Photo Flash: Saint Michael's Playhouse Opens 2018 Theater Season with Tony Award-Winning Musical ONCE

Saint Michael's Playhouse Producing Artistic Director Chuck Tobin announced the opening of the Playhouse's 71st summer theater season of live professional theater with the Tony Award-winning Musical Once, based on the Academy Award-winning Irish independent film of the same name.

Once is the enchanting Broadway musical that tells the story of a Dublin singer/songwriter and the beautiful Czechoslovakian immigrant who takes sudden interest in his haunting love songs. Directed by Chris Blisset (director of the Playhouse's Ring of Fire). Performances begin on Tuesday, June 19. Performances are Tuesday - Saturday evenings June 19 - 23, 26 - 30 (8pm), and Saturday matinees June 23 and 30 (2pm).

The story follows a Dublin street musician who's about to give up on his dream when a young woman takes a sudden interest in him. There's no mistaking the chemistry between them and as it begins to grow, his music soars to powerful, new heights. Theirs is an unlikely connection, though, that turns out to be deeper and more complex than other everyday romances. Once draws you in from the very ?rst note and never lets go. An unforgettable story about going for your dreams and the power of music to connect us all.

Based on the Academy Award-winning film of the same name, Once made its Broadway debut in 2012. The musical-book by Enda Walsh; music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová-is based on John Carney's indie film. The production received eleven Tony Award nominations, winning eight, including Best Musical and also won the Drama League Award for Distinguished Production of a Musical.

Once earned eight Tony Awards, a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album, four Drama Desk Awards including Outstanding Musical, and two Olivier Awards (for the British production). The Wall Street Journal called Once, "A love story played with fierce sincerity and unexpected honesty"; and the Associated Press said, "Pure, moving, inventive, and irresistible. Once makes a lasting connection."

Once features Barry DeBois as Guy, Elizabeth Nestlerode as Girl, with Jennifer Chandler, Cody Craven, Avery Cutroni, Margaret Dudasik, Tessa Gordon, Nick Lerangis, Ryan McCurdy, Emily Mikesell, Adam Huel Potter, Barry Tarallo, and Lauren Wright.

In addition to director Chris Blisset, the creative team includes Tim Case (scenic design), Renee Baker (costume design), Anthony Pellecchia (lighting design), Joel Abbott (sound design), Jacob Foster (property design).

Saint Michael's Playhouse is an Actors' Equity Association theater company that produces its productions with theater artists from Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regional theater nationwide, along with Vermont-based professional actors, directors and designers. Actors' Equity Association is the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States. Tobin adds "We rehearse our shows right here in our theater and design and build our scenery, costumes and props on location with our crew of approximately 70 professional theater artists."

Mainstage plays of the 71st Season are Once, the Musical, The Mousetrap, Chapatti, and See How the Run. Season subscriptions range in price from $125 to $144. Single ticket prices range from $36 to $45. The Playhouse is located at McCarthy Arts Center, on Route 15, in Colchester, Vermont, a ten minute drive from downtown Burlington, Vermont. Subscriptions and single tickets may be purchased online at saintmichaelsplayouse.org or by calling 802-654-2281 or visiting the walk-up window in the lobby of McCarthy Arts Center. For a complete show schedule and more information contact the theater box office directly at 802-654-2281 or visit us atsaintmichaelsplayhouse.org. Saint Michael's Playhouse, One Winooski Park, Colchester, Vermont 05439

Photo credit: Brian MacDonald

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