Once the musical

I'm breaking my usual posting pattern because I have to share something wonderful with you.

Some of you might remember how overwhelmed I was when I first heard "Falling Slowly", the song from the film "Once". Following that post a few people mentioned to me that the musical was coming to Melbourne. I was tempted, damn tempted to book but also lacking in finances and suffering from an intense dislike of musicals. I know, strange, given my two X chromosomes- I am technically genetically programmed to like musicals. I think I got some faulty gene though because all that random breaking into song and naff dancing usually leaves me cold. You know, except when I do it in the supermarket.

From the Facebook Page

Then fate intervened, Carly scored a couple of free tickets and offered me one. I was very excited but also slightly nervous about two and a half hours of musical.

I was so wrong.

"Once" is astonishing. The cast is exceptional, their voices stunning and raw and so so passionate. There is some nicely self-referential humour that softens the sudden breaking into song; and the storyline, the fact that the characters are all musos, makes the song and dance make sense. With emotion this huge and palpable there is no other way to deal with it than to have a bit of a sing. Perhaps that is what is missing in our society, lack of expression through song. Shall we start a trend? #singyourfeelings ?

Did I mention it is funny? Cracking comic timing and jokes about vacuums (stay with me here). The staging is inspired and there are phenomenal musicians playing instruments, dancing a jig and singing at the same time! I'm pretty sure they can't be human but don't let that deter you. This show has it all.

Yes, I've gone a bit gushy, you must excuse the superlatives. I did see the show for free but I was a 'plus one,' no one is paying me to say nice things. I am just overcome. "Once the Musical" is magical, heartbreaking, soul-searching stuff. Don't miss it.