Review: ONCE Wows at the Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater

The 2012 Tony Award-winning musical ONCE is wowing the Syracuse, NY audience at the Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater through October 20. The show-stopping musical numbers, talented musicians/actors, brilliant direction (John Tiffany), and unique production concept contribute to an instantly mesmerizing and entertaining night of theatergoing. It's certainly a treat to have this tour play here because Syracuse has such a large population of people with Irish heritage.

The opening night audience, as you might imagine, was therefore instantly hooked on the toe-tapping Irish music before the show even began. How is this possible? Well, as soon as the doors opened, the theatre was almost instantly transformed into a big Irish party. The audience was allowed to go onstage and enjoy drinks that were served on Bob Crowley's fabulously designed set. While the drinks were being poured, the audience was treated to loads of toe-tapping musical numbers performed by some of the production's talent. The show features a remarkable ensemble of actors that play their own instruments, and their talents are showcased not only during the show, but also the pre-show.

The musical ONCE is based on John Carney's 2007 film of the same name, and features a book by Enda Walsh and music and lyrics by Glen Hansward and Markéta Irglová. The story explores the power of music and how it can help individuals become connected with each other nearly instantaneously. It emphasizes the need to go for your dreams and to not live in fear. At its core, it is a story of Guy (Sam Cieri, guitar) meets Girl (Mackenzie Lesser-Roy, piano).

Guy is a Dublin street musician - a guitarist/singer who plays beautiful and intricate haunting love songs. The Girl - who also loves musical - is instantly captivated by the Guy's musical talents. He fixes Hoovers (vacuums) for a living along with his Da (Bristol Pomeroy, mandolin) so the Girl meets the Guy simply by asking him to fix her Hoover, which just happens to be broken. She realizes they share a passion for music, and she desires to help him fulfill his musical promise. As a start, she takes him to an instrument shop where she plays the piano because she can't afford her own. It becomes clear that their mutual love of music is a source of instant chemistry. The Guy's music grows more beautiful and passionate as the relationship progresses. Their relationship turns out to be a bit more complex than the typical fairytale stories of guy meets girl though.

The production is blessed with a stellar ensemble of actor/musicians whose talents are well-showcased. Their ability to play instruments and tell the story in such an honest way is what makes this show so unique. The music that they play is intricate and powerful, and the movement (Steven Hoggett) contributes to the telling of the story.

Sam Cieri soars as Guy thanks to his passionate vocals and expert guitar playing. Cieri's superb vocals and likeability makes him perfect for the role. His Irish accent (coaching of Stephen Gabis) is believable as well. It becomes clear in his opening number "Leave" why the Girl sees something special in his music, his voice, his songs, and his guitar.

Mackenzie Lesser-Roy has that girl next door, sweet, and likeable quality that makes her perfect to play the Girl. Her line delivery is perfection. Lesser-Roy is comedic where appropriate, and confident at all times. Her angelic voice soars in all of her musical numbers, but her standout moment comes on "The Hill." This solo moment with just her and her piano is made all the more captivating with Natasha Katz's lighting design.

The show features an amazing ensemble cast each of whom have a special quality that contributes to the production's success. As the banker, Jenn Chandler (cello, Guitar) is highly hilarious as she "sings" "Abandon in Bandon." Liam Fennecken (guitar, mandolin, banjo, drum set, percussion) is highly comedic as Švec. His perfect line delivery, facial expressions, and solid acting skills make him a scene stealer. Issac Haas (electric bass, ukulele, guitar, percussion) is memorable as Andrej in "The Moon" and John Hays (guitar, percussion, ukulele) is highly amusing as Billy. Alison Rose Munn (accordion, concertina) has amazing stage presence and facial expressions as Baruška and Lauren J. Thomas (violin) gives a confident, consistent, and comedic performance as Réza. Dan Tracy (piano, guitar, percussion, melodic, harmonica) delivers some amazing vocals.

The show is fantastic because the entire ensemble cast works together perfectly and plays off of each other's talents. It is hard to pick which ensemble musical numbers were the greatest highlights because they were all enjoyable and riveting. "Gold" and "Gold" (sung A cappella) are truly captivating though. Some of my other favorite numbers include "Falling Slowly," "Ej, Pada, Pada, Rosicka," and "Say It to Me Now."

The 2016 tour of the musical ONCE is a must-see because it is a truly unique theatrical experience full of amazing musicians, a phenomenal cast, and most of all incredible music.

Running Time: Approximately two hours and twenty minutes with one fifteen minute intermission.

Guidance: Good for thirteen and older due to language.

The 2016 tour of ONCE is part of the Famous Artists Broadway Theater Series: Broadway in Syracuse. It plays the Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater through October 20, 2016. For tickets and information, visit their website. For tickets and information on the Famous Artists Broadway Theater Series: Broadway in Syracuse, click here.