Savannah Rep to turn Broughton Street into the streets of Dublin with production of 'Once'

In the 2007 film, “Once,” a vacuum repairman by day, Dublin street busker by night, catches the attention of a young Czech woman intrigued with his music. She approaches to reveal she, too, is a musician. Shortly after, the pair shares a song at a piano shop and eventually writes what becomes the soundtrack of the rise and fall of their love affair.

The story, based loosely on the real-life, yet short-lived, romance of songwriters Marketa Irglova and Glen Hansard, went on to receive multiple independent, international film awards as well as an Oscar for best original song, “Falling Slowly.”

It also inspired a Broadway musical adaptation. On Thursday, Savannah Repertory Theatre debuts, “Once,” for the first time in the Hostess City. The production has two showings on Saturday and closes with a matinee Sunday.

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Because the film was originally shot on location in Dublin over the course of just 17 days on a tiny budget of $150,000, the original plot focuses almost exclusively on the male and female leads, respectively “Guy” and “Girl.” The supporting cast is incidental at best. However, the stage production expands focus to the film’s more minor characters, fleshing out their stories, relationships and histories. Not only do these players have greater presence within the story, but every actor is also a musician creating the story’s music. There’s no pit orchestra.

Lead actor and company artistic director, Ryan McCurdy, embraced the challenges of finding great actors who also had solid musical chops. The actors-as-musicians are a poignant aspect driving the storytelling within the play.

“The biggest thing that happened when converting this story for live performance was the importance of having the actors making all the music,” emphasized McCurdy. “All of the actors are onstage for the duration of the show, and by doing so, the story gets bigger but the world gets smaller. The shared music and then what happens between the characters makes everything much more intimate.”

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With a total cast of 12, including nine local hires, the production really began growing wings during music rehearsal. Stacie Orrico, a newcomer to Savannah who plays the lead “Girl,” focused on refining her piano skills weeks ahead of the audition to get the feel of the music into her core and fingers.

“I was obsessive before rehearsals in terms of memorizing the script and the music,” recalled Orrico. “There’s a Mendelssohn piano piece that I thought I would never not sound like a child playing, but after two weeks it finally began to drop into my body and became natural. And that was before we even met as an ensemble to rehearse. When we all did meet, we had worked so hard on our own that we forged this very special bond through the music before any of the acting and stage direction.”

Orrico moved with her family to Savannah amid the pandemic in 2020, as her husband had accepted a teaching position with SCAD. In her own right, Orrico is a musical force to be reckoned with. She landed her first recording contract with EMI as a gospel singer at age 12, then signed with Virgin ten years later singing pop and contemporary music. She then went on to the T. Schreiber Conservatory in New York City and spent ten years on the road touring as a solo artist, performing a range of genres including pop, contemporary, jazz and gospel.

“This production of 'Once' is not only about the power and beauty of music, it’s about people seeing something in each other, calling that out and celebrating it,” reflected Orrico. “At its heart, this show is about noticing one another and being in awe of each others’ lives and creativity. And I feel so blessed that this opportunity is my debut as stage performer in Savannah, grateful to be welcomed with such warmth and trust.”

Local crooning favorite, Trae Gurley, plays the part of “Billy,” who owns the vacuum repair shop and who is also “Guy’s” father. Gurley saw the movie when it was first released and remembers liking the music.

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“I also watched a snippet of it on the Tony awards when it won in 2012, and that was the first time I realized there was even a musical version,” recalled Gurley. “But when I got a text from a friend about auditions for the show in December and then two more people mentioned the same audition at a party, I took it as a sign that I should at least go and try.”

And that’s exactly what Gurley did.

He worked up some pieces of music, looked over the script and went to the first audition. He was a little uneasy about how it went but was called back for another reading and sent specific music to learn.

“I just wanted to audition to audition, and it turned into something so much bigger,” emphasized Gurley. “I wanted to meet new people, and through this process I’ve met incredibly talented, kind people, which is fitting because this show is about connection and searching for connection, and it paints this beautiful picture of the ties between people that weave in and out. You will see yourself in more than one character, and the music and entire experience will put chills on your arm.”

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For McCurdy, playing the lead, “Guy,” is a sort of homecoming. McCurdy is also a powerhouse performer and a nationally recognized musical theater entertainer. He’s produced shows and acted on top stages in both Los Angeles and New York and has worked on this particular production 16 times, both on Broadway and as staff with the nationally touring company. McCurdy has been understudy to “Guy” several times but never got a chance to play the part.

This time with Savannah Repertory Theatre marks the first that he’ll deliver full performances of the lead role.

“I have loved for so long this role, and it’s lovely to bring it home to my community,” said McCurdy. “But this show is about so much more than just this role. As actors and musicians we have woven a tight bond that comes through when we’re together on stage, and that sense of connection is palpable, soul stirring. Savannah is so special and has allowed Savannah Rep. to grow into a community gathering space, an organic space of creation where the faces of our neighbors and friends are who give life to our productions. And that sense of connection and community is at the heart of 'Once.' If music, live performance and connection are what you’re craving, then this is an absolutely not-to-miss show for you.”

IF YOU GO

What: “Once”

Where: Trustees Theater, 216 E. Broughton Street, Savannah, GA

When: Thursday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 3 p.m.

Tickets: $40 adults; $35 seniors; $35 military

For more information visit www.savannahrep.org

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: 2023 Savannah St. Patrick's Day events: Savannah Rep presents Once