How did the show come about - why did you choose Once?
Based on the movie of the same name by John Carney, Once features a book by Enda Walsh, and music & lyrics by Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová.
It is the only Broadway show to have music that won the Academy Award ®, Grammy Award ®, Olivier Award and Tony Award ®
Winner of eight Tony Awards® in 2012, including Best Musical, ONCE tells the unforgettable story of a Dublin street musician and a funny Czech woman, drawn together by their shared love of music. As they assemble a band from her wild family and his quirky mates, the music flows and they fall slowly in love.
The licence for the musical was made available by MTI for amateur productions and we took the opportunity to apply. As a production company, we have focused on smaller /unique productions and aim to stretch the boundaries of what can be achieved locally on the Isle of Man especially with the talent available here.
How long have you been working on it?
We started with auditions in October and started rehearsing in April this year, initially two rehearsals a week to three rehearsals a week.
The challenge in trying to cast the show was whether we would be able to find musicians who were prepared to also act, sing, dance and speak in an Irish or Czech accent. When we advertised it we just didn’t know if we could cast it. We were absolutely delighted to find such a talented group of people, most have had to reach out of their comfort zone and learn new skills such as different instruments or just having to play together to create the music for the show or for some having to act for the first time not to mention moving while playing instruments!
It's interesting that the musical score is all played by the actors - does that mean it's all visible on the stage? What do you think that adds to the show?
Instruments aren’t usually what people think of when they picture musicals. Good, bad, or otherwise, it’s mostly flashy costumes, soaring lyrics, and ostentatious dance numbers Once is a very different kind of musical—its costumes are muted, its cast is small, and all of the actors on stage double as the orchestra.
This novel approach works in Once’s favor. It lends an intimacy to the performance that other musicals simply can’t provide.
The names of the principals - and a comment on how they are getting on/working together
Everyone in Once is very supportive, it’s an extremely friendly and helpful atmosphere. Some people are better at certain accents/dialects so will mentor each other, or voice record each other’s lines. There’s endless support for musical parts, as most people play more than one instrument and there’s different levels of playing ability. There’s no hierarchy at all, everyone shares their own personal knowledge and advice for playing certain things. They all complement each other well. There’s a good connection of teamwork throughout the entire cast and production team.
Production team:
Cast:
How are rehearsals going?
Rehearsals are a challenge, the musicians are from different backgrounds – some with more formal music backgrounds and others who don’t read music. To start with the focus was on getting the music together – the cast would not be able to rely on sheet music and are very exposed on stage so it was essential to get congruence as a group with the end result providing the audience with a more individual and personal approach. We then had to focus on developing the characters and movement with the music.
For people who don't know Once, what can they expect from the show?
Once is an incredibly mesmerizing musical experience in which the music is equally as significant as the dialogue in the storytelling process. Dramatic and comedic elements are interwoven, and the musical numbers alternate from electrifying to tender and poignant.
There are 12 performers on stage (13 with the young Ivanka’s) who sing, dance, act and as an ensemble are also the orchestra playing instruments that includes violins, the piano, and guitars!
The complexities of love and relationships are explored as is the healing power of music, but the resonating theme is how empty life would be without the inspiration to move forward and follow one’s dreams.
This production showcases the talent we do have on the Isle of Man and the ability to provide five star entertainment suitable for all audiences and highlights the joy that quality live theatre brings to audiences.
Is the pre-show/interval music and the drinks something that is often done by companies staging Once? Why do you think Once lends itself to this format so well? (I think it sounds great!)
In the West end production, there is a bar on stage and drinks are served from the bar we weren’t really able to do that here however what is unique for the Isle of Man is for the first time we have been granted a licence for the stalls area, which means the audience can enjoy their drink while watching the performance. We also have on offer limited VIP tickets where the ticket holders can get their drinks from the Orchestra pit bar and go on stage to have an interactive experience of mingling with the musicians playing music similar to what you would experience in a bar.
30 minutes before the show starts we have live music performed by Mary Molloy and Susan Coyle plus members of the cast. Mary & Sue are well known on the island for their delivery of traditional music. The audience can get a drink and relax and listen to the pre-show music. A similar set up will also be done during the interval with VIP ticket holders having the opportunity to experience being on stage with the musicians
What is the set like?
We couldn’t replicate the sets from the west end and needed to come up with our own interpretation. We have come up with a simple set that we feel can represent the various locations in the musical as well as a framework that can adapt to the needs of the musicians.
Book your tickets here or call 600555