We’re throwing back to the early teenies for some beautifully moving musical theatre. Today’s TONY Tuesday is:

“Gold” from ‘Once’ at the 2012 TONY awards ceremony.

‘Once’ is a 2011 musical based on the 2007 film. It follows the encounter of two struggling musicians who meet in Ireland and form an incredible bond. ‘Once’ is a story of how the strength of love between two people can be used as a steering force for achieving your dreams, but also love’s pitfalls, and how sometimes love may not end the in way you might have always hoped. The music and lyrics were penned by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, like the film, including the academy award winning ‘Falling slowly’ and the book was written by Enda Walsh.

‘Once’ premiered in April 2011 at A.R.T in Cambridge, MA before making its Off-Broadway debut at New York Theatre Workshop from 15th November through 15th January 2012. The production was directed by John Tiffany, with choreography by Steven Hoggett, set design by Bob Crowley, Lighting design by Natasha Katz and sound design by Clive Goodwin. The original Guy and Girl were played by Steve Kazee and Cristin Milioti. After a successful run Off-Broadway, the show transferred to the Bernard B. Jacobs theatre and began previews from 28th February 2012. The musical was a critical and commercial hit, winning eight of the eleven TONY awards it was nominated for that year and finally closing in 2015 after a successful run. As part of the show’s set there was a fully working bar which was available to use by patrons pre-show, and during intermission.

‘Once’ played a limited engagement at Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre from 22nd February to 9th of March 2013 before transferring to Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End and opening for previews on March 16th. The roles of Guy and Girl were played by Declan Bennett and Zrinka Cvitesic respectively. The production, like its New York counterpart received critical and commercial success, winning an Oliver award by Cvitesic for her role as Girl, and also winning an Olivier for outstanding achievement in music. Throughout the run the role of guy was taken over by Arthur Darvill (who had previously played the role on Broadway), David Hunter and Ronan Keating, with Jill Winternitz as girl. The show finally closed on March 21st, 2015.

The musical has had several US tours and international productions with its first UK tour having started in December 2019.

‘Once’ is an overwhelmingly beautiful piece of theatre showcasing the power of music and love, and if you haven’t heard of it Besties, I suggest you get on it because it will break your heart with it’s beauty.

Cast recording available on AppleMusic and Spotify.