Based on the film by John Carney
Musical by Enda Walsh. Composers: Glen Hansard, Markéta Irglová
June 5 - 21, 2026
2012 Tony Award Winner for BEST MUSICAL - Total of 8 Tony awards of 11 Tony nominations.
The touching, lyrical musical tells the story of two down-on-their-luck musicians, an angst-ridden Dublin street singer/songwriter who works as a vacuum repairman, and a Czech immigrant who sells flowers in order to support herself and her family. Songs erupt naturally from the action, helped by the fact that the cast all play a variety of instruments including fiddle, violin, guitar, cello, cajon, percussion, accordion, Irish flute, autoharp, melodica, piano, bass, ukulele, and mandolin. The actor-musicians also effortlessly become characters in the story. And you'll fall in love with the Oscar winning music.
With hauntingly memorable music, convincing romantic chemistry, and dozens of laugh-out-loud moments, ONCE truly is a delight.
Plan to arrive early! An hour prior to the start of each performance, patrons will be treated to pre-show music in an Irish pub-like setting, sponsored by O'Neill's Irish Pub and Restaurant in Norwalk and Diageo Beer Company. Additional production sponsors : Bradsell Contracting, Bankwell, New Canaan Music, and the Performing Arts Conservatory of New Canaan.
We are grateful to these and all of our season sponsors: Manfredi Jewelers, Karl Chevrolet, Francos Wine Merchants, Walter Stewart's Market, New Canaan Racquet Club, Keith E. Simpson Associates, the Engel Team at Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Hutchinson Tree Care, Cherry Street East, and Copia Home and Garden.
PRE-SHOW MUSICIANS:
WEEKEND #1
Friday, June 5th
Marion Stenfort (cast member) & Evelina Pristovšek
Saturday, June 6th
Ryan Fanelli (cast member)
Sunday, June 7th
Joni Wallace, Lander Blue
https://joniwallace-music.com/
WEEKEND #2
Friday, June 12th
The Connolly Sisters
Rachael, Joanna, and Shannon are three sisters who have been performing together their entire lives. Since 2018, they have appeared professionally as The Connolly Sisters. A different kind of sister group, The Connolly Sisters blend Broadway, classical, jazz standards, and the Great American SongBook to bring show stopping entertainment. @TheConnollySisters
Saturday, June 13th
Paul Jensen
https://www.pauljensenmusic.net/
Paul is all about connecting with people – as a songwriter, recording artist or live performer. He combines the power of storytelling with infectious melodies, exploring timely themes and emotions. His music has been compared to some of his favorite artists from Jason Isbell and Drew Holcomb to Tom Petty to Jackson Browne. Paul has been a headliner at NYC venues including CityWineryNYC, the Cutting Room, The Bitter End and Arlene’s Grocery, and his music has been featured on local and college radio stations from WPKN (Bridgeport, CT) to WUNH (Keene, NH). You can catch him performing solo acoustic or with his band in and around the greater NYC area.
Sunday, June 14th
Ryan Fanelli (cast member)
WEEKEND #3
Thursday, June 18th
Reanna Adelstein (cast member as Reanna Muskovitz)
Friday, June 19th
Lander Blue
Joni Wallace & John Taylor
https://joniwallace-music.com/
Lander Blue is a musical group based in Norwalk, CT, Led by Joni Wallace and John Taylor, they are favorites on the local circuit and their music can be heard at restaurants, bars, park concerts, and fundraisers. Joni is a dynamic female singer/guitar player, focused on bringing the best songs by female artists to her audience. John is a gifted guitarist who has expanded his talents into resonator guitar and mandolin.
Saturday, June 20th
Paul Jensen (see his info from weekend #2)
Sunday, June 21st
Lander Blue
Joni Wallace & John Taylor
https://joniwallace-music.com
