‘Once’ makes the leap from screen to stage

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Everyone loves ‘Once,’ the 2006 micro-budgeted Irish romantic drama starring (former) real-life couple Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova. The song ‘Falling Slowly’ earned an Academy Award, and that year’s Oscar host Jon Stewart was such a fan that he brought Irglova back out onstage to finish her acceptance speech when she was unceremoniously played off.

Now ‘Once’ is taking over the stage all over again in a completely different way. The tiny indie film is becoming a musical, courtesy of the New York Theatre Workshop. Hansard and Irglova are teaming with experienced theater folk, such as director John Tiffany, choreographer Steven Hoggett and playwright Edna Walsh for the production, which will make premiere in November.

Hansard and Irglova are no longer a couple, but they still tour as the Swell Season, though all the Swell Season’s current announced dates feature Hansard on his own.

Love is a rocky road. But, luckily, we still have ‘Once.’

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Would filmgoers come out to see a movie about Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton?

— Patrick Kevin Day