments, it was just incredible.”
The set design for Once is also worth mentioning. The minimalist set features a pub where the characters come together to play music. The set is transformed throughout the show, with different elements added and removed to create different locations and moods. It’s a clever design that adds to the overall charm of the show.
Overall, Once is a must-see musical that is sure to delight audiences of a mature age. The combination of talented performers, live music, and a heart-warming story makes for an unforgettable experience. If you’re looking for a night of entertainment that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired, be sure to catch Once at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre.
Reviewed & attended by Melinda Sullivan
Photography by Sam Tabone.
