Falling Slowly

Once

As I was leaving last night’s press opening I kept thinking of how fortunate Chicagoans are that we have such an abundance of excellent theatres available to us. And the remarkable thing is they all seem to be presenting so many outstanding productions at this time. Chicago theatergoers are going to have a challenging time either choosing which shows to attend or trying to get to all of them before they close.

Writers Theatre is presenting one of the finest productions of this, or any other season. In a perfect marriage of artistic skills that joins Katie Spelman’s intuitive, soulful direction and exciting choreography and Matt Deitchman’s intelligent, almost ethereal musical direction, a magnificent, accomplished cast of gifted actor/singer/musicians brings this 2012 Tony Award-winning musical to life. Writers’ intimate version of this musical is absolutely flawless. It’s different from any production I’ve ever seen by presenting the musical up close and personal on the Nichols arena stage, similar to their wonderful production of “Into the Woods.” The audience is always close to the actors. Patrons can easily connect with each character because they aren’t as far removed as they would be in a typical proscenium presentation. By staging the musical in the circular playing area, near the front row and sometimes even into the aisles, the audience becomes totally immersed in the bittersweet love story between two passionate, young musicians.

On the streets of Dublin, we meet Guy, an aspiring, young Irish songwriter, who’s on the verge of throwing in the towel and walking away from his music. But his dreams and entire life are about to change forever. Fortuitously, he meets a young Czech woman who has been watching him, known simply as Girl. Just as Guy’s playing what might be his last composition she strikes up a conversation with him. The Girl invites Guy to join her at the music store, owned by her friend Billy. She repays him for repairing her vacuum cleaner by playing him some Mendelssohn on the store’s piano. Then she urges Guy to share a few more of his songs and, impressed and moved by his music, encourages him to not only continue composing but to record a demo CD to be sent to America. 

A deep, pure love develops between these two that’s so real and transcendent it touches every single member of the audience. In addition, side stories emerge involving Baruska, the Girl’s mother, Ivonka, her 8-year old daughter, young Andrej and other Czech expat family and friends sharing her crowded apartment. We get to know Guy’s Da, Billy, the music store owner, the Bank Manager who provides backing for the recording session, as well as a small community of Irish and Czech musicians. Every character is deftly woven throughout this beautiful tale. 

“Once” is a down-to-earth, unpretentious musical whose modest spectacle comes from its heartfelt honesty and simplicity. This is a show filled with layered characters and gorgeous melodies. Much of the production’s beauty can be found, not only in book writer Enda Walsh’s pared-down dialogue, but in the silences. Katie Spelman’s sensitive  guidance extracts the very best from each of her talented actors to make this happen. Ms. Spelman’s seamless transitions between scenes feature moments of gorgeous, inventive and  organically-created choreography. Often it’s simple, synchronized movement coming from a subtle jerk of the head or the extension of the arm or leg. And yet some of the choreography is very physical and quite rousing. Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova’s gorgeous score, filled with robust Irish reels and pulsating Czechoslovakian folk music, paired with original melancholy love ballads, is wonderfully played and sung by the cast.

The musical moves between locales with the smooth fluidity of the River Shannon. It begins on the streets, moves to Guy and his Da’s home and appliance repair shop, then to Billy’s music store, on to the Girl’s home, a bank, a recording studio, an Irish pub and eventually high above Dublin at night. All these scenes are seamlessly created through Yael Lubetzky’s subtle lighting and with the addition or removal of a single piece of furniture, per Joonhee Park’s sparse scenic design. An added touch of authenticity comes from Erin Pleake’s projections that provide the Czech or English translations of certain phrases of dialogue. And Sammi Grant has mentored her cast to speak with a perfect Irish brogue or Czech accent.

Can there be a finer cast for this production? Matt Mueller, last seen at the Broadway Playhouse in “The Play That Goes Wrong,” is positively superb as Guy. Whether singing such beautiful songs as “Gold,” “Leave,” “Sleeping,” or the show’s iconic hit, “Falling Slowly,” while accompanying himself on his acoustic guitar, Mr. Mueller is ideal in this role. He’s everything that Guy’s supposed to be: initially defeated by life and very  vulnerable, and then joyously hopeful and filled with the electricity of new possibilities. Simply watching his expressive face you can see Guy’s entire story appear in Matt Mueller’s delicate, understated expressions.

New to the Chicago area, Dana Saleh Omar matches Mr. Mueller with her extraordinary portrayal of Girl. Delivering her lines with a humorous, rapid-fire cadence, Ms. Omar’s perfect diction, dialect and dry humor wring unexpected comedy from a character who, because of her heritage, claims she’s always serious. She’s not, and the audience is grateful because of it. Dana’s musical ability, both vocally and at the piano, are exquisite. In addition to providing the harmony on “Falling Slowly,” and sharing the plaintive song, “If You Want Me,” she provides a beautiful eleventh hour ballad in “The Hill.” This diminutive actress takes a hold of our hearts and never lets go, especially when her character finally gives in to her buried emotions.

The supporting cast is terrific. Not only fantastic musicians, often accomplished on multiple instruments, but they’re topnotch actors, singers and movers. The always excellent Ron E. Rains, known for, among other roles, eleven seasons in Goodman’s “A Christmas Carol, is authentic and heartfelt as Da. The beautiful and powerful actress/singer Bethany Thomas, who has lighted up stages everywhere in Chicago and Milwaukee, is wonderful as Baruska, Girl’s loving mother. Sharing the role of Ivonka, Girl’s young daughter, both Kajsa Allen and Viva Boresi are sweet and delightful. 

Other cast standouts include Yuchi Chiu as the hilarious, insecure Bank Manager, recently seen at First Floor Theater in “Botticelli in the Fire;” Elisa Carlson as sexy, sultry Reza, who seems to be a musical prodigy, capable of playing almost every instrument on the stage; and Elleon Dobias who continually charms with her fine instrumental work, as well as portraying Guy’s Ex-Girlfriend. Matt Edmonds, who’s absolutely funny and bombastic as Billy, the owner of the music store, is a musical virtuoso, as well. Liam Oh is soulful and a comic delight as Andrej, the young Czech restaurant worker hoping to make regional manager; Lucas Looch Johnson is priceless as Svec, the percussionist for the group; and Jordan Golding is a charming emcee and a multitalented instrumentalist among this company of performers. Even multitalented musical director Matt Deitchman joins the cast of talented singers and musicians, playing Eamon, the owner of the recording studio.         

“Once” is a profound musical play that can’t be described. It has be experienced. Do not miss it. In this grand new production at Writers Theatre, Katie Spelman provides the theatrical magic by stripping away all the unnecessary gimmicks, often found in shows these days and confidently puts her trust in its gorgeous, character-driven story. It’s a “Once” in a lifetime theatrical pleasure that will remind you that committing to love and taking chances is what life is really all about. We’re reminded, too, that wonderfully honest and heartfelt storytelling can be a spiritual experience. Chicagoland audiences will soon be “Falling Slowly” again for the immersive joy of love and live music.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented February 24-April 2 by Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe, Illinois.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 847-242-6000 or by going to www.writerstheatre.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.