Chance Theater Announces 2026 Season Opener: Award-Winning Musical “Once

By Chance Theater on January 6, 2026 • ( Leave a comment )

Chance Theater, Anaheim’s official resident theater company, is thrilled to announce the first show of Chance’s 2026 Season, Once, featuring book by Enda Walsh, music and lyrics by Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová, based on the movie written & directed by John Carney, directed and choreographed by James Michael McHale (Scrooge! The Musical, Chance Resident Artist & Literary Manager), with music direction by Lex Leigh (Scrooge! The Musical, Chance Resident Artist).

This intimate musical, based on the Academy Award-winning film, tells the story of a Dublin street musician and a Czech immigrant whose chance encounter sparks a week-long collaboration full of music, dreams, and unexpected connection. He’s trying to move on from heartbreak, she’s a bit of a mystery, and both are a bit stuck as they deal with their own pain and loss. But together, they create songs that capture the joy, struggle, and beauty of life, music that has the power to speak to their souls and offer some healing. This unlikely friendship blossoms into something powerful and complicated, bringing the possibility of something more.

An ensemble of actors plays hilarious, eclectic characters – parents, immigrants, a struggling shopowner, and more. Once shows how music can create an unlikely community out of disparate people. Scored with evocative, emotionally charged music and performed live by the ensemble of actors themselves, Once is a raw, heartfelt, and joyous musical journey. It’s a must-see for anyone whose stories of hope, connection, the transformative magic of music, and love have ever swept them away. Don’t miss the chance to experience this celebrated, Tony Award-winning musical in a whole new way!

Director McHale notes, “This is a show that is very dear to me. Having performed in four productions, I’m honored to direct it now. At its core, it’s a story about two people who are stuck—and who help each other find inspiration, hope, and the courage to take the next step..”

He adds, “It’s also a story about community—how people who seem extremely different form a connection through music. The grounded, gorgeous score, performed live by an entire cast with incredible musicianship, humor, and heart, is something truly special to behold. I hope this show reminds audiences of people who came into their lives, even briefly, and left a lasting mark.”

Joining McHale and Leigh on the design team for Once is scenic designer Bradley Kaye (Spring Awakening), costume designer Sara Egger, lighting designer Jacqueline Malenke (Spring Awakening), sound designer and engineer James Markoski (Scrooge! The Musical), projection designer Nick Santiago (Scrooge! The Musical), stage manager Cynthia C. Espinoza (What the Constitution Means to Me, Chance Resident Artist), dramaturg Sophie Hall Cripe (Spring Awakening), casting director Lindsay Brooks (Spring Awakening), and associate scenic designer Kylie Baumbusch (Hedwig and the Angry Inch).

The multitalented cast of Once will feature a mix of newcomers and returning actors: Morgan Hollingsworth (Call Your Mother) plays Guy, Emma Laird (Gloria) plays Girl, Will Huse (Chance debut) plays Billy, Leota Rhodes (Chance debut) plays Reza and Ex-Gf, Jennifer Richardson (Tiny Beautiful Things) plays Baruska, Mike Bradecich (Chance debut) plays Bank Manager, Lex Leigh (Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Chance Resident Artist) plays Da, Austin Ledger (Chance debut) plays Svec, Jonah Meyer (Chance debut) plays Andrej, and Joseph Dailey (Chance debut) plays Eamon and Emcee.

Tickets for Once are now on sale, and can be purchased online at https://chancetheater.com/once/ or by calling the box office at (888) 455-4212. Early booking is recommended due to already high demand.

Our 2026 Season Producers are Bette & Wylie Aitken, with Associate Season Producers the Family of Mary Kay Fyda-Mar. The Executive Producers of this production are Gus & Mary Chabre, Myrna Hamid, Louise & Steven Koch, and Samuel & Tammy Tang. The Corporate Sponsor is The Prepared Performer. The Associate Producer is Laurie Smits Staude. The Supporting Producer is Chris & Steve Sumpter.

WHEN:
Previews: January 23 – 30, 2026; Fridays at 8pm, Saturday at 8pm, and Sunday at 7pm
Opening Night: Saturday January 31, 2026 at 8pm
Remaining Performances: February 1 – March 1, 2026
Select Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm & 8pm, and Sundays at 3pm

TICKETS: $12-$58, with discounts for educators, veterans, seniors, and students. Pay-What-You-Can preview performances and SaverTix are also available to ensure that live theater is accessible to everyone.

WHERE: Chance Theater @ Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage
5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, CA 92807

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Chance Theater @ Bette Aitken theater arts Center is located at 5522 E. La Palma Avenue in Anaheim Hills. Going west on La Palma from Imperial Highway, we are on the left in the front of the industrial park just past the In & Out. There is plenty of free convenient parking in front of the theater.

MORE INFO: www.ChanceTheater.com or call (888) 455-4212

FULL PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE: