If your ears perk up at the Oscar-winning duet “Falling Slowly,” you may recognize it from the well-loved 2007 film “Once,” directed by John Carney. Kicking off Feb. 25, the University of Oregon theater department is bringing the musical adaptation to the stage.
The story follows a week full of musical collaboration after an unexpected meeting between two musicians, Guy, a busker, and Girl, a Czech immigrant. Set in the streets of Dublin, Ireland, the show transports audience members away from the everyday life here in Eugene and into the music the pair creates together as their relationship develops.
What sets the musical adaptation of “Once”apart from other productions is how the instrumentals are created aside from the vocals. Junior Kelsey Stewart, who is currently studying theater at UO and taking the stage as Girl, was initially interested in the show because of its unique approach.
“I was drawn to the show at first, because of the non-traditional setting where everyone’s playing their instruments on stage,” Stewart said. “I mean, what’s not to love about that! As much as I love the [orchestra] pit and the traditional setup, it feels so fun to experiment and try a show that’s a little more out there.”
Stewart played piano during childhood and had taken a break during the hecticness of college up until this opportunity. Through the rehearsal process, Stewart has loved reconnecting with the instrument, especially in this unique setting. The actors agreed how even during rehearsals, playing instruments alongside other actors onstage creates a special, honest dynamic that audience members will definitely absorb and thrive off of while watching.
“Once you look around at people playing on stage with you, there’s this recognition that you’re playing with something good, and you’re playing with really talented musicians alongside you. It’s really just got this magic to it that other shows don’t have,” Stewart said.
UO alumni Joshua Scott Carlton has been involved in theater since 2010 and is familiar with the story of “Once,” as he has auditioned for the show before in other locations. He made a return to campus to portray the character Billy, the owner of the music shop where Girl plays piano, making his role in this production what he calls a full circle moment.
“I loved the movie when it came out in 2007,” Carlton said. “When they adapted it for the stage 10 years ago, I thought, I want to do that show. It is really cool, actually, to be back home again, here at the U of O and say, ‘Oh, now I get to do this.’”
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has caused challenges during the rehearsal process, the cast and crew are anticipating performing for a live audience. Both Stewart and Scott Carlton emphasized how exciting it is to put on the show after a hiatus of live performances due to pandemic precautions that ultimately stalled their involvement in theater arts.
“I feel like we’ve been getting better, braver and safer about putting shows on. If we can put it on and have everybody come in, we can sell all these tickets, get all these seats, I think it’ll be really worth it,” Stewart said. “Maybe the show will be a little reminder of what life used to be like and what we can get towards in the future.”
Opening night of “Once”is Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m., with additional show dates the first two weekends of March. All performances are located at the Robinson Theater in Eugene. The show is free for University of Oregon students and $10 for adults. More information regarding ticket pricing and purchases can be found at the UO Theater Arts page.
