Zack Spound

Though the Tony Award-winning musical adaptation of writer/director John Carney's well-liked indie film ONCE is a musical that this reviewer has liked quite a bit from past productions, it took seeing South Coast Repertory's brand new regional production---now on stage in Costa Mesa through September 30---for this reviewer to not only like it, but to truly adore it. From casting to staging and everything in between, SCR's enjoyable new mounting, under the astute direction of Kent Nicholson, is somehow much more emotional, thoughtful, and remarkably riveting than past touring productions. And though, yes, it is essentially the same source material, SCR's exquisite new iteration of this small, but genuinely endearing musical is by far the gold standard of how this show should look and feel in any and all future productions.

Once tells the story of a Dublin street musician about to abandon his dream when a beautiful woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to new heights, and their connection becomes more than an everyday romance. A captivating tale that will draw you in from the very first note.

LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS just opened a remarkable musical about dreamers and hope, FLOYD COLLINS, music and lyrics by Adam Guettel, book and additional lyrics by Tina Landau, musical direction by David O and directed by Richard Israel. FLOYD COLLINS runs through Sunday, April 13, 2014, live 'ONSTAGE' at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd in La Mirada. Check below for photos from the opening night!