ONCE Reimagined At TheatreSquared Begins Today

The winner of the 2012 Tony Award for Best Musical, Once, begins performances on August 22 in Northwest Arkansas at TheatreSquared. The play is based on the surprise hit independent film by John Carney, adapted for stage with input from the original stars of the movie, songwriters Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, along with renowned Irish playwright Enda Walsh. TheatreSquared's production of Once is led by Associate Artistic Director Amy Herzberg, who returns to the helm after last season's sold-out production of Fun Home.

"Once starts our final season in our founding venue with a flourish," said T2 Artistic Director Robert Ford, "with exhilarating melodies, dynamic performances, and young people in love who you can't help but root for. It reminds us to listen to our inner voice and find strength in human connection-while being a sheer, dance-in-your-seat delight."

"And make sure to arrive early," he added. The cast of actor-musicians are planning a high-energy Irish folk song-swap, with drinks, in the lobby starting a half hour before each show.

Due to high demand for seats, TheatreSquared has already added a week of performances, with shows scheduled August -September 23. Tickets are on sale now from $17-$48 at (479) 443-5600 or theatre2.org.

The music of Once made history by winning the Tony Award and a Grammy Award, as well as an Academy Award for the song "Falling Slowly." The play won a trifecta of the Tony, Drama Desk, and Olivier Award for Best Musical.

The cast of Once includes veterans of the the Broadway, touring, and regional production companies. They are Jeanne Arrigo, Ashton Corey, Barry DeBois, Ginna Doyle, Elisabeth Evans, T2 alum Craig Macdonald, Cat Patterson, Jon Patrick Penick, Adam Huel Potter, Cassidy Stirtz, Daniel Tepper, Grant Alan Watkins, Zooey Emery, and Jade Holland. The creative team for Once includes music director Jason Burrow; choreographer Steve Pacek; scenic design team Shawn Irish, Kim Powers, and Ashleigh Burns; lighting and projection designer Shawn Irish; costume designer Ruby Kemph; sound designer Michael Prieto; dialect coach Kathy Logelin; and production stage manager Shannon Jones.

TheatreSquared's production is made possible in part with support from lead sponsors Greenwood Gearhart Inc. and George & Rosemary Faucette; along with show sponsors Stout Executive Search and Ben & Christine Clark.

Performance Schedule

Performances are scheduled August 22-September 23, Tuesdays through Sundays, at Walton Arts Center's Nadine Baum Studios.

Tuesday-Friday: 7:30pm

Saturday: 2:00pm; 7:30pm

Sunday: 2:00pm

Once includes some strong language and adult conversations. While the play is recommended for patrons aged 13 and up, TheatreSquared invites patrons and parents to make their own decisions regarding content.
Questions? Call (479) 445-6333.

Ticket & Subscription Info

Tickets range from $17-$48 and are available at (479) 443-5600 or online at theatre2.org.

Through T2's Lights Up! For Access program, supported by the Walmart Foundation, SNAP benefit recipients can purchase $5 tickets and patrons under the age of 30 can purchase $10 tickets. For more, visit theatre2.org/lights-up.

Opportunities to Engage

The Fayetteville Roots Festival, in keeping with its community outreach mission, is partnering with TheatreSquared's Lights Up! For Access program to present a special, free student performance of Once on Tuesday, August 28 at 10:30 AM. To inquire about arranging for students to attend this free performance call (479) 445-6333.

The cast members of Once will also appear at TheatreSquared's Season Kickoff party on August 28th hosted by Kirk Thompson and Brett Burch. T2's annual end-of-summer fête will also feature live music, hors d'oeuvres prepared by Chef Case Dighero, hand-packed Yarnell's ice cream courtesy of the Walmart Museum, a summer selection of wine and beers, and a special performance by the multi-talented stars of Once. Information and tickets to the Season Kickoff are available at theatre2.org/season-kickoff/.

About T2

TheatreSquared is Northwest Arkansas' professional regional theatre, offering an intimate live theatre experience for more than 40,000 patrons each year in its 175-seat space and in schools throughout the state. TheatreSquared was recognized by the American Theatre Wing, founder of the Tony Awards, as one of the nation's ten most promising emerging theatres. TheatreSquared has experienced remarkable growth in recent seasons, expanding its audience tenfold in the past five years. The theatre recently broke ground on a new 50,000-square-foot facility to be completed in mid-2019, and launched the $34 million Our Next Stage Campaign to support construction and a sustainable transition. Designs and campaign information are online at ournextstage.org.

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