An exceptional Australian cast will bring the eight-time Tony award-winning characters from Once to life this May in a cleverly reimagined production from Melbourne’s critically acclaimed independent company, AG Theatre.
With rehearsals well underway, the cast is preparing to bring this global smash hit to the Chapel off Chapel stage in Melbourne, with preview performances starting 8 May.
Renowned director Pip Mushin is at the helm of this much loved production, having enjoyed a stellar run with AG Theatre over the last 18 months including their recent sell out productions of Avenue Q and Mamma Mia.
Green Room Award-nominated creative Mark Taylor, who directed the recent production American Psycho, is stepping into the lead role of Guy. Playing alongside Mark is 2021 The Voice semi-finalist and seasoned musician, Sian Fuller, who is taking on the lead role of Girl.
Both of these incredible performers are joined by a stellar community of talent. Highly respected performer, Donald Bridges plays Da. Bridges has just been announced as the recipient of The MEAA Equity Foundation’s 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award.
The production also stars Western Australian actor and multi instrumentalist, Frazer Shepherdson who will play Billy. VCA student, vocalist and violinist, Rose Chambers will play Reza. Actor, singer, and multi-instrumentalist James Frampton will play Andrej. Star of ABC TV’s The Piano and up-and-coming theatre performer John Yanko will play Svec. Seasoned international performer of stage and screen, Will Lopez will play the Bank Manager.
Talented recent graduate of Federation University, Misha Gordon takes on the role of Ex-Girlfriend. Seasoned Melbourne musician, actor and composer, Bridget a’Beckett, will play Baruska.Young performer and violinist, Felix Star will play Eamon. Young child stars Lila Colombi, Imogen Young, and Emersyn Orchard will share the role of Ivonka.
The rest of the talented cast includes Kaiyeesha Kim Tambakau as Emcee, and Jackson Cross and Belinda Jenkin as Swings.
Evolving from John Carney’s cinematic success in 2007 into a critically acclaimed stage production, Once has captivated theatregoers on Broadway and in London’s West End, thereby solidifying its distinguished position within the history of Western musical theatre.
The production showcases the spell-binding score composed by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, which notably features the Oscar-winning song, Falling Slowly. Once possesses the unique distinction of being the sole Broadway production whose musical composition has garnered the Academy Award, Grammy Award, Olivier Award, and Tony Award.
Once is truly a production that combines the infectious rhythm of Irish céili, an incredibly talented cast of actor-musicians, an Academy Award-winning soundtrack and a heart-warming story. It follows a Dublin-born busker and vacuum-fixer as he meets a young Czech mother with a faulty vacuum cleaner who reinvigorates his passion for music.
Once the Musical is presented by AG Theatre and runs 8 – 23 May at Chapel Off Chapel. 12 Little Chapel Street Prahran Vic 3181.
Tickets: https://booktickets.com.au/once/
Website: https://agtheatre.com.au/once/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/agtheatreproductions/
Image supplied.
Creatives Executive Producer Andrew Gyopar Director Pip Mushin Music Director Timothy John Wilson Choreographer Jamie White Production Manager Alyssa Moller Set Designer Abbey Stanway Costume Design Karen Spencer
Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia). Music & Lyrics by Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová. Book by Edna Walsh.
