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Once (Chicago)

Theatre

Once (Chicago) Tickets

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About

Winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards® including BEST MUSICAL, ONCE is a truly original Broadway experience. Featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage, ONCE tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who's about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights... but their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than your everyday romance. Emotionally captivating and theatrically breathtaking, ONCE draws you in from the very first note and never lets go. It's an unforgettable story about going for your dreams... not living in fear... and the power of music to connect all of us.

Reviews

Rating: 4.4 out of 5 based on 227 reviews
  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Once is an absolute must see!

    by Abbbigailll on 10/29/13Oriental Theatre Chicago - Chicago

    The show was not only incredible music and performance wise but it was inventive with it's set, transitions, use of characters on stage, props. I don't even have the words to describe how incredible the whole show was. At first I was nervous seeing that the actors sat on stage the whole show but that ended up being the nest part because they were the pit! all music was played by the performers on stage. Basically Once shows a whole new kind of musical theatre performance that is both inventive and entertaining.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Incredible

    by Adam79 on 10/29/13Oriental Theatre Chicago - Chicago

    There's a reason Once won 8 Tony awards. It's absolutely amazing! One of the best shows I've ever seen!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Loved it Once again!!

    by uhohwootang on 10/29/13Oriental Theatre Chicago - Chicago

    My husband and I both loved the show. Once is one of our favorite movies of all time, and we were not disappointed!! Great musical and great date night!

  • Rating: 2 out of 5

    Little disappointed

    by Janeve on 10/29/13Oriental Theatre Chicago - Chicago

    Sorry, somewhat of a disappointment for me. Someone else reviewed that scene changes were awesome. I would say they were "clever". But expected big scenes, etc. It is basically one scene with table and chair changes. Could definitely leave out the "f" word, but I guess society loves it since there was laughter every time the word was said. Musically it was somewhat monotonous. Talent wise vocals were excellent and musicians were great.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Once was fabulous!

    by Mlbee on 10/29/13Oriental Theatre Chicago - Chicago

    The cast was extremely talented. They played various instruments, as well as singing, dancing, and acting.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Great date movie

    by Les606 on 10/29/13Oriental Theatre Chicago - Chicago

    This show was wonderful. We were in the Orchestra level (ground) Row T on the aisle and we were able to see everything. Once's stage scenery reminds me of Chicago's thriving storefront theater, put on a grand stage. The cast were great and the show was spectacular. My girlfriend and I are huge folksy music fans, but the overall music would capture many people who just enjoy great entertainment. Only downfall was with the venue. The bathroom and concession lines during intermission and before the show began were ridiculous. We were only aware of a set of bathrooms downstairs, which no way accommodated everyone during that short period. There were also only 2 persons serving at the concession stands (and only accepts cash).

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Once is worth seeing more than Once!

    by inspirepassion on 10/29/13Oriental Theatre Chicago - Chicago

    Fabulous musical! Stuart Ward has a fabulous voice, and the whole cast was outstanding.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Great Cast

    by SteveIL on 10/29/13Oriental Theatre Chicago - Chicago

    I saw both the Broadway and this production. Who could tell the difference. The cast was excellent, and their own influence on the roles were exhibited. Great way to see the show while on tour with a great cast!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    "Once" is a must see!

    by SBXmugcollector on 10/29/13Oriental Theatre Chicago - Chicago

    "Once" is a delightful, poignant, foot stomping musical that takes you through a spectrum of emotions. The musicians are so talented, the humor is sweet, and the words make you thoughtful. I would see this performance again in a heartbeat!

  • Rating: 3 out of 5

    once

    by conbidge on 10/29/13Oriental Theatre Chicago - Chicago

    we sat in the balcony, about half way up, hard to hear, not loud enough. The performers were excellent, musicians outstanding. Both the plot and some of the music was just too slow, it dragged. not upbeat enough just too slow thru much of the play. The writing and directing just needs some uumpf!!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    I would love to see Once twice, it was so good!

    by Norskegirl on 10/29/13Oriental Theatre Chicago - Chicago

    When you enter the theater, you see that the stage is set as an Irish pub. You can go on the stage and order a drink and listen to the musicians playing. These musicians are also the actors and when the show is about to start, people return to their seats and the lead actor comes out to join the group, and the story begins. It's a wonderful story and the music is great! A little different than the movie, but definitely better.

  • Rating: 3 out of 5

    Once

    by RickJ69 on 10/29/13Oriental Theatre Chicago - Chicago

    Very difficult to hear the dialogue... Music was very good but the conversations were hard to follow...

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Amazing

    by Goldie82 on 10/28/13Oriental Theatre Chicago - Chicago

    This was by far one of the best Musicals I have ever seen!! I loved the music! Love the cast!! It completely exceeded my expectations! I have wanted to see it every night since I have watched it!! I wouldn't definitely go back and see it again and I can't wait for it to return back to Chicago!!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Once....need to see it twice!

    by JuneMarie on 10/28/13Oriental Theatre Chicago - Chicago

    Show was fantastic. Wish it had a longer run in Chicago because I want to see it again!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Once is not enough

    by Maz64 on 10/28/13Oriental Theatre Chicago - Chicago

    Seeing ONCE only once was not enough. What a great show, seamless & spellbinding in it's production, music and cast. One of the best shows my wife and I have experienced. Very cool to have the audience come on stage prior to and at intermission to be up on stage and take part in a cool beverage. This show has the potential to have a longer run in Chicago...cannot wait for it's return!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    by CHWill on 10/28/13Oriental Theatre Chicago - Chicago

    We didn't know much about "Once", but were looking for something a little different for a special evening. Wow, were we ever impressed! Would recommend in a heartbeat

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    A Moving Experience

    by WindyCityBoy on 10/28/13Oriental Theatre Chicago - Chicago

    "Once" was a moving experience. A musical about following your dreams with simple songs. The musicians are part of the cast and onstage through most of the production. Much takes place in an Irish Pub that allows audience participation by selling drinks at intermission. Audience members can also meet the cast pre-show on stage "in the pub". Is a beautiful show worthy of the Tony Awards it won,

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Staging smoothest ever seen!

    by ronab6363 on 10/28/13Oriental Theatre Chicago - Chicago

    We loved the production of Once we saw in Chicago at the Oriental. The voices and instruments were superb. It was fun to go on stage before and at intermission--some soft drinks besides water would have been nice. The seamless transportation from flat to flat, from shop to music studio to restaurant and club were made part of the story with the underscored movement of furniture and props. It flowed so beautifully. The blocking/choreography was also fantastic, with the actors filling the whole stage and different parts of the stage at any given moment. The unresolved ending always leaves me wanting.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Exceeded my Expectations

    by SteveA on 10/27/13Oriental Theatre Chicago - Chicago

    I was blown away! The interactive ability to walk on the stage and see the props and set design was a first and an amazing experience! To see the audience from the actors perspective was very special. The musical was incredible - the lead male and female characters blew me away with their voices! It was over the top!!!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    by JulDan102413 on 10/27/13Oriental Theatre Chicago - Chicago

    The music was absolutely beautiful. Really loved it.