无论你有没有看过2007年的同名独立电影，就算你对故事的走向已经预知一二, 音乐剧“曾经”都还是会让你全身心沉浸其中。动人的歌曲和表演富有魔力般地交织在一起，创造了一出真正令人兴奋的剧场体验。
从故事方面而言，“曾经” 描绘了一个忧郁的爱尔兰音乐人和一个热爱钢琴弹奏的杰克移民之女之间，从一次不太愉快的相遇发展而来的浪漫故事。是一个“男人”（Stuart Ward）遇见一个“女孩”（Dani De Waal）这样的简单故事。 然而，是现场的音乐迷住了在剧场的每一个人的心。 突破传统音乐剧的艺术形式，音乐剧“曾经”用一种震慑人心的方法把音乐， 表演和舞台变化完美的结合在了一起。
此出音乐剧由Glen Hansard和Marketa Irglova作词作曲，他们两位也是2007年同名电影的原声音乐作者，包括创作出了奥斯卡最佳歌曲，“Falling Slowly” . 此出音乐剧由Martin Lowe监制进行管弦乐重新编曲，让歌曲的旋律和意境在舞台上得到进一步升华。
Steven Hoggett用他精湛的技艺把他标志性的“动作“例如整齐的跺脚和比喻性的表达通过一群优秀的音乐剧表演者们得到了完美的展现。
整个表演团队每一个人都善于表演和演唱，并且会配合音乐剧演奏至少一样乐器。此外， 他们还会边舞蹈边移动家具，用一种奇妙的，不单调的方式转换场景。这样表演充满著活力和幽默感，把音乐旋律表现的栩栩如生。
另外值得关注的是de Waal的动人表演。她用她迷人的女高音演绎出一首非凡的“The hill” 。
Bob Crowley的场景设计充满一种优雅的简洁。整个场景都在一个都柏林的酒吧中变换，通过不同的场景，它变为卧室，银行和录音室。他巧妙的用镜子让观众在这个狭小的物理空间里产生了无限的想像空间。
正式演出之前的还有一个小型演奏会，这显然是整个晚上的亮点之一。不但观众们可以站上舞台，和音乐家们一起体验爱尔兰调，还可以真的从舞台上的那个”酒吧”买到酒水饮料。 2012年“曾经”获得托尼最佳音乐剧奖。爱尔兰喜剧剧本作家Enda Walsh根据John Carney的电影剧本和电影本身出版了同名小说。John Tiffany也因指导音乐剧“曾经”获得托尼奖。
音乐剧“曾经”是一次真正的原汁原味，更富有新概念的百老汇体验，整出剧所展现的才华让人惊叹。除了那些让人沉迷的音乐，更包含了新的感动和震撼，这是一场不容错过的演出。 音乐剧“曾经” 正在Paramont剧院上演至6月8日。
原文：
Whether or not you have watched the 2007 independent film by the same title, you will find “Once” the musical so immersive that even the story might too often descend into predictability, all the incredible songs and movement intertwine magically, creating a truly exciting theatrical experience.
As far as the story goes, “Once” depicts a romantic tale between a gloomy Irish musician at an unpleasant crossroad and a Czech immigrant who plays piano for passion – a “Guy” (Stuart Ward) meets “Girl” (Dani de Waal) kind of story.
But it is the live music that captivates the whole energy of the theatre.
Breaking away from traditional musical flair, “Once” the musical unites music, acting and movement in emotionally powerful ways.
Music and lyrics are written by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, who wrote the music for the 2007 film, including the Oscar-winning tune, “Falling Slowly.” Through Martin Lowe’s music supervision and orchestration, these enchanting songs and gripping music are magnified on stage.
Steven Hoggett masterfully blends together his signature “movement” such as unison stomping and figurative expression with full-out dance numbers, which is also well-executed by the talented actor-musicians.
The cast is comprised of musicians who can act, sing, and play at least one musical instrument. They can even move furniture in the wonderfully dynamic scene changes that are dances in themselves. They show great amount of energy and humor, while bringing the music to life. 
Also to note is the sensational performance of de Waal. Her beautiful soprano voice gives off a remarkable rendition of “The Hill.”
Bob Crowley’s set design is elegant in its simplicity. Placing the entire production in a Dublin pub, through scenes it turns into a bedroom, a bank, and a recording studio. The mirrors that are deliberately placed are brilliant, expanding viewers’ imagination in a confined space.
The pre-show concert can easily be one of the highlights of the entire evening. Not only the audience is welcomed on stage to experience the incredible Irish tunes steps from the musicians but also purchase drinks from the bar (the one that’s on the stage).
The book for the 2012 Tony Award winner for Best Musical is by Irish playwright Enda Walsh, based on John Carney’s screenplay and direction of the movie. John Tiffany also won a Tony Award with his direction of “Once” the musical.
“Once” the musical is a truly original and innovative Broadway experience. The amount of talent is incredible. Along with some of the most emotionally captivating music that are new and breathtaking, this is show shouldn’t be missed.
“Once” the musical is now playing at the Paramount Theatre until Jun. 8.
原文作者： Lillian Young 翻译： Flair Li
