"Once" at Jacobs Theatre, March 8, 14 and 28, 2012
(Photos: Joan Marcus)
It's been a couple of years since I've seen a show multiple times. The last was Lincoln Center's sweeping revival of South Pacific, which I saw once in previews, once mid-run, and the closing performance. The beauty and romance of that show is very different from Once, based on the 2006 movie of the same title.
After a successful run off-Broadway at New York Theatre Workshop, Once has moved uptown for what I hope will be a lengthy run. It brings its own sense of romance, intimate and touching, while hunkered down in a Dublin pub. Each of its characters are searching for his or her respective place in the world.
Leading the quest are the generically, yet conspicuously named Guy (Steve Kazee) and Girl (Cristin Milioti). He, a vaccuum repairman and frustrated musician, is foundering after having his heart broken by a recently emigrated girlfriend; she, by an estranged husband who has returned to their native Czech Republic. She encounters Guy at the pub and is immediately drawn to him, sensing his despair, and manages to turn him to his music to resolve his pain. The spark between them smolders slowly as each convinces themselves of reasons to stay apart. She sees his departed girlfriend as first love unresolved, which would forever be a barrier between them.
