(WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- “Once,” winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical and winner of a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, will kick off Kelsey Theatre’s 2022-2023 season. The romantic musical drama runs weekends from September 23 through October 2. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

“This joyously uplifting musical strikes an unforgettable chord in audiences and speaks to the power of music to connect us all,” said M. Kitty Getlik, artistic director of Kelsey Theatre. “I cannot think of a better show to open Kelsey Theatre’s 50th anniversary season. The really neat thing is that the cast also serves as the orchestra and every cast member not only acts, but sings and plays a musical instrument.”

Presented by Playful Theatre, “Once” is a story about the life of an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant who connect over their shared passion for music on the streets of Dublin. Over the course of one fateful week, an unexpected friendship and collaboration quickly evolves into a powerful but complicated romance, accentuated by the inviting, emotional score. The show features original songs from the critically acclaimed film, including “Falling Slowly.”

The cast features Bryan Hill of Pennington as Guy and Lilli Brown of Robbinsville as Girl.  Danielle Bradley of Ewing as the Emcee, Aimee Ferenz of Ptitman as Ex-Girlfriend, Michael Gilch of Asbury Park as Svec, Jim Morris of Hamilton as Da, Dan Mucha of Hamilton as Eamon, Rich Phillips of Hamilton as Billy,Amanda Santos of Lawrence as Reza, Mina Schneider of Lawrence as Ivonka, Joan Schubin of Hamilton as Baruska , Chris Singh of Bordentown as the Bank Manager, Aidan Stallworth-Glitz of Ewing as Andrej and Francois Suhr of Ewing as the Moon Soloist. 

The show is produced by Ruth Kresge, Hilary Leboff, Nancy Russell and Suzanne Smith, and is directed by Frank Ferrara. Other production team members are:Music Director Shannon Ferrara, Assistant Music Director Michael Gilch, Choreographer Emily O’Sullivan, Lighting and Projection Design Robert Terrano, Assistant Lighting Design Zoey Montplaisir, Sound Design Evan Paine, Sound Assistant Camryn LeCain, Scenic Design and Set Shawn Simmons, Graphics Design Robert Terrano and Frank Ferrara, Spotlight operators Becca Salinas and Jackie Scheiner.

Performance Dates: Friday, September 23 at 8:00pm; Saturday, September 24 at 8:00pm; Sunday, September 25 at 2:00pm; Friday, September 30 at 8:00pm; Saturday, October 1 at 8:00pm; and Sunday, October 2 at 2:00pm.

Tickets are $24 and may be purchased online or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333.

Here are more photos from the production.

Kelsey Theatre is located on the Mercer County Community College campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road in West Windsor. The venue is wheelchair accessible and free parking is available next to the building. Assisted listening devices are available upon request. Please note: Masks are recommended but not required while in the theater. 

John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in live theatre and music performances. For more than 10 years, John has photographed live music events where he mastered the techniques of timing and capturing fast moving action under challenging lighting conditions to capture that perfect moment that tells a story in a single image. Currently, John has photographed over 110 productions for over 70 different theatres and venues. Click here for John's website.