Once (Broadway) NYC Reviews and Tickets

88%

(819 Reviews)

Positive

94%

Mixed

Negative

Members say

Romantic, Absorbing, Entertaining, Great singing, Enchanting

About the Show

Based on the 2007 film of the same name, this play premiered at the New York Theatre Workshop before transferring to Broadway.

ONCE tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights… but their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than your everyday romance.

Member Reviews (819)

Simple script, Simple production (set, costumes), Simple songs (music, lyrics), Well acted/sung, Simple staging

See it if you like pared-down, straight forward shows. Once has no bells & whistles, but the characters are well-drawn and the music is pleasant.

Don't see it if you want something sophisticated or lavish. Probably better in an intimate setting; too small a show for Broadway. A quiet pleasure. Read more

Overrated, Slow, Disappointing, Banal, Great singing

See it if you like unrequited love stories. Folk music.

Don't see it if you like plots that make sense.

Boring, Dull, Excruciating, Overrated

See it if You like very slow moving musicals about characters who are dull.

Don't see it if You want to see something with catchy music or are expecting a great love story, this show is not that.

Great staging, Must see, Riveting

See it if love talented musicians

Don't see it if you didn't like the movie.

Slow, Romantic, Overrated, Disappointing, Clever

See it if You're absolutely in love with the movie.

Don't see it if You found the movie slow.... The show is on par.

Disappointing, Indulgent, Slow, Overrated, Boring

See it if you can find what all the critics loved so much. Maybe it was the original leads, who I didn't see. No idea.

Don't see it if the fact the actors play their own instruments isn't enough to get you through two-plus hours. I really. Do. Not. Get the hype.

Delightful, Great singing, Must see, Refreshing

See it if you want to "fall slowly" into an nontraditional type of love story that avoids the cliches. Thoughtful, resonant songs will sweep you away.

Don't see it if you like flashier musicals with intense staging, costuming, and design. There is a sparseness here, but it offers intimacy and delicacy.