Once - playing through November 8th in Calgary at the Jubilee Auditorium before heading to Edmonton Nov 10 - 15th - is different from many of the musicals that have toured to our province before. Although it has a lot of accolades - multiple Tony Awards, a Grammy, and critical acclaim - it doesn't have the spectacle or instant recognizeablity of long time classics or mega shows. Instead of elaborately choreographed dance numbers and massive sets, this simple, story based production works based on its score, the chemistry of the actors, and the tale that it tells.

Based on the 2006 film, Once is set in Dublin, Ireland and is the story of an unnamed Guy (Stuart Ward), a broken hearted singer who has written songs about the girlfriend that left him to move to New York. He meets Girl (Dani de Waal) a Czech woman who hears him singing and drags him out of his funk. It's a story of hope and chasing dreams and unrequited love. And it is beautiful.

The show works in part because of the cast. Ward is both incredibly handsome and talented, capturing the emotion of Guy both in the passion in which he plays the guitar and sings and in the way his character speaks. de Waal is also stunningly beautiful and matches Ward in delivery of her songs and lines. The chemistry between them is magical to watch. Others in the show like Evan Harrington's Billy provide some comedy amidst the sombre folk songs. The show does not have an orchestra. Instead the actors sit in chairs on the side of the stage and play. So not only do these actors have to sing and act, they also are accomplished musicians, some playing multiple instruments. It's incredible to watch this incredibly talented group perform together on stage.

The main song of the show and film Falling Slowly won an Academy Award and has been covered extensively by the likes of Josh Groban and Il Divo and was performed by Kris Allen on American Idol. It's a gorgeous song that sticks with you, especially delivered as the finale in this particular show.

Speaking of the music, Stuart Ward's album Pictures is available at the merchandise stand and he signs copies after the show. I gave it a listen after the show, and the songs could fit in with the shows soundtrack. If you enjoyed the songs in the show, pick up his record.

Once may not have the well-known songs from a show like Annie or the elaborate spectacle of a Lion King, but that is what makes it shine. No gimmicks needed. Just a group of talented musician actors bringing a sweet story to life. It's emotional and powerful and taps into our feelings in an amazing way. It is definitely worth seeing, tickets are still available.