'Once' stars bring hearty music to Seoul
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Tom Parsons, left, who plays Guy in the musical “Once,” poses with Megan Riordan, Girl, on the set of the musical which is set at an Irish pub. “Once” runs through Nov. 1 at the Charlotte Theater in southern Seoul. / Courtesy of Seensee Company
By Kwon Mee-yoo
A Czech immigrant (Girl) meets an Irish musician (Guy) at the end of his rope. At first, they are apprehensive about one another, but they develop a mutual understanding through music. The boy-meets-girl plot is not unusual, but the beautiful yet sorrowful music of Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova ― including the iconic "Falling Slowly" ― embroider the tale in the Tony Award-winning musical "Once," based on the 2007 Irish indie film of the same name.
The musical's Korean production premiered in December and was well received by the Korean audiences, and now an English production is staged at the Charlotte Theater in southern Seoul, delivering the acoustic delights of the original lyrics.
The company is headlined by Tom Parsons (Guy) and Megan Riordan (Girl), along with a group of talents from various backgrounds.
English actor Parsons, who played Guy in the Melbourne and Dublin production, gives another take on the role for the third time in Seoul.
"When I was back to London after the Australian production, I was asked to reprise the role for the Irish production. I was flattered to be asked to perform with the Irish cast in Dublin, where the story was born, but also terrified," Parsons said as he is not a native Irish as most of the cast.
Parsons empathized with his character Guy as he has been in bands and experienced ups and downs with music. "It is like kind of giving up everything, but music keeps you going," he explained. "Guy has a gift for music, but the circumstances of his ex-girlfriend leaving and having not become a superstar have crushed him."
Riordan can be described as a real-life Girl, as the Irish-American born in Las Vegas settled down in Dublin because she fell in love with its music and culture.
"Dublin does feel like home to me and I feel honored to be part of the Irish homecoming of the show," the actress said. "There are many things that mirror my life in the show such as Girl's love of music and moving to Ireland. She is a genuine person and feels things strongly and I connect to that."
Riordan's favorite line in the show is one in which Girl promotes the culture of Ireland in an attempt to persuade a bank manager to get a loan to record Guy's demo.
"Her speech and love for Irish culture is very close to me, which is almost incomprehensible. Ireland is a small country and doesn't have an industry. But it exports culture. When people ask me why I stay in Ireland, I think it is because there is something special about Irish culture. So I love doing those lines every night," Riordan said.
“Once” is about how music transforms life of people who play and listen to it. Parsons said that the show contains a simple story but it crosses languages, which is the heart of the show. Riordan mentioned how the show engages with the audience with such a simple idea presented beautifully and powerfully.
A unique aspect of it is that all actors in the production play musical instruments while acting, singing and even moving around. Director John Tiffany tried to create the atmosphere of an Irish pub where musicians jam. Guy plays the guitar, while Girl plays the piano. Other members of the cast have more diverse talents, ranging from violin and cello to ukulele and trumpet.
As the show is set in a pub, director Tiffany made it available for audiences as well, before and during the interval of the show, inviting them to buy drinks and mingle with the musicians' jam session. Starting some 20 minutes ahead of curtain time, the cast come out to the stage and play a few Irish and Czech folk songs.
"It is my favorite part of the show ― the way it is directed from the beginning. When I am on the stage for pre-show, it is not really my character, but an echo of the character. It is fun to go out and play good songs," Parsons said. "Don't be afraid to come on stage. Just grab a drink and have fun."
However, Riordan's character Girl does not take part in the pre-show, so the actress usually listens to it from backstage. "I come down every night to listen to it. It is very joyful and gives me energy to do the show. It captures the feeling of an Irish jam session."
Girl later joins the show, walking down the aisle from the back of the house. "She is very much an outsider. The world is already established. Then someone comes in and changes it," Riordan said in elaborating about her character.
Parsons said being surrounded by musicians and creating something together is very special and Riordan seconded his thoughts on the show.
"'Once' is about connecting and feeling connected with other people. All art in a way is about life and I understand my life better for what I see and hear," Riordan said. “This cast is particularly talented and see how they do the parts always inspire me. That makes the show keep changing and developing.”
"Once" runs through Nov. 1. Tickets cost from 60,000 to 130,000 won. For more information, visit www.iseensee.com or call 02-577-1987.