無論你有沒有看過2007年的同名獨立電影，就算你對故事的走向已經預知一二, 音樂劇“曾經”都還是會讓你全身心沉浸其中。動人的歌曲和表演富有魔力般地交織在一起，創造了一出真正令人興奮的劇場體驗。
從故事方面而言，“曾經” 描繪了一個憂鬱的愛爾蘭音樂人和一個熱愛鋼琴彈奏的傑克移民之女之間，從一次不太愉快的相遇發展而來的浪漫故事。是一個“男人”（Stuart Ward）遇見一個“女孩”（Dani De Waal）這樣的簡單故事。 然而，是現場的音樂迷住了在劇場的每一個人的心。 突破傳統音樂劇的藝術形式，音樂劇“曾經”用一種震懾人心的方法把音樂， 表演和舞台變化完美的結合在了一起。
此出音樂劇由Glen Hansard和Marketa Irglova作詞作曲，他們兩位也是2007年同名電影的原聲音樂作者，包括創作出了奧斯卡最佳歌曲，“Falling Slowly” . 此出音樂劇由Martin Lowe監製進行管弦樂重新編曲，讓歌曲的旋律和意境在舞台上得到進一步升華。
Steven Hoggett用他精湛的技藝把他標誌性的“動作“例如整齊的跺腳和比喻性的表達通過一群優秀的音樂劇表演者們得到了完美的展現。
整個表演團隊每一個人都善於表演和演唱，並且會配合音樂劇演奏至少一樣樂器。此外， 他們還會邊舞蹈邊移動傢具，用一種奇妙的，不單調的方式轉換場景。這樣表演充滿著活力和幽默感，把音樂旋律表現的栩栩如生。
另外值得關注的是de Waal的動人表演。她用她迷人的女高音演繹出一首非凡的“The hill” 。
Bob Crowley的場景設計充滿一種優雅的簡潔。整個場景都在一個都柏林的酒吧中變換，通過不同的場景，它變為臥室，銀行和錄音室。他巧妙的用鏡子讓觀眾在這個狹小的物理空間裡產生了無限的想像空間。
正式演出之前的還有一個小型演奏會，這顯然是整個晚上的亮點之一。不但觀眾們可以站上舞臺，和音樂家們一起體驗愛爾蘭調，還可以真的從舞台上的那個”酒吧”買到酒水飲料。 2012年“曾經”獲得托尼最佳音樂劇獎。愛爾蘭喜劇劇本作家Enda Walsh根據John Carney的電影劇本和電影本身出版了同名小說。John Tiffany也因指導音樂劇“曾經”獲得托尼獎。
音樂劇“曾經”是一次真正的原汁原味，更富有新概念的百老匯體驗，整出劇所展現的才華讓人驚歎。除了那些讓人沉迷的音樂，更包含了新的感動和震撼，這是一場不容錯過的演出。 音樂劇“曾經” 正在Paramont劇院上演至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 翻譯： Flair Li
