[Review] Once the Musical in Ex Theatre Roppongi

Hello my Lovelies,

So in a nutshell, Once is a story about two very different people with very different vision in life and has very distinct goal in life who had their world collide and made them a better person. The musical is based on a movie of the same title and won an astounding eight out of the 11 Tony it was nominated for in 2012.

(Photo cred: cassidyshea.com)

Just a little more than two weeks ago I went for the opening night for the Musical Once in Ex Theatre in Roppongi in Japan. I was not entirely happy with the performance, but I enjoyed the show nonetheless.

This is my fifth Once viewing and it was not as bad as the last show since my expectation were significantly lowered since the opening show on the 27th of November, of which the review could be read by clicking here.

Honestly, the show was mediocre at best. Did not love it and all I could say is that it was entertaining at best. The music was good though; the dancers were a little tired although they did out-perform the main actors (Stuart Ward and Dani de Waal). At least for me their performance were much more energetic and more convincing than the two.

Stuart Ward and Dani de Waal (Photo cred: Once Musical Japan)

Although Mr Ward’s accent was better than the opening night, and he does seem more comfortable with the audience, but there was still something that lacks in his performance. Maybe, I am just biased and already have the perfect ‘Guy’ in my head, so I do not think it is fair for me to pick on him even more than I had already done in the review for the opening night.

Again the supporting casts were fabulous and their performance was really to be applauded. Their concentration was so spot on it seemed very natural and seamless. They sound more natural than either of the main actors.

The supporting casts especially Paul Whitty and Andy Taylor were really great at covering flaws and mistakes it makes them seem as if they were scripted. Again, I might be a little biased since Andy Taylor did perform amazingly during the opening night and brought the whole group to tolerable. Mr Taylor really knew his place and his character very well that he seemed to bind the whole group together on stage.

Paul Whitty and Andy Taylor (Photo Cred: Once Musical Japan)

If there were an award for best supporting cast for an ensemble, I am very sure Mr Taylor would steal it hands down. He is without question the more experience and has most control in his role.

I was actually hoping the closing night would be the great show (although I did not go to any shows in between the opening and the closing) and since I was disappointed on the opening night, I was not too disappointed but I was not too pleased with the result either.

I am a little torn on how to score this particular show. I love this show. I love how two of my favourite things collided and became one of the best thing there was. Except, the rendition of it was not as amazing. I gave a six for the opening night keeping in mind that it was their first show in a foreign country, but for this time, I honestly do not know how to rate this show.

Torn between the disappointing act of the main players, and the amazing chemistry among the ensemble, I would give this performance a mediocre seven out of 10 (7/10) keeping in mind the amazing control of Mr Whitty and Mr Taylor. Even with this little disappointment, I am still looking forward to see the West End cast in Phoenix Theatre in London early next year.

Love and kisses,

GWRL