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Once by Milburn Stone Theatre at Cecil College
in North East, Maryland

What To Know About This Production

Book by Enda Walsh | Music and Lyrics by Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová | Based on the Motion Picture Written and Directed by John Carney

​Contemporary Musical | Recommended for ages 13+ due to slight adult content and some adult language.

​The story of a guy who gave up on love and music, and the girl who inspired him to dream again.

From the very first note, Once draws you in and never lets go. This emotionally captivating musical is the only show to have music that won an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, an Olivier Award and a Tony Award. Set on the streets of Dublin, this Tony Award-winning production follows the unlikely romance between a struggling street musician and a Czech immigrant. United by their passion for music, they embark on a whirlwind journey of love, longing, and the pursuit of dreams. With an enchanting score featuring the Academy Award-winning song 'Falling Slowly,' 'Once' captures the heartache and hope of life's bittersweet symphony. As their melodies intertwine and hearts collide, audiences are transported to a world where music has the power to heal, inspire, and ignite the flames of love. Join us for an unforgettable theatrical experience that celebrates the beauty of human connection and the transformative power of music. A show like that only comes around Once.

Once is presented through special permission from Musical Theatre International (MTI).

Performance Dates

  • Jun 13 Friday 8:00 PM
  • Jun 14 Saturday 8:00 PM
  • Jun 15 Sunday 2:00 PM
  • Jun 20 Friday 8:00 PM
  • Jun 21 Saturday 8:00 PM
  • Jun 22 Sunday 2:00 PM

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Auditions For Once

Auditions are Past

Cast List For Once

Available Roles

  • Guy - (Male, 20s-30s, Vocal Range: High Baritone/Tenor (G2 to G4), Instruments: Proficient in Guitar) A brooding Irish musician and songwriter who has lost faith in his talent and purpose. Guy is at a crossroads in life when he meets Girl, who inspires him to pursue his dreams. He is soulful, passionate, and reserved. Requires strong acting and musical skills, particularly guitar.
  • Girl - (Female, 20s-30s, Vocal Range: Soprano/Mezzo-Soprano (C4 to F5), Instruments: Proficient in Piano) A vibrant and determined Czech immigrant with a deep love of music. Girl is a dreamer and a realist, fiercely independent yet compassionate. She sees the beauty in Guy’s music and pushes him to see his potential. Requires a strong pianist and vocalist.
  • Billy - (Male, 30s-40s, Vocal Range: Baritone (C2 to G3), Instruments: Optional Guitar/Bass Guitar) A loud and boisterous music shop owner with a big heart and a comedic flair. Billy adds humor to the show while supporting Guy and Girl in their musical journey.
  • Reza - (Female, 20s-30s, Vocal Range: Soprano/Mezzo-Soprano (C4 to A5), Instruments: Proficient in Violin) A flirtatious and fun Czech woman who loves life and music. Reza is lively, outgoing, and supportive of Girl and her friends.
  • Baruska - (Female, 40s-60s, Vocal Range: Alto (G3 to C5), Instruments: Optional Accordion) Girl’s mother. Wise, caring, and sometimes a bit blunt. Baruska adds warmth and humor to the story.
  • Bank Manager - (Male or Female, 30s-50s, Vocal Range: Tenor/High Baritone (G2 to C4), Instruments: Proficient in Cello - If this person cannot play Cello we can look into guitar, bass or mandolin as well) An uptight and proper bank manager who unexpectedly reveals a love for music. Provides comic relief and heartwarming moments.
  • Da - (Male, 50s-60s, Vocal Range: Baritone (C2 to G3), Instruments: Optional Guitar) Guy’s father, a working-class Dublin man who supports his son’s dreams in his own quiet, reserved way.
  • Svec - (Male, 20s-40s, Vocal Range: Baritone/Tenor (C2 to G3), Instruments: Proficient in Drums) A Czech drummer with a quirky and playful personality. Svec brings comic energy to the ensemble.
  • Andrej - (Male, 20s-30s, Vocal Range: Baritone/Tenor (C2 to G3), Instruments: Proficient in Guitar or Bass - with option to play Mandolin as well) A Czech immigrant and aspiring musician. He is earnest and hardworking, with dreams of a better life.
  • Ex-Girlfriend - (Female, 20s-30s, Vocal Range: Soprano/Mezzo-Soprano (C4 to E5), Instruments: Optional Violin) The woman who once inspired Guy’s music but has since moved on, leaving him heartbroken and creatively stalled. Though she has limited stage time, her role is crucial in shaping Guy’s emotional journey. She should have a haunting, expressive voice that conveys both nostalgia and the finality of their relationship.
  • Eamon - (Male, 30s-50s, Vocal Range: Baritone (C2 to G3), Instruments: Optional Guitar), The sound engineer who works on Guy’s demo recording. Calm, professional, and supportive.
  • Emcee - (Ensemble, Male/Female, 30s-50s, Vocal Range: Flexible, Instruments: Optional Guitar) The manager of the open-mic night. Wry, witty, and charismatic.
  • Ivanka - (Female, 7-10, Vocal Range: Spoken/Minimal Singing) Girl’s young daughter. Requires strong stage presence and ability to follow direction.
  • Ensemble - The casting committee is seeking four to six ensemble members to perform various roles in the show such as Dubliners, bar patrons, etc. These could also act as additional musicians if there are vacancies from casting. Instruments may include guitar, violin, piano, mandolin, cello, drums, and accordion.

Cast

The cast list is not yet posted. Please check back later.

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