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| Kaylee Miltersen is Girl and Jake Gale is Guy. (Tracy Martin photo) |
“Once” is the story of love between a man and woman that
probably cannot be.
In the case of this musical presented by Hillbarn
Theatre & Conservatory, the man, called Guy (Jake Gale), is busker-vacuum
cleaner repair man in Ireland in 2011. The woman, called Girl (Kaylee
Miltersen), is Czech. Both have musical aspiration.
Both also have lost their loves. His girlfriend has
moved to New York City. Her husband, unknown to Guy, has moved on without her
and their young daughter. Guy wants to abandon music, but Girl, recognizing his
talent, encourages him to continue.
As their story unfolds, they and the other adults in
the cast play instruments, sing and dance onstage. Characters who aren’t part
of a scene sit on the sidelines and often join in the music.
Even before the show begins, the high-energy cast
entertains the audience with lively songs and dances. At intermission, audience
members can buy a drink at a bar set up on the left side of the stage.
Because the characters speak with either an Irish or
Czech accent, they’re sometimes hard to understand, but the underlying message
comes through.
Artistic director Stephen Muterspaugh directs the
multi-talented actors as they create very human characters. However, his
blocking sometimes has a piano or actor’s back blocking the view from far-left
seats.
Francesca Cipponeri is credited with the energetic
choreography. The musical director is Amie Jan with vocal direction by Joseph
Murphy. The scenic design is by Christopher Fitzer with lighting by Pamila
Gray, costumes by Lisa Claybaugh and sound by Jeff Mockus.
“Once” is a somewhat unusual musical, but on the
whole it’s quite entertaining. It has a book by Enda Walsh with music and
lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová.
Running about two hours and 20 minutes with an
intermission, it will continue through April 7 at Hillbarn Theatre, 1285 E.
Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City.
For tickets and information, call (650) 349-6411 or
visit www.hillbarntheatre.org.
