Once

Melbourne beat Sydney to the punch to present this Tony Award winning musical by four years, but Harbour city patrons got the better deal in being able to see it up close and personal in the Eternity Playhouse.  

The venue – with a narrow wide stage and no backstage space is not always an easy space to present intimate drama.

Once, a big hearted juicy musical, feels like it is home at the Darlinghurst Theatre. Such was the resonance of being so close to the action that patrons found it hard to imagine seeing it inside a larger venue.

Past performances have famously invited members of the audience on stage into the pub, that is the beating heart of the drama. In this production patrons were welcomed by the musicians into their seats, the wooden structure of the seating providing a warm reverberation for the sweet sounds.

The musical begins with a romantic chance meeting between a Guy (Tony Francis) and a Girl (Stefanie Caccamo). He is busking a beautiful tune which she likes and together they go on a journey to heal themselves of fractured relationships.

Toby and Stefanie were well suited to their roles displaying a high level of musicianship on the guitar and piano – and most importantly having a warm on stage chemistry.

The Guy makes an awkward early fumbling pass at the Girl and spends much of the musical in aching frustration.  It is wonderful platform for lilting and rollicking Irish ballads.

Minor characters also shone. Drew Livingstone was epic as the Bank Manager, who is transformed from a cold bean counter into a passionate musician. Cameron Daddo has aged well (like a good red wine) and it felt appropriate that the character of Da was part of his name. 

There were lots of beautiful aspects of the production. One high spirited tune followed another, which the cast often performed whilst swiftly moving and weaving around the stage.

Striking lighting designed by Peter Rubie, and a gorgeous looking pub set from Hugh O’Connor rounded off a night to remember.

David Spicer

Photographer: Robert Catto