Actors Sam Sherwood and Katie Barton sing their praises of starring in the Irish musical drama, Once, now playing at Ivoryton Playhouse. Based on the critically-acclaimed 2007 film, Once is the story of a struggling Dublin musician, the girl who stumbles into his life and the music they make together. “There’s not a human on earth who hasn’t experienced struggle and we all know that one person in our life that held us up when we buckled at the knees and that’s what this story is about,” Barton said.
Packed with both lively and hauntingly beautiful folk music, Once dazzles audiences with its unique and irresistible charm. “Ivoryton is the perfect space for this show because it’s an intimate story,” Sherwood said. “And, of course, the sound is going to be great because you’re going to be really hearing these instruments live in the room.” “I think anyone who comes will leave moved and with a song in their heart,” Barton said.
Don’t miss Once at Ivoryton Playhouse, now playing through October 14.
Our thanks to Overabove for producing great video clips for us!
By popular demand an extra week added – ONCE runs until Sunday, October 14th!
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The cast of ONCE
On the streets of Dublin, an Irish musician about to give up on his dreams and a beautiful young Czech immigrant are drawn together by their shared love of music. Over the course of one fateful week, an unexpected friendship and collaboration quickly evolves into a powerful but complicated love story, underscored by emotionally charged music.
Katie Barton and Sam Sherwood
Winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards® including Best Musical, Once is a truly original theatrical experience. Featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage, Once is an unforgettable story about going for your dreams and the power of music to connect us all.
Featuring all of the magical songs from the critically acclaimed film, including the Oscar-winning “Falling Slowly,” this achingly beautiful, joyously uplifting show strikes an unforgettable chord in audiences and speaks to the power of music to connect us all. A show like that only comes around Once.
Photos by Jonathan Steele
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Once is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com
Originally produced on Broadway by Barbara Broccoli, John N. Hart Jr., Patrick Milling Smith, Frederick Zollo, Brian Carmody, Michael G. Wilson, Orin Wolf, The Shubert Organization. Robert Cole, Executive Producer. In association with New York Theatre Workshop.
Once was originally produced Off-Broadway at the New York Theatre Workshop in December 2011, Jim Nicola, Artistic Director. William Russo, Managing Director.
Once was originally developed at the American Repertory Theater, Cambridge, MA in April 2011. Diane Paulus, Artistic Director. Diane Borger, Producer
Stephen G. Anthony* (Billy) is pleased to be making his Ivoryton Playhouse debut. New York credits include Real Men: the Musical, and Hank Williams: Lost Highway. Regional credits include Once (in the role of Andrej), Hand to God, Good People, Search: Paul Clayton, Dry Powder, and The Great American Trailer Park Musical. A multiple Carbonell Award recipient, Steve has also worked as a scenic carpenter/welder, Technical Director, and music producer.
Katie Barton* (Girl) is delighted to return to Ivoryton Playhouse to be a part of such a special show. She earned a degree in Musical Theatre at Birmingham-Southern College, and completed acting apprenticeships at Flat Rock Playhouse and Actors Theatre of Louisville. Katie has performed at many regional theatres across the country and has toured the United States, Japan and Canada with the Broadway National Tour of Million Dollar Quartet. She is grateful to have a career that allows her to travel the world, telling stories and making music. Favorite roles: Dyanne – Million Dollar Quartet (National Tour, Las Vegas, Norwegian Getaway), Tammy Wynette – Stand By Your Man (Ivoryton Playhouse), Nora –Woody Sez, June Carter Cash– Ring of Fire, Lucy – Dracula.
Jonathan Brown (Svec) loves to play various musical instruments for a living and is based in St. Louis, MO. His regional musical theater credits include Million Dollar Quartet, Ring of Fire, Stand By Your Man, Hank Williams: Lost Highway, Pump Boys & Dinettes, A Christmas Carol, the Shake, Rattle & Roll and Kings of Country cabaret shows in venues including the Arrow Rock Lyceum, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Flat Rock Playhouse, Florida Studio Theatre, Weston Playhouse, Lyric Theatre, Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, New Theatre Restaurant, Theatre Under the Stars. He’s delighted to be back in Ivoryton
Margaret Dudasik* (Reza) makes her Ivoryton Playhouse debut. She has had the unique opportunity of playing Reza and Ex Girlfriend in previous productions of Once. Nat’l tour: Roundabout Theatre Company’s Cabaret (Texas). Regional: Once, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Ring of Fire. BFA Pace University. Margaret is also an accomplished Irish fiddle player, representing the US at the All Ireland World Championships seven times. MargaretDudasik.com. Hey boo!
Andreina Kasper (Bank Manager) is a versatile vocalist, cellist, pianist and pedagogue who has appeared in countless televised performances for Telemundo and Univision. Ms. Kasper began her music studies at an early age with her mother. She has collaborated with many artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Shakira,Il Volo and Marc Anthony. Major performances include the Latin Grammys and Billboard Awards. Ms. Kasper has recorded for participating films at the Cannes Film Festival.
Cadyn Malary (Ivonka) is a 3rd grader from Madison and is excited to join the Ivoryton Playhouse stage. She recently performed in Alice in Wonderland (Lily) with Kidz Konnection and in Beauty and the Beast (child) and Elf (an elf) with Madison Arts Barn. She plays piano, tap dances, loves soccer and ski races. Big thanks to her theater family for their support.
Marcy McGuigan* (Baruska) is thrilled to be returning to Ivoryton. She played MeeMaw in Stand by Your Man. Recent credits: Clue (Mrs. Peacock), Annie (Miss Hannigan), Dixie Swim Club (Lexie), 9 to 5 (Violet). NEW YORK: Tenderloin, Nightmare Alley, 40 Naked Women, The Divine Sister, The Piper, Meet Me in St. Louis, Shanghai Moon, Swingtime Canteen. NATIONAL TOUR: 42nd Street, (Dorothy Brock-Carbonelle Nomination). REGIONAL FAVORITES: Portland Stage: Red Herring (Mrs. Kravitz); RiversideTheatre: Hank Williams: Lost Highway (Mama Lilly); Flat Rock Playhouse: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (Masha); Human Race Theatre: Lombardi (Marie-Daytony Nomination); The Fulton Theatre: Other Desert Cities (Silda). TV/FILM: Humor Me; Inside Amy Schumer, People in New Jersey, GTA 4, The Centenarian, Ghost Stories
John Mervini (Eamon) Off Broadway: Yankee Peddler (Actors Temple), O’Brien and O’Brian (FringeNYC), That Lady From Maxims (NYMF), Once Upon a Time in New Jersey, Illyria (Prospect Theatre Co.), Young Jean Lee’s Church (The Public) Other Selected NY:, Love Court, Occupation: Dragon Slayer (Isle of Shoals), Cheeseburger Deluxe (NYTW), Prelude to Tomorrow (Isle of Shoals), Avarice (The Bridge), Under Milk Wood (The Mint), The Hanging of Razor Brown (59E59), Found a Peanut (Red Fern Theatre Co.); The Gospel Show (La Mama, etc.) Regional: Jim in Pump Boys and Dinettes, Stanley in A Streetcar Named Desire, Leo in The Producers, Children of Eden, Tommy in Brigadoon, Bob in White Christmas, Jesus in Godspell. Film/TV: Ed Rock, Breaking Bad (AMC), Barely Legal, Is This Thing On, Pardon My French, Dear Mrs. Fenton. John composed the score and single Rest My Soul for the film Momma, out now; and as a guitarist has played The Metropolitan Room, Slake, The PIT, The Red Room and others. Thanks to the cast and crew, Sam, family and friends! www.johnmervini.com
Morgan Morse (Andre) hails originally from Ansonia, CT. He has performed at Ivoryton before in Stand By Your Man (Euple Byrd), The Bully (Lenny), and South Pacific (Professor), at Stages Repertory Theatre in Houston, TX in Ring of Fire, and at the Public Theater in NYC in Southern Comfort (Musician). He also writes/performs original music which you can find at soundcloud.com/morgan-morse. He thinks you’re pretty cool!
Rachel Mulcahy (Ex-Girlfriend) is so excited to make her Ivoryton Playhouse debut, in her all-time favorite show! Recent credits include, Shakespeare in Love at Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Ring of Fire at Timberlake Playhouse and Once at the John W. Engeman Theater. First and foremost, she would like to thank this amazing cast and creative team! She would also like to thank her family, friends, Travis, and Across the Board Talent for all of their continued support. Enjoy the show! @raymulcay www.rachelmulcahy.com
Don Noble* (Da) Broadway: Once, End Of The Rainbow. National Tours: An American In Paris, Mamma Mia!. Regional productions across Canada and the United States, including Woody Guthrie’s American Song, To Kill A Mockingbird (Atticus Finch), James Joyce’s The Dead (Gabriel Conroy), Funny Girl (Nicky Arnstein), An Ideal Husband (Lord Goring), Candida (Reverend Morell), Blood Brothers, Henry IV, The Tempest. Recent TV includes The Blacklist and Madam Secretary. Proud member of Actors’ Equity.
Lizzie Pantano (Ivonka) is thrilled for first professional role as Ivanka in Once. Most recently she was “Modern-day Belle” in Beauty and the Beast Jr., Misty Mathisson in the Summer Murder Mystery Theater, and in the junior ensemble in Elf Jr by MadBarn productions. Lizzie is currently a first grader at Ryerson Elementary in Madison. Lizzie would like to thank everyone at Ivoryton Playhouse who worked so hard on this performance.
Sam Sherwood* (Guy) is thrilled to return to Ivoryton were he has previously performed in Stand By Your Man and The Road: My Life With John Denver. NYC: Woody Sez (Irish Repertory Theatre); Fancy: A Country Musical (lab); Regional: Million Dollar Quartet (Geva); …Forum, Hank Williams: Lost Highway, Cotton Patch Gospel, Pump Boys & Dinettes (Flat Rock Playhouse); Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (NC Theatre, TBTS); Ring of Fire (Riverside, People’s Light and others); The Music Man (National Tour); Titanic (National Tour). www.sherwoodsounds.com
Victoria Wepler (Emcee) is thrilled to be making her Ivoryton Playhouse debut in Once. A musician and educator, Vicki sings and plays violin on stages across New England as a member of the award-winning contemporary folk band, Goodnight Blue Moon. GNBM’s latest studio album, Dawning Dream, was released in April 2018. When she’s not performing, Vicki is the general and choral music director at The Country School in Madison, CT, where she also directs the school’s annual musical. A graduate of Colby College and the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Vicki’s favorite theater credits on stage and in the orchestra pit include Company (Marta) and She Loves Me (1st violin). Heartfelt thanks to her family for all their love and support through her many endeavors!
Director: Ben Hope
Musical Director: Eric Anthony
Stage Manager: James Joseph Clark*
Assistant Stage Manager: Rahxas Colite*
Scenic Designer: Glenn Bassett
Lighting Designer: Marcus Abbott
Sound Designer: Tate R. Burmeister
Costume Designer: Cully Long
* member of Actors Equity
Join us for an opening night reception following the 8:00pm performance on Friday, September 21st. Light refreshments will be served.
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HOPE Partnership’s Theatre Night 2018 – Once
Join us for a special evening featuring ONCE at the historic Ivoryton Playhouse.
Thursday, September 20, 2018
6:00 – 7:15pm Cocktail Party 7:30pm Curtain $80 per person
Follow this link to purchase tickets for the HOPE Partnership fundraiser.
Preceding the performance, enjoy a cocktail party on the beautiful bluestone terrace; and during intermission and after the performance dessert and refreshments will be served.
HOPE Partnership’s mission is to create a continuum of affordable housing options in the shoreline towns of Middlesex County to ensure an eclectic economy and housing choices for all.
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You are invited to join us for a night of theater featuring
The Country School’s General and Choral Music Teacher
Mrs. Vicki Wepler at the Ivoryton Playhouse for
the 2012 Tony award-winning musical ONCE.
Wednesday October 3, 2018
Pre-Show Wine and Cheese Reception 6:00-7:15 p.m.
ONCE 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Post-Show Meet and Greet and Desserts
Follow this link to purchase tickets for The Country School fundraiser.
Mission: The Country School honors our students’ creativity, sense of wonder, and intellectual curiosity. Our integrated curriculum aligns rigorous academics with a commitment to character and leadership development. We nurture every student’s unique role in the community, empowering each to serve the common good.
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Check back here for more photos and video clips!
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Press Release
September 4, 2018
From the streets of Dublin to the Ivoryton Playhouse The magical musical – ONCE
On September 19th, the Broadway smash hit ONCE, opens at the Ivoryton Playhouse. On the streets of Dublin, an Irish musician about to give up on his dreams and a beautiful young Czech immigrant are drawn together by their shared love of music. Over the course of one fateful week, an unexpected friendship and collaboration quickly evolves into a powerful but complicated love story, underscored by the most beautiful, emotionally charged music.
Winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards including Best Musical, ONCE is a truly original theatrical experience. Featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage, ONCE is an unforgettable story about going for your dreams and the power of music to connect us all.
Based on the 2007 movie of the same name, written by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, the show features all of the haunting songs from the critically acclaimed film, including the Oscar-winning “Falling Slowly”. This achingly beautiful, joyously uplifting show strikes an unforgettable chord in audiences and speaks to the power of music to connect us all. As Irglova said in her remarkable Oscar acceptance speech, “Fair play to those who dare to dream and don’t give up.”
A show like this only comes around ONCE.
Ivoryton is thrilled to welcome back Ben Hope*, who has performed here in MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET and STAND BY YOUR MAN. Ben is making his directorial debut with this show which is near and dear to his heart since he performed the role of Guy on Broadway many times. What makes this production special is that Ben is directing his wife, Katie Barton*, in the role of Girl. Katie has also performed in Ivoryton, playing the lead role of Tammy Wynette in STAND BY YOUR MAN.
Joining them in this production are Sam Sherwood*, last seen in Ivoryton in THE ROAD – MY LIFE WITH JOHN DENVER, as Guy; Steven G. Anthony* as Billy; Jonathan Brown as Svec; Margaret Dudasik* as Reza; Andreina Kasper as Bank Manager; Marcy McGuigan* as Baruska; John Mervini as Eamon; Morgan Morse as Andre; Rachel Mulcahy as Ex-Girlfriend; Don Noble* as Da; Victoria Wepler as Emcee and Cadyn Malary and Lizzie Pantano as Ivanka. Musical Direction by Eric Anthony, Set Design by Glen Bassett, Lighting Design by Marcus Abbott, Costume Design by Cully Long.
ONCE opens at the Ivoryton Playhouse on September 19th and runs through October 14th 2018. Performance times are Wednesday and Sunday matinees at 2pm. Evening performances are Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday and Saturday at 8pm.
Tickets are $55 for adults; $50 for seniors; $25 for students and $20 for children and are available by calling the Playhouse box office at 860-767-7318 or by visiting our website at www.ivorytonplayhouse.org
(Group rates are available by calling the box office for information.) The Playhouse is located at 103 Main Street in Ivoryton.
Members of the press are welcome at any performance after September 20th, 2018
*denotes member of Actors Equity
The cast of ONCE
Looking for something to do? Ivoryton Playhouse has been voted best place to see live theatre by readers of The Shoreline Times for three years in a row. Come to Essex and visit our historic, professional theatre – a Connecticut treasure!