The Electric Company Theatre brings Once, a captivating little Irish Indie musical, to the stage at the beautifully rustic venue, The Charleston, located in the historic Williams Building in downtown Fullerton. Once is not your typical big, bright, splashy production, but under the fine Direction of Brian Johnson and Music Direction by Greg Haake, ECT’s Once is a soft-spoken, intimate work of theater art that captures an audience’s heart from the moment this uber-talented cast makes its way to the stage. There are no fancy costumes, no extravagant sets, no crazy props, and each cast member must double as a talented actor and also a skilled musician.

There is nary a weak spot in even one single performance, and these equally notable performances show the emotional aspects and the comedic elements of this story. These multi-talented cast members play their instruments right on stage and not behind the scenes, nor in an orchestra pit. There are many moments in musical theater where the music sets the tone, becomes the background, or is possibly meant to accentuate the plot, the dancers, or the cast.

The music takes the reins and never lets go. It is the actors/musicians who bring the lively, aesthetically moving, romantic, and inspiring music to life, and while Once is a musical about music, its incredibly infectious score highlights and emphasizes the passion that is in every part of life itself. ECT’s riveting production begins with a pre-show of cheerful and delightfully humorous Irish folksongs.

The show morphs seamlessly into the storyline where we “meet” the guy (Wesley Chavez), and then the girl, portrayed by Mercy Thornton. The guy has lost faith in his songwriting and his dreams of making the big time. His ex-girlfriend has moved to New York, and he remains in Dublin with his Da/aka Dad (Rob Bethancourt). But here in Ireland is the Czech girl, and she is a sassy, smart, savvy pianist who refuses to take “No” for an answer, period. She needs her Hoover vacuum repaired, and the boy works in his father’s vacuum repair shop. Coincidence? Perhaps.

The five and a half days they spend together are complicated, thought-provoking, and life-changing. They write, they rehearse, they sing, and they play their original music. Lovely and accomplished Mercy Thornton is lauded for her singing, piano skills, and her plucky portrayal of the unpretentious and forever optimistic girl from Czechoslovakia who continues to be the emotional support for the guy while trying to find her way on her own path through life. Wesley Chavez’ sinks his teeth into his role as the Guy, and his emotional portrayal is magical.

There is no question that Chavez has what it takes in the world of music as he is a talented guitarist and vocalist, but it is his passionate and introspective feel for his character that makes this complex plea about love so incredibly raw and realistic. ECTs Once is a powerful depiction of an endearing story, which is sometimes humorous, sometimes joyful, but undeniably tender and memorable.

Each member of this company makes a contribution to the beauty of this musical artistry, and outstanding performances also include Rob Bethancourt as Da, Andrew Border as Andre, Eric Dobson as Billy, James Herrera as Eamon, Callie Prindiville Johnson as Baruska, Alex Sanchez as the Bank Manager, Sophie Keaney as Reza, Rebecca McBride as the Ex-Girlfriend, Shauna McFadden as the Emcee, Chris Jones as Svec. Also mentioned are Miles Henry and Emily Taylor in the Ensemble. Alteration performances include Violet Oshann, Bridget McCann, and Kairi Milecki as Ivonka.

Whether one chooses to see Once for Chavez’s magnificent and vibrant performance, the disarmingly moving musical score, or merely to be swept away, it will be true that Once is never enough, and this music may be stored away in one’s heart to be loved and remembered once more.

Stage Managers are Camille Vargas and Michael Reehl, Choreography is by Emily Taylor, and Lighting Design is by Matt Mankiewicz. Music and Lyrics by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova with Book by Enda Walsh. Based on the Movie Written and Directed by John Carney.

The Charleston 114 E. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, CA 92832. Runs through February 25, 2026. www.electriccompanytheatre.org