Review: ONCE at Fulton Theatre

The average theater critic can overlook a number of flaws, yet still recommend a production. Personally, I have still enjoyed shows with the occasional flubbed line, pitchy voice, or ugly set piece. Unfortunately, Fulton Theatre's current production of Once is plagued by an unforgivable flaw...it's boring.

The story moves very slowly and the characters are not especially interesting or particularly engaging. I did not care at all about their journey.

I enjoy musical theater that is larger than life. I especially enjoy the stories that immerse me in a dynamic and engaging world. However, rather than "Sweeney Todd-the Demon Barber of Fleet Street", we get "Unnamed Protagonist, the Vacuum Repairman from Dublin".

Ken Allen Neely stars as the unnamed "Guy" character. Guy is a struggling, but talented Irish guitarist and song writer, who needs a little push to go from fixing Hoovers with his Da, to starting his music career in New York City. Neely is a proficient guitarist with a raw voice, yet that passion fails to connect during scenes of dialogue.

Katherine Friend stars as "Girl". She is an immigrant from the Czech Republic with a broken vacuum and no sense of humor by her own account. She serves as the catalyst to motivate and support her new friend, and help him make the most of his talents.

Along for the ride are ten or so on stage musicians who double as the family, friends, and associates of the two main characters. The supporting cast are also solid musicians, but with the exception of Billy (Jon Patrick Penick) the characters are not especially interesting or memorable.

By far. the biggest strength of this show is the music. The melodies are lush, and they are often expressed in a particularly emotionally way, especially by Neely. If this was simply a concert or recital, my opinions would be quite different. However, it is musical theater, and the fundamentals of good storytelling must also be served.

Director, Nathaniel Shaw must take at least partial responsibility for a dull show. I witnessed four audience members check the time on their phones during the first act. Better pacing and more engaging choices would go a long way. It seems that Once would do well to heed the advice of a character from Fulton's previous show. Give 'em the ol' razzle-dazzle!

The show plays now through April 14. Tickets and more information can be found here.

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