By James V. Ruocco
Given the fact that "From the Desk of Jim R, Take 2" and other "From the Desk of Jim R" columns attract audiences from all over the world, this review of "Once" is being written in English and Irish. For those of you who don't understand Irish, translations are provided at the end of the column.
Agus mar sin, tosaíonn sé. (a.)
The stage version of "Once" is based on the celebrated 2007 film of the same title, which was shot on a shoestring budget of $150,000 and completed in just 17 days. It starred Glen Hansard, the lead singer of the Irish band "Frames" and Czech pianist Marketa Irglova, both of whom wrote all of "Once's" original songs.
Not you typical musical, "Once" charts the simple story of a busker musician who, through a chance meeting in Dublin, Ireland, meets a striking Eastern European pianist. Naturally, both characters carry excessive baggage from troubled relationships (his girlfriend left Dublin and moved back to New York; she has a child and a husband, she may or may not reconcile with). The characters also share an outspokenness that is completely refreshing, a passion for making music, major money issues and oh, yes, the possibility of becoming potential lovers.
The indie spirit of the film, mixed with an obvious, but likeable story of two musicians who hope to strike Irish gold by collaborating and recording their own songs is the heart and soul of the stage version, which was written as a labor of love by Dublin-born playwright Enda Walsh ("Ballytork," "Misterman" and "The Ginger Ale Boy").
"Once" also achieves fire and fuel from its ensemble cast of actors, all of whom double as singers and musicians ....guitar, cello, violin, piano, accordion, to name a few.
At the Warner Theatre where the two-act musical unfolds with a buoyant charm that is genuine and often contagious, the audience is happily whisked from downtown Torrington to Dublin, Ireland in a matter of minutes. All that's missing is Irish lager on tap, the sweet smell of corned beef and cabbage, a slice or two of barmbrack and a healthy dish of mashed colcannon. Lager na Gaeilge, beidh mé beirt agam. (b.)
No one is better suited to direct "Once" than Sharon A. Wilcox. She loves the show. She knows it inside and out. It is something she has wanted to direct ever since she first saw the musical a few years back. It is also a Valentine of sorts that demands a certain kind of dishy, sentimental urgency that Wilcox can conjure up like a master chef along the lines of Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Oliver and Bobby Flay.
Here, as in last year's wildly inventive "Tommy" Wilcox completely understands the mechanics of staging musical theater whether she has 40 people on stage, 15 people on stage or just two. She paints interesting, colorful pictures. She always knows how to frame and develop a certain scene. She knows what to emphasize and what to downplay. She knows how to move her actors about the large Warner stage without ever once resorting to calculation or paint-by-numbers staging. She also never missteps or misplays the original source material, from dialogue and book to music and lyrics. But she's no copycat either. It's her vision and her interpretation from start to finish. This is not the $3.50 version of a musical you'd find down the street in Thomaston at Landmark Community Theatre. Here, you get an artistic vision (sets, costumes, lighting, sound, musicians) that cries Off-Broadway or National Tour.
As choreographer, Wilcox is in her element, and well, she should be. Her dance staging, Irish in every way imaginable, doesn't take its cue from traditional Broadway musicals, if only because "Once" doesn't lend itself to that sort of cheery, excessive choreographic interplay.
Here, it's all about the big picture or the intimate picture and how to position everything imaginatively so that it snaps, crackles and pops. A dance on a table, the spirited movement of the onstage musicians, the synchronized steps, the thumps and Chthonic stamping, all blend together nicely to signify the Irish traditions and social lineage reflected in the dance music and group song performances. It is truly magnificent.
Is próiseas tríthoiseach é a ligeann do 'Once' a bhunchloch agus a cheiliúradh, stíl na hÉireann. (c.)
Technically, "Once" is bloody brilliant. The set design by Stephen C. Houk is Broadway caliber on every level without the big Broadway budget (take note: Phoenix Stage Company, Seven Angels Theatre, Landmark Community Theatre). It is colorful, inviting and wonderfully atmospheric. The vivid lighting palate by LBC Lighting gives "Once" its various moods, ticks, quirks, beauty, intimacy and settings. Chris La Plante's sound design is "spot on." Renee C. Purdy's smart, splendid and imaginative costuming works wonders for everyone on stage who wears her designs. Purdy is such a clever designer, you could give her a room full of burlap and she could easily create a design palate indicative of London Fashion week.
Because "Once" is a musical about two people who meet by chance, casting.....the right casting, that is....is absolutely essential in order for the love story (of sorts) to work, radiate sparks and work the audience up into an emotional lather of sorts. The casting of Noel Roberge and Kelly White as Guy and Girl (the show's romantic leads) not only gives "Once" it's emotional backbone, but keeps this otherwise saccharine story from running out of steam even when the material or music skips a beat or two.
Roberge, who rocked the stage in the Warner's thrilling production of "Tommy" (he played the title role) and nearly stole the show from his "Assassins" co stars with his moody, earthy portrayal of the Balladeer in the Stephen Sondheim musical (also staged at the Warner), never once executes a false move under Wilcox's directorial tutelage. His characterization is dynamic, edgy, handsome, charismatic, quirky, romantic, outspoken and oddly, fucked up. It's a role he was born to play and he plays it ever so well. Bhuel, dearthóir.(d.)
Musically, "Once" also suits his exceptional, melodic, vocal range. He sells the songs as written (he also plays guitar). He understands their meaning and emotional connection to the "Once" story and its evolution. He also puts his own personal spin on the vocals, offering plenty of old school charm, dash, passion, cynicism, personality, attitude and Irish pub brio.
Dá mba rud é go raibh Roberge ag taisteal go Baile Átha Cliath riamh, gheobhaidh Éire go léir rejoice (e).
Kelly White, last seen as Molly in the Warner Stage Company's brilliantly staged "Peter and the Starcatcher," is the ideal actress to bring the character of the Girl (she also plays the piano) to life in Wilcox's production. She also possesses the right tenderness, mystery, vulnerability, beauty and winsomeness the part calls for. And she is the perfect sparring partner for Roberge, particularly when their characters clash, disagree, get a little too close, unravel or completely disconnect
.
Here, as in "Peter and the Starcatcher," White is an engaging, endearing performer with real passion and understanding for the stage. She takes a part, fills in all the colors and runs with it. But she does it so unobtrusively, you would think the show's original creators envisioned each role with White in mind.
Vocally, she's in her element. The "Once" score ideally strikes the right chord with White. She is a beguiling presence who sings with power and conviction. She compels and impresses with the softer ballads and duets. Her clear, remarkable voice also delivers the show's sweet-inflected bromides with lovely confidence. Ní féidir é a dhiúltú. (f.)
Although "Once" is completely likeable and endearing, the musical itself does have obvious flaws, mainly on the creative side of its originators. Translating the story from film to stage, playwright Enda Walsh overdoes the whimsy, the romantic clichés and the chance meeting story concept using soppy dialogue, one-note observations and sugar-coated messaging. It doesn't derail the story. It just never builds to the crescendo that other musicals strike to create.
Musically, "Once" contains lots of pretty, charming and enjoyable music. But as written by Glen Hansand and Marketa Irglova, some of it is repetitious with little variation and substance.
The show-stopping "Falling Slowly," which won the Academy Award for Best Song, still works its magic here. "Once" also retains its edgy musical pronouncements, its sweet undercurrents and its genuine arguments and conflicts in other musical numbers. But it's still not as potent or as fresh as Duncan Sheik's "Spring Awakening," which the Warner Theatre will be staging in June. I, for, one, can't wait for this one. It's going to be massive.
This production also contains an overlong pre-show of sorts during which the entire cast takes center stage joking with the audience, singing, dancing and playing their own instruments in a lively, spirited manner that recalls those treasured, beloved Irish seisiuns. The songs. mainly drinking songs, are fun and expertly performed, but many of them sound the same. Or, they make you feel as if you're experiencing "Ground Hog Day" delirium, over and over. Go tapa, pas a fháil lager eile, le do thoil.(g.)
Dúirt go leor, a ligean ar ais go bunúsach. (h.)
In conclusion, the triumph and pleasure of this production of "Once" is the immensely vital performances of the two leads.....Noel Roberge and Kelly White. And finally, the stirring, robust direction and choreography by Sharon A. Wilcox, a visionary and auteur who does the Warner Theatre proud every time another one of her productions debuts and takes the spotlight. She is in an class of her own. And she bloody well, has earned it.
And that, in a nutshell, is yet another reason why her productions soar at the Torrington-based venue while other plays and musicals at other area theaters fall flat on their face (no names, please, they know who they are) with cheap, shoddy, unimaginative works that insult not only the on-stage actors, but those in the audience as well.
The Warner always puts its best foot forward.
The late Jim Fritch said it perfectly: "At the Warner, you get so much more than just a show. You get the full experience."
So beautifully said, Jimmy. We miss you.
"Once" is being staged at the Warner Theater (68 Main St., Torrington, CT), now through Feb.11.
For tickets or more information, call (860) 489-7180.
website: warnertheatre.org.
(The Irish to English translation)
(a.) And so, it begins.
(b.) Irish lager, I'll have two.
(c.) It is a three-dimensional process that allows 'Once' to bask in its origins and celebrate, Irish style.
(d.) Well done, laddie.
(e.) If ever Roberge were to travel to Dublin, all of Ireland would rejoice.
(f.) It's impossible not be moved.
(g.) Quick, pass another lager, please.
(h.) Enough said, let's get back to basics.
No comments:
Post a Comment