Once The Musical

I was delighted to be the first NODA representative to attend a production by Palgrave Players, who were formed in 2022, on a beautiful late summer’s evening, to see a musical based on the 2007 movie of the same name, that won 8 Tony’s in 2012, including best musical, Drama Desk Award’s best outstanding musical in the same year, and a 2013 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album.

Being unfamiliar with this piece before attending, I listened to the Broadway soundtrack, and it contains some beautiful and challenging songs, along with a story of friendship, love, and a shared passion for music. To add to the mix, the cast not only sing, act, and move in the performance, but also play all the instruments whilst on stage throughout as the band.

Before the performance began, the cast warmed up with a selection of Celtic tunes, that set the scene as the audience were immersed into the feeling that we were in Dublin, where Once the Musical is set. Clever placement of the upright bass player (Douglas Porter), to the front left upstage throughout the production, added to the effect of a being immersed in the city. Resplendent in a cap and appropriate attire, Douglas stood out as a Dublin “character”. Projection of a street scene playing to the side of the stage also added to this effect.

We were then introduced to the show by Producer Cathal Prendergast, who also played Billy, and what was to follow, I admit, I was not fully prepared for. The quality of this production was simply outstanding, from start to finish.

The show opens with “Guy” (Lewis Diggins), a lovelorn busker, playing the acoustic guitar and singing the opening number “Leave” on the streets of Dublin, which draws the attention of “Girl” (Holly Brice). Lewis’s delivery of both this song, both musically and vocally, and in every number throughout this production was absolutely top class. Strong and convincing characterisations and accents were a highlight throughout the show. As the Czech immigrant “Girl”, Holly joined Lewis playing the piano and singing beautifully as a duet for “Falling Slowly”. I was captivated and in awe of what I was witnessing in terms of sheer quality. Holly’s exquisite performances whilst retaining her Czech accent  playing piano and singing, “If you Want Me" and “The Hill” were also a joy to observe.

In the supporting roles, we were introduced to “Girl’s” Czech friends and family. Stepping forward, again whilst playing acoustic guitar, was Andres (Harry Diggins), performing the song “The Moon”. Another sublime moment, Harry’s soft high vocals and top-notch guitar playing lifting this production to new heights.

This was followed by the uplifting Czech folk song “Ej Pada Pada Rosika”, a well performed and choreographed number, joined in by most of the cast dancing, singing and playing all the instruments.

Will Charsley, as the deadpan bank manager on the ukelele was funny.  Christina Odams as Reza, George Harrison as Svec and Douglas Porter as “Da” in the music shop were also very strong characterisations. Finally, Grace Cooksey as Ivanka, was excellent as the young daughter of “Girl”.

Cathal on accordion, Gary Stodel on percussion, Douglas on bass, Paula Hughes on melodica, Christina Odams on flute and the piano, and Vicky Tofte and Isobel Demangeat on fiddle, made up the musicians that played in all the rest of the numbers in the show, to a very high standard, supported by a very strong chorus, backing vocals and harmonies.

This production was amongst the highest standard that I have ever witnessed on an amateur stage, and I congratulate Director Nicola Diggins. Musical Director Vicky Toffe, the rest of the production team and the whole cast, for the amount of work that must have gone into this. I cannot wait for Palgrave Players’ next offering. Thank you for a wonderful evening.  

 

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