Darlinghurst Theatre Company’s Once The Musical was a pot of pure acoustic ‘gold’ as it landed in the Sunshine State at The Home of the Arts, Gold Coast. The enchanting Tony-Award winning musical was embraced by the generous audience for the limited season complete with a standing ovation on a particularly special night. The story of love, second chances and never giving up on your dreams set in Dublin, Ireland was told by two covers for the principal roles with an exciting debut performance in the role of Girl, played by Billie Palin.
The cast of quadruple threats were so wonderstruck by each other’s musical abilities and supportive throughout the performance as they energetically presented the patrons with a two-hour concert of Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova’s gorgeous melodic songs with a dear love story woven through.
As the audience made their way into the theatre the intimate pre-show jam sessions began and created a relaxed and joyous atmosphere before the tender tale commenced. The captivating characters of Girl and Guy met by chance at a bar. Guy an Irish singer-songwriter contemplated throwing away his music career and Girl, a comedic Czech Mother with an encouraging musical ear believed in his talent and brought him back to life by helping him find his voice again…whilst he fixed her vacuum cleaner or Hoover as they call it, a seamless trade.
Billie Palin, played the charming, emotive role of Girl for her debut performance with spunk and tenacity. Her comedic timing and sarcasm were perfect as her character states ‘I’m always serious, I’m Czech’. Billie’s haunting rendition of her solo song ‘The Hill’ was a highlight as she was so beautifully emotive in that moment.
Her onstage relationship with Abe Mitchell as Guy was spiritual and delicately romantic as they started to fall head over heels through the magic of his music. Their powerhouse duet of the Academy-Award winning song ‘Falling Slowly’ took the audience on an amorous sweeping acoustic ride as Billie played piano and Abe accompanied her on guitar with such grandeur.
Abe Mitchell as Guy was so powerful and moving as the lost Dublin musician. Abe’s commanding performance of ‘Leave’ at the commencement of the show was a rich insight into his story and state of mind when you learn more about his past.
However, as the show progressed most of the emotion was evoked between Guy and Girl in the quiet moments as they stood by the sea together and talked about their future and she told him she loved him in Czech and it was translated so heartwarmingly on the back wall behind them. He was clueless about what she was saying. The lighting design at this moment as they were looking out at the city was breathtaking as it blacked out the rest of the stage and focused wonderfully on the two souls.
The multi-gifted cast were all full of energy and played at least one instrument with pure joy. They were like a travelling band and flowed from one scene to another with incredible choreography by Movement Director, Amy Campbell.
Music shop owner, Billy was fantastically embodied by Rupert Reid. He breathed life into the comical character that bled his love for music and had a crush on and was very protective of Girl but soon discovered her roommate Reza played by the effervescent Ruby Clark. Ruby played the wild Czech woman with incomparable musical ability as a violinist.
The performance of Czech song ‘Ej Pada Pada’ by all of Girl’s roommates and her mother Baruska played by Jennifer Trijo was so full of life and illustrated a snapshot of her culture, it was so cheerful. Jennifer was a warm presence on stage, and you felt her love for her stage daughter particularly in the hectic scene of ‘Baruska’s story’, performed in English but translated in Czech behind them.
Guy’s father, Da was played by the incomparable, Jay Laga’aia. His version of Da was so calm and a wonderful presence to the ensemble cast. His connection with Abe was so loving and open to what his character wanted in life.
Svec was personified by the larger than life, Paven Kumar Hari. He was one of the talkative Czech roommates who loved watching English dramas and acting them out. He was also a stellar drummer. Patrick Schnur rounded out Girl’s Czech friends, Andrej, as the sweet and determined personality and musician excited to become Area Manager at his retail job.
Wonderful theatre performer Anthony Craig shone as the energetic bank manager who gave Guy a loan towards his music career. He was so comedic as his love for performing led him to show Girl and Guy his singing ability, which didn’t quite impress them. Music studio owner Eamon was played by Clay Crighton with such joy and passion for their craft. It was so special to see their surprise when they heard Guy’s first song live.
Another intimate highlight was the unforgettable performance of the song ‘Gold’. It was an incredible experience as the characters sat in three rows looking out at Dublin singing the glorious song in Acapella.
Darlinghurt Theatre Company’s Once the Musical at the Gold Coast was a spiritual warm hug in the form of live theatre. The cast and crew were mesmerising and kept the audience engaged and encouraged to make the most of their own life and never give up on their passions. The music, sound, movement, and lighting transcended the room to an otherworldly plane through the lens of the Irish and Czech cultures, colliding so beautifully. You don’t want to miss this sensational experience at HOTA on the Gold Coast.
TICKETS || HOTA, Gold Coast
Playing now until 22 June
All images supplied.
The Fame Reporter 