Once (Chicago)

I am still humming the songs and would love to see this again. Only problem was it was difficult to understand the female lead's dialogue. (Called Girl in the play). I was surprised the theater was not full on a Friday evening considering how many Tony awards it received. If it returns do see it.

When you enter the theater, you see that the stage is set as an Irish pub. You can go on the stage and order a drink and listen to the musicians playing. These musicians are also the actors and when the show is about to start, people return to their seats and the lead actor comes out to join the group, and the story begins. It's a wonderful story and the music is great! A little different than the movie, but definitely better.

We loved the production of Once we saw in Chicago at the Oriental. The voices and instruments were superb. It was fun to go on stage before and at intermission--some soft drinks besides water would have been nice. The seamless transportation from flat to flat, from shop to music studio to restaurant and club were made part of the story with the underscored movement of furniture and props. It flowed so beautifully. The blocking/choreography was also fantastic, with the actors filling the whole stage and different parts of the stage at any given moment. The unresolved ending always leaves me wanting.

When I walked to me seat seat, I saw that the audience was invited on to the stage. We were allowed to walk around the set, and they were serving wine from the bar. Then, musicians appeared and began to play. We were part of the show. We were invited into their Dublin bar. The several songs played by the band and sung by various cast members were terrific, and that was before the show proper even began. Once is a touching story of a woman who helps a man though a bad time in his life and leads him to realize his potential for really no reason at all. It's simple, and probably not very realistic, but it was played well and left me in the Dubin bar for several hours after it was over. That's my measure of a good show. The only fault I had with it was that several good songs from the movie had been replaced by lesser songs. Falling Slowly was there, and played beautifully.

The music was beautiful and unexpectedly pleased to find it rather funny at many times. .

Great show the music, actors, and the whole experience was well worth it. Would go again. Get there early and enjoy the pre-show.

I was mesmerized from the very beginning when the actors come on stage to sing Irish folk songs while I was on the stage drinking my wine I just purchased from the bar on stage. The music is powerful and moving. From beginning to end I was completely taken into the emotion and struggle of lost love, a broken heart and the hope of new love. Simply a beautiful production. I would recommend that the sound engineers improve the clarity of projecting the actors voices both musically and normal. At times it was a bit muddled.

The show was great! very emotional driven, great character development and relationships. Funny and dramatic.

What a great performance! Wonderful set and theatre cast! Loved it!!!

I frequently attend Broadway in Chicago musicals. This is by far the BEST I have ever seen. It is in Chicago for such a short time but I am hoping to go again. If you have orchestra seats be sure to arrive early to visit the onstage pub. Stick around while there to be onstage for the start of the show. It was great fun. Be sure to take tissues. You'll need them, especially during "Falling Slowly".

Tricky but well liked start when the cast came out and just began singing and playing on stage with guests still on the stage participating in libations and talk from the stage bar. Once those guest came off the stage and took their seats the house lights dimmed and the actual play began. The music and lyrics were great, each actor being able to play a variety of instruments. The story line was easy to follow and well acted by both characters. My only questions was in the play bill it identifies guys girlfriend but during the play I at least couldn't or didn't recognize her if she was identified. I would have liked guy to stay in Dublin with girl, but then again maybe there is a sequel in the works?

Irish pub setting. Live musicians playing guitars, mandolins, pianos, accordians and many other instruments. Sounds like a dream, but it ended up sounding like a Bon Iver album and I am not a fan of sappy pop music. I also didn't care about the love story. They knew each other for like ten days and we were supposed to believe that they were soul mates? I just didn't buy it. If Once was a stock...don't buy!

It was OK. I would rather have seen a few other events instead. I went very open-minded and really tried to like the show but just never got into the Music or the performers.so for me ONCE was ENOUGH!

I thought the sound was not very good. I purchased good seats for top dollar and could not hear the voices or the music that well. I did not enjoy the performance for this reason. I had seen the movie a few year back and would rate it in my top 10. The Play is not in my top 100 plays

I had seen the movie, loved the music and was delighted with the performance. I have already recommended the play to many people. The talent was supurb.

My husband and I saw Once in New York a few months ago, and were so excited to find out it was coming to Chicago to see it again. This show is such a huge diversion from the normal broadway show, and well worth the time and money to see it. Get there early, there is music ahead of time and the opportunity to go up on stage with the musicians and enjoy a drink at the bar!

The performances and story are great. You laugh, you cry. What more can you ask for?

I loved the movie, and Glen & Marketa. Love the play even more! I've seen it twice in New York with the original cast. This touring troop is just as good! All the songs that I love get the full treatment. The movement and lighting effects are superb.

The story was touching! I enjoyed this show a lot.

Saw it on the last day of the Chicago run and must say found it extremely moving and so well done. Touching, funny, and with beautiful music. The tix we chose thru Ticketmaster's choose you own seat feature were perfect for the price and were a great view. Another great Chicago theater experience

Almost cried during "Falling Slowly". I think it's better than the movie or the broadway soundtrack on amazon.

Brought my 5 yo son..was hoping it would be family friendly....used the F word umpteen times....not family friendly. It would have been great if they had omitted the swearing.

Once was amazing. I was enthralled throughout the entire show. The music was wonderful, the voices and musical talent were out of this world. My companion had seen the show 2 years ago in New York, and she said the Chicago cast was better than the New York cast.

Once in a while, a play grabs your heart and soars. Such was Once. Plus the theater is such a grand showcase!

Surprised there were not more people there. Show was very good. Music and musicians were excellent. Story line very good. Words on side were very helpful

Loved the play! I even took a chance and brought my 12 year old son along. He enjoyed the music and all of the humor in the play. Not so much the love story part of it but that is to be expected for his age. I thought the music was wonderful and was really glad we went.

I was a big fan of the film, so my expectations were high going in. They clearly surpassed them, creating a beautiful stage piece with minimal sets and a focus on character and music. The openness in which the show started was great, where they allowed audience members on stage as the actors opened with some musical numbers. The two lead actors had clear chemistry, and the supporting cast, which was minimal in the film, was distinct and strayed from any caricatures. I am stunned that the Broadway version has closed, as this is one of the best musicals I've seen.

Once was really great!!! The music was fantastic! The only thing I can say about the theatre itself was there were not enough bar staff. The line was way to long before the play or during intermission to get a beverage. 1 person for the whole theatre!

I enjoyed the singing, dancing and acting so much. I do feel the sound wasn't quit as clear as it should have been. I believe some of the quick one line answer which were humorous were missed. I would love to see the performance again. Our audience loved it.

I was amazed at the amount of talent on that stage. They never get a break as they sit there the whole time, have to play multiple instruments, sing, dance, etc. Fantastic. Music was great. Cast was solid as they have obviously done it a while. Great Ensemble. Would see it again.

While I found the on stage musicians very talented, the story line was weak. I hoped there would be more dancing, and a stronger plot. It was nice to have the musicians play before the show began, but I did not understand who was invited on stage.

Fun from the moment you enter the theater! Allowing audeince on stage pre show and at intermission was great, as was the added stage bar.

Best Musical since last year! Strongly recommended!

I loved the show. The music was great and I really liked that the actors were also the musicians. It was different than anything else I have seen. If you get a chance to see it - don't miss it.

Took my 22 year old and 16 year old---they loved it as did I. Perfectly cast and music was beautiful. Will take my husband next time Once comes back!

Saw ONCE in at Cadillac Theatre in Chicago on Saturday night (6.6.15) Stuart Ward was on break so Ryan Link played/sang the role of Guy. Link "played massive" and having seen Nolan on Broadway, Keating in London and Ward at a prior tour stop, I can unequivocally say that Link delivered an honest, soulful performance without missing a beat. Dani de Waal continues to impress as Girl. Evan Harrington as Billy is brilliant. Alex Nee as Andrej and Matt DeAngelis as Svec are genuine and impressive. Heartily recommend seeing this show more than ONCE!

Very enjoyable, from beginning to end!! Quite realistic, as well, right down to brogues and colloquialisms.

Saw Once last Saturday. Was very excited to hear the Irish music and to see a story with Irish characters. Music was great! Acting for the most part was very good. Some very funny (as in HaHa) dialog, but the story had a rather abrupt ending and kind of left you hanging. Play was just under 2 1/2 hours inclusive of the break, which seemed kind of short. I did like the way the same backdrop was used to change scenery with just some changes of furniture or actor position changes. I would not go see it again, but I did love some of the characters and as mentioned above, I loved the music. PS- way too much use of the F word. Did not expect it out of some of the characters. Seemed to be added for no reason to others. Disappointed in this.

I wasn't sure what to expect from Once, only having heard the song "Falling Slowly." I was blown away! The musical was unique and captivating and I did not look at my watch Once. I would highly recommend Once to anyone.

Show was good but not great. Sounds like the touring male lead was not in Chicago and it showed. Some cast interplay wasn't as I expected and our lead dropped in and out of his Irish accent. But the show was good, the rest of the cast pretty good and my wife, who had never seen the production or movie enjoyed it despite the laughs at Irish/southern/American accents. Our biggest complaint was the seats. the seats I purchased were not listed as obstructed view and would not normally be but with this stage configuration they bring their own setup in a bit from the full stage. As a result, I paid for third row seats and wasn't able to see a bit more than a third of the stage!

Once was a great theatrical experience! I loved all of the creative staging, from the novel set design (with actors moving furniture all over the place between scenes!) to the musicians/characters being seated on stage.. The acting was terrific; the music amazing -- and being able to go on stage and have a drink while the musicians were playing was the cherry on top of an amazing night!

Absolutely stunning performance. Fun. Talented. All around entertaining.

Great show! Great music! Funny, sweet and touching.

I missed the production the first time in came through Chicago. My friend Alice shared that it was coming back to the city and told me I must see it, I trust how well she knows me. The Cadillac Palace is a beautiful old theatre. From our second balcony seats, looking down at the stage, it felt familiar. Set like a pub in Ireland, it felt like home. Old wood and weathered mirrors. Musicians and drinks. It was Dublin or any other town in Ireland. From the start the characters lilt in their voices felt so comfortable. Being a second generation 100 perfect Irish lass myself, hearing Da in reference to the father of the story, made me feel proud of my heritage. I missed all of those who have passed a little more as well. The story centers on a broken-hearted young man and the amazing woman he meets. In a very short time pushes him to realize his musical gift. The cast of characters are also transformed in the process. What made this musical stand out for me was its subtle beauty. The set changes were nothing short of stunning. Not the usual folks in black changing a scene but ballet like moves that were graceful without being obvious. The way the other performers slowly came into join a scene whether in character or simply on an instrument, were so smooth. The brick wall behind the main half-moon shaped pub came into the musical during the second set with a moving message about fear will stay with me always.

I did not realize that the actors would be speaking with an Irish accent. I cannot process accents of any sort, so missed much of the dialogue. However, it was easy to understand the story and the music was absolutely wonderful. So, if you have no trouble with accents, see this play.

For fans of the original movie, this show really delivered. The musical talent was top notch and a very respectful homage to the movie.

This show was stunning, I want to see is 10 more times!!!

This is my second time seeing this play. I loved it more the second time, almost as much as I loved it the first time. It is unique. Having the stage as a functioning bar, the musicians also being actors and dancers, as well as stage figures. The voices of the whole ensemble. The two stars have amazing voices, the music enticing and pulling you in. I hope it comes back again, as I would see it again.

What a beautiful musical! The story is universal. The music is such that days later, I'm still humming. The actors were really good. See it if you have a chance.

Fantastic show from start to finish I can't wait to see it again!

What was very impressive for me was the range of the actors and actresses. Quadruple threat....they sing, they dance, they act.....they play instruments!!!!!! The main characters were also believable. Butt the pace of the show was not to my liking. Sometimes the pause between one sentence to another was just a hair too long, making the silence feel more uncomfortable than dramatic or purposeful. I didn't love all of the music either. It was lovely having the bar on stage and patron interaction...with the stage. It was also great having the actors exit 'stage' by just stepping into the dark and sitting. However it was also sometimes confusing as i wasn't always sure if they were really out of a scene or surreptitiously part of it...which maybe is part of the allure.

From having the stage used as a working bar for theater goers to the simple props, this show was fantastic start to finish! A strong story line, great musicians and singers, and perfectionists for actors, I thoroughly enjoyed this show. Wish I would have had time to see it again!

Had a blast - loved every minute of this performance!

Once was such an amazing play!! The cast was so talented and the entire show from beginning to end was wonderful!! I cried and laughed of happiness :]

Took my mom to see this and we both completely enjoyed it. The music and voices were great. If you like Irish music you will love this play. Would see it again if it comes to Indy. Will take my daughter.

Once has been "our movie" for my wife and me so it was an easy decision to see the play when it came to Chicago, only a five hour drive for us. We loved the show. Allowing the audience to come on stage, the low key way the show sort of invaded the theater, having the cast on stage for the whole show were all excellent ways to present the story. The story was presented with all the best moments of the movie intact but it went beyond the movie in expanding characters and adding additional music and humor. The cast was wonderful, such talented musicians and actors. I laughed and cried, leaving the theater feeling high.

The cast did a fantastic job, they were all so talented vocally. They did the movie proud- I had been waiting for this to come to Chicago for 3 years and was so happy when I saw the notice, I took my mother, aunt, and daughter- great show!!

I could see this show again. Loved it. The audience was so taken by the story. So simple but so many wonderful details about this show worked. Check it out.

Spectacular! Must see. Hope it comes back to Chicago soon.

By the end of each act, all the muscles in my body were relaxed. All the songs were absolutely beatiful and hearing such good music seemed to mentally AND physically refresh me- and I cannot say that about anything else. The musicianship from each of the actors was admirable to say the least. They were so energetic and in tune with each other and so talented with so many different instruments! Not to mention the show was hilarious (when it needed to be) and the actors' accents were flawless and added on to some of the comedy. It was a good story of hope and I encourage everyone and their mother to see it !

I saw this on Broadway and became obsessed. I was making plans to travel again to NY to see it again when I learned that it was coming to Chicago. Although I had a deep connection to my "firsts," I enjoyed the Chicago company. The only thing that diminished the experience in the magnificent Oriental Theater was that the performance could have been improved with greater sound. The show simply wasn't loud enough. I wanted to get a little more lost in the music, but I had to strain a bit to hear. My hearing is normal for one who just had a fiftieth birthday, but I worried about my parents' ability to truly enjoy the performance.

I had seen the movie but really didn't know what to expect when I went to see "Once." I was so pleasantly surprised but the clever staging, great music and wonderful voices...and all the performers played instruments creating the on-stage orchestra! Fabulous!!

We have enjoyed the movie a number of times and when I saw that the play was going to be here I had to get tickets. The music is simply amazing and the cast was very strong. Would go again!

I had no idea what to expect when I entered the theatre. I had not seen the movie and vaguely knew some of the songs but had a sense i had to go. My seat was perfect. The moment the play began and the music started I knew I was about t experience something very special. The story was totally dependent on the musical talent of each player. They made the play breathe and come alive. As an ensemble they created a few hours of pure emotional, funny and healing storytelling. .

I loved the music, the acting was great. But had a hard time with acoustics. I am not sure if it was the theater or just the actors themselves?

Movie was far better, a gem. Musical performances, excellent. Songs were repetitive, few memorable (except for the well known hit), thinnest of plotlines. Gimmick of serving from the pub onstage at the much -needed intermission was merely cute, & mostly ignored by the adults in the audience.

Once is a unique show. The music is terrific and you will be moved by the performances. Would recommend it to anyone.

Show was amazing from the story line to set design. Definitely a must see.

I have seen Once on Broadway and this cast lacks energy and the music is not loud enough. The screen on the side of the stage with the words on it was totally distracting and when the theater was darkened was even worse. Not sure if it was for the hearing impaired, but it really was awfully distracting and took away from my viewing pleasure. I would not recommend this show.

Great music, beautiful story, creative use (nonuse) of sets -- outstanding !!

Went to Once in Chicago at the beautiful Oriental theater. The stage is set as a Dublin pub and audience members get to go onstage while the actors play music like a real pub. The play starts and the lights slowly are turned on and you get drwan into the story. Loved the music. Very enjoyable. Great actors/musicians.

I had heard such good things about this musical that I was maybe expecting too much. The cast was amazing, it just didn't give the entire story and I expected it to follow the movie more.

Wonderful entertainment! So much talent on the stage!!! A heartwarming love story. The music is still running through my head.

Great show -- love the story and the music!! I bought the CD and have been listening to it ever since! I highly recommend!

You want the truth? I couldn't wait for intermission so I could leave this pathetic performance. The script was embarrasingly lame and not funny at all and I cringed every time I heard the audience emit polite laughter. I felt sorry for the talented actors, many of which sang, danced, and played instruments. What a waste of talent. My advice? Don't waste your money on this dog -- go to the movies!

This show was unique and unforgettable from the moment we walked into the theater, and were welcomed onstage to mingle at the bar with the rest of the audience. The vibe was exhilarating when the cast took to their instruments for an "impromptu" jam...that continued throughout the show spurred by their enthusiasm for the music they were creating. The precision and dynamic execution of the music, choreography and set changes blew us away. The is a 'once' in a lifetime experience...don't miss out!

Great music, great cast, and great seats! I would recommend!

Such talent, wonderful musicians, vocals and acting! Loved everything about this play.

The show was fantastic! The actors were phenomenal and their singing was spectacular!

Loved this show! It had a very intimate, approachable feel for a "musical" in such a large theater. While the actors and musicians are extremely talented, the music itself is the star of this show. Great songs.

Incredibly emotional. Incredibly well-performed. Strong recommendation

music and voices were terrific story left a bit to be desired

In the days of huge theatrical productions this play is a rare little gem. I have seen it twice. Once in NYC and Once in Chicago. Both productions were engaging and delightful. Pre-show -since the main set for the play is an Irish Pub you can go up on stage to get your beverages and again at intermission. At the Chicago production Irish music was being performed on the stage before the play began while beverages were being served. For me , it is not a 5 star production, more like a 10 star.

Show and artists were outstanding. Loved the movie and theater interpretation was spot on. Chicago theater is alive and well. Production was well done. Acoustics good and performance was outstanding. Seats reasonably priced. Standing ovation.

The musical was very, very good. Great musicians, for sure. The storyline was different from the movie in that the girl was much more forceful in the musical. But I liked that about it. I did NOT appreciate the cast asking for money at the end of the play for a fundraising cause -- I can't even remember the name of it. But it was like letting the air out of a balloon. When you pay that much money for a ticket, plus the travel, parking, etc. in Chicago, I don't think it's right for them to ask you to deposit more money in a bag as you leave.

What a great show! Glad I was able to see it. Songs were great!

Absolutely loved the show Once. Every actor played an instrument and was extremely talented. We loved the story, music and truly enjoyed our afternoon.

The show was not only incredible music and performance wise but it was inventive with it's set, transitions, use of characters on stage, props. I don't even have the words to describe how incredible the whole show was. At first I was nervous seeing that the actors sat on stage the whole show but that ended up being the nest part because they were the pit! all music was played by the performers on stage. Basically Once shows a whole new kind of musical theatre performance that is both inventive and entertaining.

There's a reason Once won 8 Tony awards. It's absolutely amazing! One of the best shows I've ever seen!

My husband and I both loved the show. Once is one of our favorite movies of all time, and we were not disappointed!! Great musical and great date night!

Sorry, somewhat of a disappointment for me. Someone else reviewed that scene changes were awesome. I would say they were "clever". But expected big scenes, etc. It is basically one scene with table and chair changes. Could definitely leave out the "f" word, but I guess society loves it since there was laughter every time the word was said. Musically it was somewhat monotonous. Talent wise vocals were excellent and musicians were great.

The cast was extremely talented. They played various instruments, as well as singing, dancing, and acting.

This show was wonderful. We were in the Orchestra level (ground) Row T on the aisle and we were able to see everything. Once's stage scenery reminds me of Chicago's thriving storefront theater, put on a grand stage. The cast were great and the show was spectacular. My girlfriend and I are huge folksy music fans, but the overall music would capture many people who just enjoy great entertainment. Only downfall was with the venue. The bathroom and concession lines during intermission and before the show began were ridiculous. We were only aware of a set of bathrooms downstairs, which no way accommodated everyone during that short period. There were also only 2 persons serving at the concession stands (and only accepts cash).

Fabulous musical! Stuart Ward has a fabulous voice, and the whole cast was outstanding.

I saw both the Broadway and this production. Who could tell the difference. The cast was excellent, and their own influence on the roles were exhibited. Great way to see the show while on tour with a great cast!

"Once" is a delightful, poignant, foot stomping musical that takes you through a spectrum of emotions. The musicians are so talented, the humor is sweet, and the words make you thoughtful. I would see this performance again in a heartbeat!

we sat in the balcony, about half way up, hard to hear, not loud enough. The performers were excellent, musicians outstanding. Both the plot and some of the music was just too slow, it dragged. not upbeat enough just too slow thru much of the play. The writing and directing just needs some uumpf!!

Very difficult to hear the dialogue... Music was very good but the conversations were hard to follow...

This was by far one of the best Musicals I have ever seen!! I loved the music! Love the cast!! It completely exceeded my expectations! I have wanted to see it every night since I have watched it!! I wouldn't definitely go back and see it again and I can't wait for it to return back to Chicago!!

Show was fantastic. Wish it had a longer run in Chicago because I want to see it again!