Syracuse Sun

Syracuse Stage concludes its 50th Anniversary Season with “Once,” the irresistible Tony-award winning musical based on John Carney’s beloved 2007 Oscar-winning film. First seen on Broadway in 2012, “Once” is directed by Syracuse Stage associate artistic director Melissa Crespo and will run through May 19 in the Archbold Theatre at Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse.

“I have always wanted to direct ‘Once,’ especially because it is a show that will resonate so powerfully in our Syracuse community, and I am particularly proud of the ensemble of actor/musicians in this production,” says Crespo.

On the bustling streets of Dublin, Guy (Joe Boover), a brokenhearted, down-on-his-luck musician, is ready to call it quits when he meets Girl (Ana Marcu ’16), a winsome émigré from the Czech Republic with a tangled history of her own. As they grow closer, the pair discover a kindred spirit that reignites their mutual passion for music even as their personal lives pull them towards wildly different futures.

“We were slated to produce ‘Once’ in 2019 but the pandemic changed our plans,” says artistic director Robert Hupp. “We’ve been looking for an opportunity ever since to create this knockout Tony-winner for central New York; it’s been our most requested musical and we’re thrilled to bring it to life now. This production is definitely worth the wait.”

With a book by acclaimed Irish playwright Enda Walsh, “Once” is a uniquely heartfelt and captivating experience that blends a tender love story with lively, wistful songs from Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, who starred together in the original film.

Bringing the magical, musical Dublin of “Once” to life in the Archbold theatre are set designer Rodrigo Escalante, co-costume designers Jerry Johnson and Carmen Martinez, lighting designer Matthew Webb, music director Pearl Rhein, choreographer Fatima Sowe, Syracuse Stage resident sound designer Jacqueline Herter and dialect coach Holly Thuma, along with an ensemble of 13 actor-musicians providing their own accompaniment live onstage.

All evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. while all matinee performances begin at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $25 with discounts available for students and groups. Tickets may be purchased online at SyracuseStage.org, by phone at 315.443.3275 or in person at the Syracuse Stage Box Office.

Prologue conversations, three pre-show discussions will take place one-hour before curtain on May 11 and 16. Syracuse Stage has its open-captioned performances scheduled for May 8 and 19 at 2 p.m. and May 18 at 7:30 p.m., as well as an audio-described performance on Sunday, May 18, at 2 p.m. The sensory friendly/relaxed performance of “Once” is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14, at 7:30 p.m.

The community partner for “Once” is DJ Bella J from On the One DJ Center in Syracuse.

The Slutzker Family Foundation is the Presenting Sponsor for the 50th Anniversary Season. Additional season support comes from the Dorothy and Marshall M. Reisman Foundation and Advance Media New York. The production is dedicated to the memory of Jerry Johnson.