Writers Theatre, under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Artistic Director Braden Abraham, announces a second and final extension to the run of the Tony Award-winning musical Once, based on the 2007 film written and directed by John Carney. Once features music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, and book by Enda Walsh. The Writers Theatre production is directed and choreographed by Katie Spelman, with music direction by Matt Deitchman.
Due to popular demand, two additional weeks of performances have been added to the otherwise sold-out run, now playing through April 16, 2023 in the Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe, Tickets are now on sale at Writers Theatre at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe; 847-242-6000; www.writerstheatre.org.
Once is a soft-spoken, deeply felt musical about the forces that compel us to reach out to one another and hold on for dear life. Guy is a young Irish musician ready to give up his career because his songs, written about his ex-girlfriend, are too heartbreaking to perform any more. When he encounters Girl, an inquisitive young Czech woman who believes he could win his ex back by playing to her in New York City, he resumes writing and performing—now with Girl. As the two form their band, and write new songs together, a love grows between them—one that inspires and challenges them.
This 2012 Tony Award-winner for Best Musical is based on the 2007 Irish musical film and features gorgeous songs like the Oscar-winning “Falling Slowly.” Performed by an accomplished cast of actors playing their own instruments on the intimate Nichols Theatre stage, this will be a Once like you’ve never seen it before.
Director of Artistic Development Bobby Kennedy comments, “After far too long an absence, a musical finally returns to the Writers Theatre stage. Once inevitably charms its way into your heart from the moment you hear Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova’s gorgeous music, whether it be in the 2007 Oscar-winning film or the excellent stage adaptation that won the 2012 Tony Award for Best Musical. Director/Choreographer Katie Spelman and Music Director Matt Deitchman have assembled a company of Chicago’s finest actor-musicians who will fill the intimate Nichols Theatre stage to tell this beloved story about the pain of heartbreak, the electricity of new possibilities, and the joy of live music.”
The creative team includes: Katie Spelman (Director & Choreographer), Matt Deitchman (Music Director), Sammi Grant (Dialect Coach), Yael Lubetzky (Lighting Designer), Christopher M. LaPorte and Sarah Ramos (Sound Designer), Joonhee Park (Scenic Designer), Gregory Graham (Costume Designer), Rachel Watson (Properties Designer), and Erin Pleake (Projections Designer). The Production Stage Manager is Miranda Anderson, the Assistant Director is Madeline Curtin, the Assistant Music Director is Shraman Ghosh, and the Young Performers’ Supervisor is Grace Weaver.
Fact Sheet / Once
Title: Once
Book by: Enda Walsh
Music & Lyrics by: Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová
Based on the Motion Picture Written and Directed by John Carney
Directed and Choreographed by: Katie Spelman
Music Direction by: Matt Deitchman
Creative Team: Katie Spelman (Director & Choreographer), Matt Deitchman (Music Director), Sammi Grant (Dialect Coach), Yael Lubetzky (Lighting Designer), Christopher M. LaPorte and Sarah Ramos (Sound Designer), Joonhee Park (Scenic Designer), Gregory Graham (Costume Designer), Rachel Watson (Properties Designer), and Erin Pleake (Projections Designer). The Production Stage Manager is Miranda Anderson, the Assistant Director is Madeline Curtin, the Assistant Music Director is Shraman Ghosh, and the Young Performers’ Supervisor is Grace Weaver.
Dates: First performance: February 16, 2023
Closing performance: April 16, 2023
Performance Schedule*:
- Wednesdays: 3:00pm and 7:30pm
- Thursdays: 7:30pm
- Fridays: 7:30pm
- Saturdays: 3:00pm and 7:30pm
- Sundays: 2:00pm and 6:00pm
*Visit www.writerstheatre.org/once for exclusions.
Location: Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe
Prices: Prices for all performances range from $35 - $90
Purchase early for best prices.
Box Office: The Box Office is located at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe; 847-242-6000; www.writerstheatre.org
WRITERS THEATRE 2022/23 SEASON
The season will conclude with the Midwest premiere of A Distinct Society, written and directed by Kareem Fahmy.
The 2022/23 Season will see the company now firmly at home in its award-winning building at 325 Tudor Court in Glencoe, designed by Studio Gang Architects. Productions will be presented in the 255-seat Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre. Masks are strongly encouraged, but not required, in all Theatre spaces. Please visit https://www.writerstheatre.org/covid-safety for full details.
SEASON PACKAGES
Writers is offering four Subscription Packages, which each include one ticket to each production throughout the season. Choose from classic fixed seat subscription options, or a Flexible Subscription, which includes 3 tickets to be used throughout the season as the subscriber chooses.
Subscriptions include three familiar package types that all offer fixed seats to see all four WT productions this season, one ticket to each production. Subscriptions are made for those who are looking to set their schedule in advance and gain access to seating at the top of the Season.
Season package subscribers receive exclusive benefits including complimentary ticket exchanges by phone and mail (upgrade fees may apply), access to special play readings and lectures, special “subscriber-rate” prices on additional tickets including the season add-on performance of Manual Cinema’s Christmas Carol, a year subscription to The Brief Chronicle digital newsmagazine and more. For a complete list of benefits visit writerstheatre.org/join.
Season Packages are available online at www.writerstheatre.org, and at the Box Office by calling 847-242-6000.
Writers Theatre is pleased to welcome back BMO Harris Bank as a 2022/23 Season Sponsor, marking the Bank’s tenth consecutive year as season sponsor. Writers Theatre also acknowledges Capital Group Private Client Services as a Lead Production Sponsor.
AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
WT also offers Access Performances, Captioning on select dates for each production. Please visit writerstheatre.org/accessibility for more information.
Writers Theatre is also working with Erika Walker and Maylene Peña of the Walker Thomas Group on workplace culture and equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives. Additional information about this important and ongoing work can be found at writerstheatre.org/working-at-wt.
ABOUT WRITERS THEATRE
Writers Theatre boldly looks to the future as it begins its 31st season. Having captivated audiences for years with its dedication to creating the most intimate theatrical experience possible, the theatre is now a major Chicagoland cultural destination with a national reputation for excellence, being called “America’s finest regional theater company” by The Wall Street Journal.
Since 1992, Writers Theatre has stayed true to its core values: valuing the power of the written word and uplifting the artists who bring that word to life. The company has produced over 120 productions—everything from inventive interpretations of classics to groundbreaking new work. In 2016, Writers Theatre opened a new, state-of-the-art facility designed by the internationally renowned Studio Gang Architects. The new facility has allowed the Theatre to accommodate its growing audience, while maintaining its trademark intimacy.
Writers Theatre now welcomes more than 60,000 patrons each season and has helped establish the North Shore of Chicago as a premier cultural destination. Through its Literary Development Initiative, which has been responsible for the nurturing and premiering of over two dozen world premieres, the theatre has established itself as a major originator of new theatrical works. Serving as an extension of the Writers Theatre mission, WT Education programs engage an average 10,000 students each year with active learning opportunities centered around the written word.