Photo credit: Stuart Ward and Dani de Waal from the ONCE Tour Company © Joan Marcus
The Tony Award-winning Best Musical ONCE is a contemporary love story, an internationally acclaimed theatrical event, and a moving experience that audiences will never forget. With a modern folk score that features the most hauntingly beautiful songs Broadway has heard in years, ONCE is a life-affirming story about the power of music.
Based on the Academy Award-winning independent film, ONCE follows a down-on-his luck street musician in Dublin whose life is suddenly changed forever after a chance encounter with an enchanting stranger. Performed by an ensemble of actor-musicians who play their own instruments on stage, ONCE is an uplifting modern day fairy tale about the importance of community, connection, and love.
Photo credit: ONCE Tour Company © Joan Marcus
Broadway Across Canada first presented ONCE in Ottawa one year ago when the city was struck by an unspeakable tragedy. It was a difficult moment for Canada and for the people of Ottawa. As such, everyone at Broadway Across Canada felt truly privileged to be able to share this particular musical, one that emphasizes the transcendent power of love and the importance of a strong community. All performances of ONCE were dedicated to the memory of our fallen soldier, Cpl. Nathan Cirillo. The cast and company of ONCE along with Broadway Across Canada accepted donations at the theatre for the True Patriot Love Foundation who have facilitated a trust fund for Cpl. Cirillo’s young son. The audience’s outpouring of support was truly moving and thanks to their generosity, over $40,000 was raised in support of the trust.
It is now our honour to share this powerful musical with our neighbours across the country, and to welcome two cast members with Canadian ties to the touring company. Jon-Alex MacFarlane (Bank Manager) grew up in Halifax before moving to Toronto in 1992, and Stephen McIntyre (u/s Billy, Bank Manager, Da) attended the University of Windsor and the Banff School of Fine Arts.
Photo credit: ONCE Tour Company © Joan Marcus
ONCE is about the healing and unifying power of music. Just as the main character’s lush and poetic music brings his community together, we know that the musical itself will unite audiences, communities, families, and loved ones, as they experience a truly special theatrical event, together.
ONCE is a love story, but it doesn’t go past a PG-13 rating. There is a smattering of four-letter words and some mild sexual innuendo, but other than that it’s pretty clean. Kids would dig the communal feel of the piece, and the joy these actor-musicians clearly feel playing together is infectious for people of all ages.
The one-week Broadway Across Canada presentation at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre begins on Tuesday, November 17 and continues through Sunday, November 22. For more information, visit www.BroadwayAcrossCanada.ca. For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.ca.
11:10 am
I’m a huge fan of musicals, and I loved the film with Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová. It would be amazing to win tickets to the stage adaptation!
11:41 am
Yes, this was a very sweet film with some great music. Thank you for the opportunity to win tickets!
11:53 am
Thanks for entering me in the draw
11:56 am
Fairy tail story with wonderful music. Wow.
12:04 pm
Once is a beautiful story with brilliant music! My university roommates and I used to watch it once a month (and cry). Glen Hansard’s music is so special.
12:13 pm
I loved the movie and have been wanting to watch a stage adaption for a while. It would be great to win tickets! Thanks for running this contest!
12:16 pm
love musicals!
12:27 pm
I loved this film when it came out a few years ago and it inspired me to travel to Dublin. It also lead me to discover The Frames, Glen Hansard’s band, in which the main song “Falling Slowly” was originally written. I love the Glen and Marketa version as well and it was perfect song for the film. I would love to see this musical here in Vancouver!
12:38 pm
I have loved this story for such a long time and have “Falling Slowly” on repeat on YouTube. I would love to be able to see this production in Vancouver and take my boyfriend, who is very new to live theatre, as I know he would fall in love with Once!
12:42 pm
I love this movie! I would LOVE to see the stage show :-)
Thanks!
12:55 pm
I saw this on Broadway essentially by accident. As soon as I got back to my hotel I downloaded the soundtrack. The way the creators have staged the story is so inventive. It is one of my absolute favourite musicals.
1:01 pm
Hoping to win the tickets. Thanks!
1:25 pm
looks like a great show!!
1:58 pm
Pick me! Would love to see this musical!!
2:02 pm
Enjoyed the movie!! Would love to see the musical!!
2:04 pm
A musical production I’ve yet to see. Looking forward to it!
2:04 pm
Would be great seeing Once in Vancouver! Loved the movie.
2:05 pm
Beautiful film and I am sure it’s a beatiful musical! Tickets? Yes please. Thanks Vancouver
2:06 pm
I loved that movie! “Falling Slowly” was also the first duet song I learned to sing and play on the piano!
2:26 pm
Never seen the movie though would like to see the musical.
2:50 pm
thank you for giving a chance to see this production…I would be grateful to see it good luck to all entrants
3:15 pm
I LOVE Once!! When I heard it would be playing in Vancouver while I’m staying in this wonderful town, I was overjoyed.
3:23 pm
It looks like a lovely adaptation, would adore going to see this musical piece!
3:30 pm
I love this musical! I would love to see it when it’s in town!
3:31 pm
So excited this is coming to Vancouver!
3:42 pm
Sounds like a great musical.
3:45 pm
Fell in love with the broadway recording album and would love to see it in Vancouver.
3:52 pm
Have loved musical theater for years. It would be wonderful to see this show in Vancouver. Thanks for the opportunity to win tickets.
4:06 pm
Hoping to see this show!!
5:02 pm
I would love to see this musical!
5:10 pm
A very sweet love story – with the added bonus of great music. Would love to win tickets.
6:00 pm
This would be lovely, thank you.
6:21 pm
I know exactly who to take! Few things better than a Broadway played based on a musical – considering the amount of musicals going Hollywood!
7:09 pm
I’ve been waiting for a musical to watch since I moved to Vancouver few months ago. I haven’t decided which one should I start with but ONCE seems a great one to present me to the Canadian and worldwide musical performances!! My last musical was les miserables performered in London in the house theatre with the same name as the venue of this show!! I’m giving a try for the giveaway tickets! ;) thanks for running this contest!!
8:51 pm
I’ve heard from friends that Ones is one of best musicals on the Broadway and I was looking forward seeing it in Vancouver. Thank you for the opportunity to win the tickets.
8:59 pm
I would love to see this musical
9:02 pm
I would love to see this show!
9:04 pm
“Falling Slowly” is such a beautiful song on their soundtrack. I’d love to hear it live!
9:09 pm
It’s my 3 wedding anniversary next week, this would be a great surprise for my husband.
9:16 pm
Would love to see this!
9:17 pm
Love musicals! fingers crossed for this one!
9:29 pm
Would absolutely love to see this musical!! “Once” sounds like a brilliant show! Welcome cast and crew – hope you enjoy Vancouver!
9:56 pm
I’ve never seen this, and there are very few musicals I haven’t seen!
10:44 pm
Love the movie and soundtrack! Pick me!
11:20 pm
I’d love to watch this
11:35 pm
saw the film ages ago, would love to see it on stage!
12:41 am
Yay! Glad it came to Vancouver at last.
8:53 am
I can wait to enjoy it! I love the film! Thanks for this opportunity.
8:57 am
We’d love to go! Thanks InsideVancouver!
9:03 am
Didn’t get a chance to see it while in NYC and would love to see Once. I’m a big fan of musicals!
9:04 am
I’d hoped to see this in London, UK before moving to Canada but never had the chance to! Glad it’s coming to Vancouver!
9:44 am
I loved the movie and the soundtrack was unforgettable. This is definitely a must see I would say for all lovers, young and old.
10:31 am
I want to win. I love musicals.
11:22 am
Would like to see this, thanks for the giveaway.
12:24 pm
My favourite book now a theatre production (amazing) and I’ve now arrived after moving to my favourite other city from Sydney, Australia.
2:17 pm
Please pick me!
2:42 pm
Thanks for the contest.
4:37 pm
I love this story. Sure would be great to win!
4:49 pm
Timing is right! I am visiting Vancouver now and will stay until the show starts. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to win the tickets………………
7:22 pm
Would love to win these!
9:02 pm
Thanks for the chance!
9:26 pm
I’m really looking forward to this show. The film was great, the music is wonderful and I can’t wait to see what they do with the stage version.
10:53 pm
I love being entertained! Musicals are fun. This would be a huge treat!
Thanks
8:25 am
This would literally make my day… Pretty please with a cherry on top!
12:45 pm
I keep seeing the commercial for this production and the music is very catchy and lively! looks like a nice love story:) Thanks for the chance to win!
1:22 pm
Thanks for the chance – would like to see this one!
2:16 pm
Would be fantastic to win this!
2:28 pm
I would love to see this! I’m obsessed with musicals!! This would make me so happy :)
4:22 pm
This looks like a fun event to go to. Would love to go~
9:27 am
It will be fun to watch this musical!
9:35 am
Would love a chance to see this!
9:54 am
What a ONCE in a lifetime opportunity! I can’t afford tickets..so this would be amazing! =)
3:17 pm
We are coming to Vancouver from Toronto….missed ONCE here in Toronto ….would love to see it in Van also have never been to Queen Elizabeth Theater!
5:27 pm
Thank you!
7:40 pm
This looks like a remarkably touching and fun loves story
that would be great as a date night or fun with a good friend as well. Excellent entertainment we are getting at the Q.E.
8:19 pm
While travelling in Ireland, I stayed at the house where Glen Hansard composed the songs for Once. Hello Joan! I would love to see this show!
3:12 pm
One of my favourite movies. Would love to see the show!
3:48 pm
Would love to see it!
4:04 pm
Would love it, im leaving in 3 weeks so its gonna be a good good bye to vancouver
8:26 am
Loved the film. Would love to see the stage treatment.
8:33 am
I’ve heard great things about the performance, I’d love to go!
8:44 am
Live performances are the best!
<3
8:50 am
Saw Once in NYC last year and was mesmerized by the music and the connection with the audience. Can’t wait to see it in Van!