Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill Directs “Once” in Her Final Season as Producing Artistic Director

ALBANY (June 30) – “Once,” the Oscar, Tony, Grammy, and Olivier award-winning musical, comes to the MainStage at Capital Repertory Theatre from July 11 through Aug. 10. Book by Enda Walsh with music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, “Once” is described as a heart‑stirring ode to the power of music. The show follows the chance encounter between a Dublin street musician and a Czech immigrant who forge a deep connection over a shared song. This production will also hold a place in history at theREP, as it will be the final show directed by Producing Artistic Director Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill, concluding a remarkable legacy leading the theatre.

Set on the streets of Dublin, “Once” is a spell-binding musical where an unexpected friendship blossoms into a powerful, yet fragile romance told through a hauntingly beautiful score, including the Oscar-winning song “Falling Slowly.” Performed by a cast of actor-musicians who play instruments live on stage, “Once” celebrates love, loss, and the small, soul-stirring moments that can change your life forever.

The cast of “Once” brings together a dynamic blend of returning favorites and fresh faces. Jenn Chandler (Bank Manager), who previously performed in the show on the second national tour, returns to theREP to bring the show to Albany. Dan Costello (Eamon), familiar to theREP audiences from “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Our Town,” brings a rich background as a performer, playwright, and musician. Trevor Lindley Craft (Svec) joins the cast following performances in “The Craic” and “Million Dollar Quartet” and a previous turn in “Once” at Casa Mañana.

Molly Coyne (Reza) is making her debut at theREP after winning the BroadwayWorld Best Supporting Actor award for “Once” in 2023 at Coachella Valley Rep. Julia Hoffmann (Ex-Girlfriend) also debuts at theREP, with credits including national tours of “Once” and appearances in Apple TV’s “Dickinson.” Don Noble (Da) returns to theREP, bringing experience from Broadway’s “Once” and roles in national tours and TV. Adam Huel Potter (Billy) makes his debut at theREP, with credits in the national tour of “Once” and TV shows like “FBI: Most Wanted.”

Sam Sherwood (Guy) takes the stage in his debut at theREP, with past roles Off-Broadway and TV appearances in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” Jacob Shipley (Emcee) is returning to theREP after previously appearing in “Ring of Fire” and is also an accomplished singer-songwriter. John Sygar (Andrej) is making his debut at theREP after recently appearing in the Broadway cast of “Swept Away.” Lily Talevski (Girl) brings powerful credits from productions like “Spring Awakening” and “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” along with appearances in “FBI” and “The Watcher.”

Local talent Sophia Sarbib and Isla Weinman alternate in the role of Ivanka; both are young performers from the Capital Region with experience in youth theatre productions.

In addition to Mancinelli-Cahill directing, Nora Marlow Smith is the scenic designer, Travis McHale is the lighting designer, Howard Tsvi Kaplan is the costume designer, Jeffrey Salerno is the sound designer, Cindy Ludwig is the wig designer, and Kristen Cerelli is the dialect coach.  Kate Kern is the stage manager, and Michaela Savoie is the assistant stage manager.

Previews for “Once” take place at theREP, 251 N. Pearl St., Albany July 11-13, and opening night is Tuesday, July 15. Performances are scheduled Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. There is also a 2 p.m. performance Wednesday, July 23. Tickets range from $40.50-95.50. This contemporary musical is recommended for ages 13+ due to slight adult content and some adult language.

As part of a beloved “Once tradition,” the cast will perform live pre-show music beginning 30 minutes before each performance. For preview and opening night performances, the cast will be joined by special guest seasoned Irish musician Michael Clarke, Executive Director of the Irish American Heritage Museum. Pre-show entertainment is included with your ticket.

For tickets and information, call the Box Office at Proctors 12-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday at (518) 346-6204, or visit attherep.org. The Box Office at theREP will open 90 minutes before show time. The 2024-25 season at theREP is sponsored by Overit, and “Once” is sponsored by CDPHP. Groups of 10 or more can get the group advantage by calling (518) 382-3884 ext. 139.

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Special event nights:

Preview Party — Friday, July 11- Sunday, July 13
Enjoy pre-show busking from special guest Michael Clarke, Executive Director of the Irish American Heritage Museum!
Friday: performance 7:30-7:50 p.m. (8 p.m. curtain)
Saturday: performance 2:30-2:50 p.m. (3 p.m. curtain); performance 7:30-7:50 p.m. (8 p.m. curtain)
Sunday: performance 1:30-1:50 p.m. (2 p.m. curtain)

Opening Night – Tuesday, July 15
Includes complimentary post-show champagne toast and pastries from Bella Napoli.

Chef’s Table – 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 22
Hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Katie O’ Byrne’s Irish Pub.

ASL Performance – 3 p.m. Saturday, July 26
This performance features sign language interpreters. To request access to the designated seating section, please call the box office at (518) 346-6204.

Thirsty Thursday – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 31
Enjoy tasting samples from Common Roots Albany Outpost.

Behind the Scenes – 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3
12:30 p.m., complimentary coffee and pastry from Cider Belly Donuts before the pre-show presentation of the special effects behind “Once” hosted by Producing Artistic Director Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill. This special conversation is free and open to the public.