Once the Musical

We got tickets for 10 bucks and this venue doesn't have a bad seat! The actors were amazingly talented playing multiple instruments and showing great skill and producing a high quality show. The show offers laughter, tears and a wonderful score. This show is a 10 in my book!

The show was great, especially the music. I thought the "guy" sounded a lot like Dave Mathews when he sang. I only have two criticisms - one - a few rimes when Guy was speaking, i had no idea what he said, probably because of the accent. Also - sometimes - it was hard to discern where they were - bar, music shop, night club, i think they could have done a better job of making each location look a little different, maybe a curtain to cover the bar. But in all it was a fun show, i recommend it.

Sometimes there is a special moment in a play or musical that leaves you with goosebumps. Once the musical had several of these moments with the characters on stage beach playing their own instrument was nothing short of magical.

I saw it in Dublin in Aug. 2015 and this one in Hershey was just as good!

This was an amazing show with an outstanding cast. The story is wonderful, the direction was unique and furthered the story, and the cast was incredible. It was a real treat to watch the same people act, dance, sing, and play instruments -- what great talents!

I had loved the movie, but wasn't sure what to expect from the stage show. Was certainly NOT disappointed. My friend was not familiar with the story and also loved. We were both wiping away tears. The concept of all the musicians staying on the stage was unique, as was the "preshow" of tunes, leading right into the show.

Having seen the show on Broadway, I had to see it again. The touring company did not disappoint. This version was as good as the Tony winning Broadway version, although astute listeners will notice some new interpretations of the songs.

Highly recommended show. The cast was fantastic, the music was moving and emotional tangible, loads of fun, laughs, tears, and simply exquisite. If you're in the fence "Do it!" You won't be disappointed.

I've been in love with this music since the movie came out in 2006. To see it on the stage was awesome. Such a talented group of performers. To play all the music for the show as well as act and sing takes talent and this cast rocked it!!!!

The show is different from any Broadway show that I have seen before in that the actors in the show are also all instrumentalists. In fact, there is no pit. The set stays the same: a bar with chairs set to the side for use of the musicians as they come and go according to the instrumentation of a given song. There is not much dancing but some very interesting choreography of movement. Clearly the cast is made up of a different kind of talent than theatergoers find in a typical Broadway show. If you are any kind of a musician---or even if you are not-- you will find this show to be a moving musical journey full of humor and love.

To be fair, I saw this show on Broadway, and became a huge fan. The touring show pales in comparison. The male lead seemed to be having some vocal trouble (maybe he was sick with a cold?) and his Irish accent was so thick that much of dialogue was unintelligible. However, the female lead was better than the one I saw on Broadway. Supporting roles were okay, too. This performance lacked energy.

Good story line, very slow ballads. No energy. Guy next to me fell asleep and I saw several couples leaving. I thought it would be energetic, but I was bored.

The music is still running through my soul! The cast was amazing! I loved the energy! Just wonderful!!!

Being a big fan of Irish and Scottish music I was greatly looking forward to Once. Before the show the performers warm up singing and playing many different Irish songs that were great fun. Sadly, once the show started I was greatly disappointed in the music. The performers are excellent and I give them full credit for that. But this musical moves at a snail's pace. Also be warned of you care, I brought my daughter to this show and the amount of times F-Bombs were said was surprising. In the performers were good but hampered by a mundane slow moving story with boring music. Its to bad the warm up songs weren't the actual performance.

This production was amazing and the chereography absolutely the best. Very enjoyable and heart touching.

Captivating music & story. One of Broadway's best musicals.

Let me begin by saying I am a big fan of musicals. Sadly, this isn't one of them. The opening "pub scene" was muffled and difficult to hear (I was in the front row). When the actual play began, the opening tune was sung off key and seemed to last forever! While the female lead was very talented with an excellent voice, her male counterpart was not compelling and had a mostly "screechy" voice. The supporting cast just didn't seem to have the energy necessary to bring off the score let alone the story. I left at intermission. Perhaps the second act was better. The musical did attract many young play goers, many of whom were very excited about seeing the play. I do hope they weren't disappointed. I was.

Witty, energetic, great acting! Music was awesome, such talent.

I enjoyed this show very much and highly recommend. The actors were outstanding.

Absolutely loved it!! Enjoyed every moment of this show. All the actors were musicians... I am totally blown away. From the stage set up to the compositions, everything was absolutely perfect!!! Highly recommend this one if you are a fan of musicals and to those who have never seen a musical before alike. You will have your breath taken away. I promise.

The show has a great start - it is unique and I would prefer to just leave it at that because explaining it would be a bit of a spoiler. The music was fantastic, the quality of the performers was very high. I loved the creativity of the set and the use of lights. Some of the snap changes in scene and context were amazing. There was a creativity to the way that the scene would change, and it engaged the imagination. That is a key part of the Broadway experience. The characters were real, and the audience is meant to care about them. There was one thing that bothered me - the child was somehow in the story, but not really either. The only thing about the kid was that we were supposed to care about the mom, but the kid's life seemed inconsequential. The guy in the story was a bumbling dunderhead when it came to relationships - but had a talent. The gal in the story was the glittering jewel of brilliance in all matters, and could convert the guy from a musical dropout to a rocketing star in just a couple of days. That is somewhat standard fare these days. So, I liked the play overall. I definitely would see it again. There was needless vulgar language in the play which is the reason this play loses a star for me.

Occasionally good music with decent drama generously laced with the F bomb where it served no purpose. The plot was often slow and moody and the ending could leave some people confused as it is not concrete. Reminds me of a college drama......but with a few really talented players.

The music was fabulous, the musicians so talented - until they opened their mouths to speak. After the third time the "F" word was used I was ready to leave. Sadly, we were sitting in the middle of a row and didn't feel like we could until the intermission. They continued to use the "F" word throughout the rest of the first act - it was incredibly offensive. My husband and I weren't the only ones who left at intermission. There was a steady stream of couples leaving the theater and heading for the parking lot with us. Sadly I wish I had done some more research before I bought the tickets. I had looked forward to it for months. It had sounded like such a great show and I really did enjoy the music.

Very talented cast and great music. You won't be disappointed.

As a huge fan of Glen Hansard and Once the movie. I was beyond impressed!

Fun afternoon with great music. Seats were disappointing but we shouldn't wait to get our tickets.

Language was offensive. I don't need to pay to see a play and hear the "F" word or the Lords name taken in vain, all in the first 30 minutes. You would't offend other religions, why? MY 23 year old daughter and 25 year old Son said they wanted to leave and found it offensive. Nothing in TV ad or literature indicated offensive language or religious references. We walked out and complained to staff.

After watching the movie, I loved the music. I bought the soundtrack and Glen Hansard and Markita Iglova have beautiful voices. They're chemistry and harmonies were great, so I did not expect the musical to be quite as good. BUT IT WAS!!! The cast was excellent musically and added personal touch to the story. It was great, I'd see it again in a heartbeat.

We love the movie and have seen it several times. The live show, however, lacked much of the pure emotion that the film excelled at providing. It seemed to get lost in far too much slap stick from almost every character. It went for corny laughs without reason and in so doing, compromised the original "feel" of the story. It lost its simplicity and resulting beauty. There were scenes that made me groan with annoyance and wonder why they opted for cheap jokes. I get artistic license, but this really let us down. Perhaps if we hadn't seen the film our reaction would be different. The songs were, however, terrific both in terms of music and singing.

I brought both my 12 year old daughter and 65 year old mother to this show. We all enjoyed it however there was some foul language ("f" word) throughout the show that disturbed my daughter. The music was incredible, the story line was easy to follow and sweet, and the actors were all extremely talented.

I've recently gotten into musical theater and have been attending every show I can. Once was the first show I have noticed the artistry of music and movement combined so well it takes your breath away. I loved how the ensemble played the instruments and how smoothly they worked to transition the set and scene. The lead actors' voices were seamless and their presence carried the show well.

A most enjoyable musical with talented actors who were also talented musicians and singers.

I was pulled in from the moment we sat down until the show ended. the acting was extremely` good an I loved the music. i really liked how the ensemble was always on stage and filtered in and out as the moment needed. I saw this on Tuesday and wish i could have gone back Wednesday. I highly recommend this show and hope it comes back to Cleveland so I can see it again. And i'm not one that usually see's a show more than once!!

We enjoy the menu. The play was very good, my date enjoyed it very much also. would go to other eve nt at this location.

Yes, I am Irish...but honestly that is not why I love this musical. To really FEEL something when your at a show is a remarkable thing. I just love this show.

Lots of music and talented singers! If you love music you will love ONCE!

this production was basically, just "OK". Nothing wonderful, nothing terrible. Would not see it again.

Great show. The lead guy was amazing, phenomenal voice.

AMAZING. AMAZING. AMAZING. This is my third time seeing Once and it was just as perfect as the last two times. Such a beautiful story and the songs are a unique sound compared to most musicals, love the unplugged, folksy sound.

Don't know how I wound up with such fantastic seats...just 2 weeks before the show, but it was a fabulous experience!! From the open bar on stage at the beginning to the last song, it was a wonderfully engaging performance. Though some might complain about some language, it was really well written. I don't think it added anything to the impact of the characters...it would have been at least as enjoyable without it. Just don't take your young children.

Was not sure what to expect on this show, but the romance, music and Ireland were hooks for wife and myself so we bought second row tickets. This was an amazing play, and Sam Cieri's (male lead# performance #music and singing# gave me goosebumps and tears early on. He is an awesome player. Mackenzie Lesser-Roy was awesome as the Czech girl #lead# and was spot on. Word of warning: I like my happy endings, and resolution to plays/movies that I become emotionally invested in #and yes, they achieved that easily in this production!) No spoilers, but at the end, everyone stood up, clapping, and they all left the stage, and I was like, "that's not it! No, they're not finished!" If it were not for the end, I would give 5 wonderful stars. I would definitely see this again. We watched the movie the next day, and it was ok. We loved the play so much better and can see the reason for the production changes that were made. There is more humor, and romance in the play, and much more oomph too.

This was a great stage adaptation of a beautiful film. The music was outstanding. Very talented performers.

I really love the movie, "Once". So I was excited going into the musical. I was not disappointed. The performance received a standing ovation. I have heard a few dislikes, but all of them were from people unfamiliar with the story. It's not your typical love story.

So much talent, so little time. It was amazing. I wish it didn't end.

Not my favorite. Could not understand most of the words.

Very talented cast - act, sing, dance, play several instruments. Unfortunately could not understand most of the dialogue or words to the songs. Effective set. High energy. Got bored before the end of the first Act but stayed to the end hoping it would get better. I enjoy live theater and attend frequently. This show was a disappointment and would not recommend to friends.

It was a breathtaking experience to witness (feel drawn into!) such a geniously talented performance!

I very much enjoyed this show. It was different and engaging and well done.

I would definitely recommend attending Once. The Irish accents were fun and experiencing the music on stage was refreshing. The music was absolutely moving, really enjoyed it!

We drove 2.5 hours to see this production as they don't have Nashville on the schedule, and it was well worth it. Great cast, top notch production, and the theater exceeded expectations.

After adoring the movie and replaying the soundtrack 1000 times, we were wondering how they would pull off the musical. Entering the theater, we were already hooked! The show was adapted for the stage so well and remained very entertaining the entire time. We didn't want it to end! Bravo!!

DIdn't quite know what to expect but the blend of comedy, culture and folk music presented by a talented ensemble was just what we needed. Did not have that everything-sweet-tied-up-with-a-pretty-bow ending.

I am a huge fan of the movie Once and was very excited to hear the musical was coming to Birmingham. The musical did not disappoint. It was quite different in many ways from the original story but that made it better. I enjoyed the comedy aspect but most of all I was over joyed to hear the music of Glen Hansard brought to life. I would gladly go see it again.

The actors were good and they sang beautifully but over all this musical was lacking a good plot.

The production quality was great and the performers were extremely talented it just wasn't my cup of tea. I found myself snoozing through most of it. I should have done more homework to find out what it was really about. I read Irish musical, set in a music shop, opening with bar scene, and had a completely different idea of what it would be like. There was also more "language" in it for my taste.

Loved this fresh new look at love found and love lost. Once will take you away with it. From the opening scean to the final song you will be on stage and in the middle of the music. I loved the way the set changed. No dimming of the lights and with choreographed precision. The ending reminded me of real life where everything is not always tied up with neat little ribbons.

I saw Once originally on Broadway, and I am amazed at the quality of the off-broadway production. The set, the music, almost identical, and just as moving as the first time. Wonderful!

This was the first time I have seen this performance and I LOVED it! My daughter and I have been trying to see as many Broadways as we can afford, so it's a real treat to see good productions! We also enjoyed the cast, even when no one was watching, they were enjoying themselves and it showed. Amazing talent and the songs & music were phenomenal! :)

The music was great. I will definitely purchase the recorded music. The musical had a lot of heart and soul. I was moved.

I just couldn't wrap my arms around this show. Dialogue was boring and difficult to understand. Music was lackluster. Performers were talented but set and costumes were dull and uninteresting. Left after intermission.

This was the first Broadway play I had attended in quite a while. The advertisements showed this as an upbeat musical with lots of Irish music. I was very disappointed. The music in the pre-show was great but after that, it went downhill. The music was slow, to the point of putting you to sleep. The story line was boring. It was extremely difficult to hear the actors and their accents made it more difficult to understand. The main actor, the Irish guy was the worse. I would not recommend this as a play to see. sorry!

iI guess this was just not for me. I thought that there were only 2 "takeaway" songs. I love musicals, just not this one. Production wise, it was good.

This is the third time I've seen this musical. It's beautiful and the talent of the musicians/actors always astounds me.

Wonderful performance with excellent singing, instrument playing and music

A wonderful production in every way -- The story was good but the music was the outstanding! Do take advantage of going up onstage during intermission, as that is a fun experience as an audience member. My 14-year-old daughter loved the show from start to finish but the 7-year-old girl seated near us seemed less interested; this show is probably best for ages 12 and above.

The talent was great. The music beautiful but I was offended by the use of Jesus name in vain and also the "F" word was repulsive. It did not add to the drama or the enjoyment of the play. Also, Tuesday evening the fire alarm went off and we were asked to leave the theater. We just got tired of waiting and left, missing the end of the play. That was no fault of the actors though.

The singing, dancing and music was all good, but the story was weak. The actors danced, played and sang their hearts out but the aimless story left us bored by intermission. We should of left then because the second half was even more disappointing. The huge venue didn't help.

My wife and I did not enjoy this at all. Some of the songs were OK, and some of the music was OK. We thought a lot of it was in poor taste. Just a waste of time and money for us.

We loved it The musicians were very talented and played great together The playlist was excellent

I love this show. The girl was outstanding! The staging is neat. I liked the humor and the charisma between the leads. It was close to being as good as when I saw it on Broadway with the leads.

It was like a concert, musical hybrid. It was a lot of fun to watch and the acting was superb. If you're a fan of string instruments this is your show.

The actors were great. The lead singers harmonized together perfectly. Great story line with great performers.

Absolutely over the moon with enjoyment of this musical. One of the best musicals I have seen in years. Cast was outstanding . They seemed to all really be embracing the moment. Already decided to see it again and bring others with me! Don't want to miss this one! Great venue. Easy to get in to and out of!

This production of Once the Musical was absolutely wonderful! The ensemble work was seamless and generous. The musicianship and cohesion were superb, inviting the audience into the story and being gracious hosts. Rich, entertaining, inspiring and fun!

Amazing show! Wonderful performers and voices and the story line will tug at your heart strings. It's a must see!

Fabulous performance by all the cast. Very engaging storyline and highly talented, fun and professional musicians/actors/actresses. Highly recommend this musical.

As fans of both the movie and the soundtrack, my wife and I knew that the show would feature the same musical experience. However, we weren't ready for the level of musicianship that this show offered. The simplicity of the set made the story feel real. The transitions between scenes were also interesting to watch. I loved the comedy interjected between characters. This show held true to its source material but kept its own as a beautiful and heart warming show.

We did not know what to expect but we were blown away by the incredible vocal and musical talent. There is no traditional Irish Dancing just so you know, but this was still one of the best musical shows we have seen in a long time.

The performers were very good musicians, singers and actors. Story line was different and you had to pay close attention at times due to the accents of the characters. That said I recommend you see it Once!

The music was great, the story line good. The one thing that was very annoying is that the main male character was VERY difficult to understand. I don't know if he actually had an Irish brogue or was acting BUT either way it was VERY difficult to understand what he was saying. Almost like he had a bag of marbles in his mouth. It was not only me, but several people around me made the same comment. I feel you lost some of what was happening because you could not understand him.

Boring, music bad and slow moving plot. Would not recommend.

Not your typical Broadway musical style which actually was refreshing. Each actor also plays an instrument (some play several) while singing. Indie style music both ballad and uptempo. Sprinkle in an Ireland backdrop, a struggling musician and single mom both grappling with personal issues, dramatic and comedic moments, and an eclectic but beautiful mix of melodies and lyrics, this makes for an unforgettable, thoroughly enjoyable show.

This is a very light play, so if you are looking for an abundance of drama this isn't it. But what it does provide is something unique and uplifting. Only down side: the lead male character, Guy, had the worst phony Irish accent I have heard. Would have been better of him to not even try. Since most of the play takes place in a pub, you could go up on stage prior to the play to get a drink.

The show was fabulous!!!!!!!!! I highly recommend seeing this show!!!!!

I had never seen the movie or musical before, it was a beautiful display of many different ways love is in our lives and music. :)

This was a great show! I loved the different feel with the cast also being the orchestra and stage hands. The music was great. I also liked the plot, but I thought the ending was a little abrupt.

This musical is purely about heart and emotion and the music. If you are looking for fancy choreography or set pieces you wont get that with this musical. It focuses on relationships. The music is amazing and with great singers you can't go wrong here.

Loved the show! (2nd time seeing the show, 1st for my husband)

Really wonderful musical about love and human relations. Beautifully understated performances. Expect a story about love, dreams and destiny without all the usual sugar coating.

I love, love, love this show. It's my second favorite show after Les Miserables (because Les Mis, you know?). I love Once more than Wicked, Jersey Boys... all of 'em. The best part about this show is that you can have crappy seats and not miss a thing, because it's all about the music. It's also a show that truly rewards MUSICIANS (almost all of the cast plays multiple instruments during the show), and there isn't a particular body type in a lot of the roles. So it sends a good message. This was my second time seeing the show. This time, we got there early so that we could go up on to the stage to the bar before the show. Really a cool experience, especially when the cast comes out and plays music while you're standing right there.

Staging was unique and amazing!! The all casts are also accompanists for the entire show. It was a good opportunity for the audience to go up the stage during intermission to look around the stage and also get some drinks at the bar corner on the stage.

Slim story, but good singing. The Guy was especially good. Cute, romantic production.

The musical was amazing. I don't get many opportunities to attend theatrical plays or musicals; however, I will not complain about this Musical. Once the Musical was amazing. The cast was incredible and talented. I have seen the Movie and now the Musical; I'm very pleased to be in attendance. I'll be at the Pantages for the 2107 Season!!!!!

I had never seen the movie and knew nothing of the story which was a nice was to see this performance. Very well done but I don't have much to compare it too since I don't go to plays or musicals very often.

A true delight! My daughter and I was very impressed. Great cast.

We completely enjoyed the play. The actors have an amazing talent and were on stage the entire play. The set was great, the music was great and the theatre and seats were fantastic. We stayed across the street at the W and we had a wonderful evening.

I saw this show last year and absolutely loved it. I was actually concerned about this cast living up to my last experience. However, they far exceeded my very high expectations! The leads' voices were phenomenal, and the supporting cast was just as strong. So glad I saw this cast before they wrapped up their run at the Pantages!

If you like singer/songwriter music, you'll enjoy this. Talented cast. Creative set changes. The only complaint is that the dialogue was difficult to hear at times. They were not amplified well, and some scenes dragged and got boring. But, overall, I enjoyed it. The theme song will get stuck in your head, so be prepared..:))

Such an amazing musical. I would definitely recommend to see this musical!!

I saw Once last year with Stuart Ward and Dani de Waal in the lead roles. They were amazing, took my breath away. Unfortunately, this new cast (with Sam Cieri) does not live up to Stuart/Dani's performance. I have to admit, I was disappointed. The new cast can sing, but there was no feeling behind the music. The storyline is very simple, so what made the show so great last year was the feeling and emotions behind every word spoken/sung and every note played. I had no idea what a difference the right people in the right roles makes until now.