Once, The Musical
Book by Enda Walsh, Music & Lyrics by Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova
Based on the Motion Picture Written and Directed by John Carney
Director: Kris Geddes
Music Direction: Bill Geddes
Rehearsals begin March 4th, performances are May 2-18, 2025
When: Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 11-1, and Sunday, January 26, 2025, from 2-4
Where: Old Town Hall, 5 Mountain Rd., Woodbury, CT
Appointments: Email Bill Geddes at wmgeddes@gmail.com to reserve an audition time.
Prepare: Those auditioning will be asked to sing and play selections from the show and read from the script. Everyone will be required to play an instrument at the audition, as all cast members play an instrument in the show.
Overview
On the streets of Dublin, an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant are drawn together by their shared love of music. Over one fateful week, an unexpected friendship and collaboration quickly evolves into a powerful but complicated love story, underscored by emotionally charged music. This achingly beautiful, joyously uplifting show strikes an unforgettable chord and speaks to the power of music to connect us all.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
Please note, “Girl” must play the piano and “Guy” must play the guitar, but other characters may not be set in stone (*e.g., we do need a cast member to play violin/fiddle, but it may be someone other than “Reza,” who traditionally plays that instrument).
Girl: Female, 25-40. Mezzo-Soprano. Direct, intelligent, no-nonsense, and witty. Should have something ‘other’ about her. Has had to work hard at life but doesn’t think she deserves any sympathy. Must play the piano and sing extremely well. Must have a strong Czech (Eastern European) accent.
Guy: Male, 25-40. Baritone. A struggling Irish musician. Lost and a bit sad, but extremely appealing. Works with his Da in a vacuum repair shop. Must sing and play guitar extremely well. Must have a strong Irish accent.
Billy: Male, 30-49. Baritone. A large Irish man. Owner of the music store where Girl plays piano. Loud, funny and protective of Girl but also has a vulnerability. Must sing and play guitar* well. Must have a strong Irish accent.
Reza: Female, 25-29. Soprano. A sexy, funny, smart Czech girl. Often a bit larger then life. Must sing and play violin/fiddle* extremely well. Must have a strong Czech (Eastern European) accent.
Baruska: Female, 45+. Alto. Mother of Girl. A cool but caring Czech mother who likes a full house and full stomachs. Doesn’t possess many inhibitions. Must sing and play the accordion/piano* well. Must have a strong Czech (Eastern European) accent.
Bank Manager: Any gender identity, 30-49. Vocal type open. Seems quite prim and proper but has a secret passion for music. Must sing and play guitar* and cello* well. Must have a strong Irish (Cork) accent.
Da: Male, 50+. Vocal type open. Guy’s dad. A man of few words, but a lovely and caring father. Must play guitar*, ukulele/mandolin* well. Must have a strong Irish accent.
Svec: Male, 20-39. Baritone. A real odd ball. Loves television and coffee. Must play guitar* and drum kit* extremely well. Must have a strong Czech (Eastern European) accent.
Andrej: Male, 20-29. Baritone. Earnest and kind. It works well if he has a slight build, made slighter by his oversized interview suit. An employee at a fast food chain, but has big dreams. Must play guitar* and bass guitar* extremely well. Must have a strong Czech (Eastern European) accent.
Eamon: Male, 20-49. Baritone. The music studio manager where Guy and Girl record their album. A tough nut to crack but eventually gives into the musicians’ talents. Must sing and play guitar* (and piano*) well. Must have a strong Irish accent.
Emcee: Male, 20-49. Baritone. The emcee at a bar. A good-natured ball buster. Must sing and play guitar* (and piano*) extremely well. Must have a strong Irish accent.
Ex-Girlfriend: Female, 20-39. Mezzo-Soprano. Guy’s ex-girlfriend who now lives in New York. Kind, lovely and likeable. Must play violin* extremely well. Must have a strong Irish accent.
Ivanka: We are not holding auditions for this role at this time.