Speakeasy’s ‘ONCE’ a Musical Feast

by Sheila Barth

Before attending SpeakEasy Stage Company’s production of the eight Tony Award-winning musical, “Once,” we were advised to arrive 15 minutes early, for a lively pre-show. We weren’t disappointed. The actors and singers who collectively provide the musical accompaniment opened the play, performing lively Czech, klezmer and Irish “kitchen” tunes, typical of a neighborhood Irish “kitchen” jamboree.

Theatergoers were enchanted with the group of 12 multi-talented, versatile actors-musicians, helmed by SpeakEasy general manager Paul Melone. The audience marveled, especially at their musicianship, their harmonious vocals, solos, and blends, and their individual ability to play a variety of instruments. Veteran Boston/national favorite Kathy St. George, originally from Stoneham, is a scene stealer, portraying Czech mother-grandmother Baruska. She sings, plays the melodica, piano, squeezebox, tambourine, and rhythmically pounds out percussion beats. Did I say she also does nifty Irish and spirited Czechoslovakian folk dances with the ensemble? Kudos, ubiquitous choreographer Ilyse Robbins.

Moving chairs and a huge, black trunk that doubles as a table, platform, and more, the ensemble is perpetually singing, moving, strumming, fiddling, laughing, fighting, appearing to have a helluva time on stage. Lending a comedic touch, when actors speak in Czech, Miranda McLean’s white-lettered supertitles flash overhead, in English. The story line of girl-meets-boy, their blooming love, and girl-loses boy, all occurs in one week. The story seems secondary, though. “Once” is more of an exaltation of music and its beneficence to mankind.

Calling his portrayal as Guy, depressed, discouraged Dublin street acoustic guitarist, “a dream role,” Nile Scott Hawver captures the thirtysomething’s heartache over his girlfriend’s leaving him and the love songs he wrote for her. Guy suffers from writer-singer’s block, even after meeting and being motivated by Girl, (Boston Conservatory alum Mackenzie Lesser-Roy), a sweet-faced, sincere, pretty Czech immigrant, who enthuses over his musical abilities. Guy remains unsure, downcast, but Girl is determined to ignite a creative fire under him. She’s emotionally moved, enthralled with Guy’s love songs, and is determined to become his muse, tenaciously refusing to let him give up. Girl also helps Guy secure a bank loan to get to New York. Luckily, the banker is a frustrated, Irish singer-musician, who sings off-key, but plays the guitar well, so he’s invited to join the band.

Besides falling in love with Guy, Girl also yearns for but can’t afford a piano to accompany him. Guy and his father have a great relationship (talented Irish actor Billy Meleady), and Hawver and Lesser-Roy, (she also portrayed Girl in the national touring production), have a warm chemistry that starts off haltingly and blooms into love that cannot be. Or can it? We don’t know. We’re left cliff-hanging about Guy-Girl’s relationship. But we’re acutely aware of the plot’s focus – follow your dream – and how the power of music connects us all. Girl may lose Guy, but he has a special, surprise gift for her he knows she’ll treasure.

Rounding out  this talented, cohesive ensemble are: Jacob Brandt, Billy Butler, alternative Ivonka, Clara Cochran; Chris Coffey, Robert X. Newman, Marta Rymer, Stephen Shore, Jeff Song and Ellie van Amerongen.  

BOX INFO: SpeakEasy Stage Company added performances to the multi-Tony Award winning two-act, 2-1/2 hour musical, book by Enda Walsh, music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova. Based on the 2007 film by John Carney. Playing through  April 7 at the Boston Center for the Arts, Roberts Studio Theatre, 527 Tremont St, South End, Boston.  Tickets start at $25; senior, student, under 25-year-old discounts. SpeakEasyStage.com, 617-933-8600.