From the very first note, Once draws you in and never lets go. This emotionally captivating musical is the only show to have music that won an Academy Award, a GRAMMY, an Olivier Award, and a Tony Award, and it’s coming to the stage at Le Petit Theatre in New Orleans.
On the streets of Dublin, an Irish musician (Patrick Cragin, GUY) and a Czech immigrant (Josie Oliva, GIRL) are drawn together by their shared love of music. Over the course of one fateful week, an unexpected friendship and collaboration quickly evolves into a powerful but complicated love story, underscored by emotionally charged music.
Le Petit Theatre always has live musicians for musicals, but they’re usually tucked in the orchestra pit under the stage. For Once, the actors are also the musicians, with many of them playing multiple instruments throughout the show. Rounding out the cast/band are (in alphabetical order) Charlie Antis (ensemble), Alec Barnes (SVEC), Owen Callahan (EMCEE), Ani Dean (IVONKA, select performances), Molly Graham (EX-GIRLFRIEND), J.J. Hammerle (BANK MANAGER), Noah Hazzard (ANDREJ), John Jabaley (DA), Lillian Miller (IVONKA, select performances), Brian Sanford (BILLY), Judy Lea Steele (BARUSKA), Emma Velasquez (REZA), and Jake Wynne-Wilson (EAMON).
“Once is a musical that speaks to the power of music in our most challenging moments in life. It is a heartwarming story that we are proud to present for the first time in a New Orleans-originated production,” says A.J. Allegra, Le Petit Theatre’s artistic director. “We live in a city fueled by music, so the ability to bring 14 actor-musicians to the stage to tell the story of Once is both a unique privilege and, I hope, a special gift to our audience.”
Conner Wilson directs Once, with scenic designs from William Boles, costume designs from Kaci Thomassie, lighting designs from Daniel Zimmer, sound designs from James Lanius, music direction from Ainsley Matich, choreography by Chase Kamata, properties design from Deborah Bommer-Morrissey, and dialect coaching from Amy Chaffee.
Join us for an evening or matinee of beautiful music and a stirring romance in Once, starting with opening night on Friday, June 5th, running through June 21st. Preview night is Thursday, June 4th, with discounted tickets for all seats. Students of all ages can purchase discounted tickets for all shows, and groups of 10 or more can use code GROUP to save 20% online.
Single-show tickets are now available for Once (June 4 – 21), along with full-season packages for the 2026-27 Le Petit Theatre season, plus new subscribers can get discounted Once tickets in addition to their tickets for next season.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE: June 4 – 21, 2026 | Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30 PM; 3:00 PM Sunday afternoons. Saturday, June 20 matinee performance at 2:00 PM. Free student matinee performance Thursday, June 11 at 10:00 AM.
TICKETS: Single tickets range from $40-$95. $20 student tickets are available for every performance. Groups of 10 or more may contact the box office to receive a 20% discount or click here. Discounted preview night tickets available for Thursday, June 4th performance only. All tickets are available here.
Once Book by Enda Walsh. Music and Lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová. Based on the Motion Picture Written and Directed by John Carney. Directed by Conner Wilson. Executive Producers: Jill and Minor Pipes; Gayle Terribile and Jimmy Ellis. Associate Producers: Scott Hutcheson and David Hoover.
Orchestrations by Martin Lowe. Originally Produced on Broadway by Barbara Broccoli; John N. Hart, Jr.; Patrick Milling Smith; Frederick Zollo; Brian Carmody; Michael G. Wilson; Orin Wolf; The Shubert Organization; Robert Cole, Executive Producer in association with New York Theatre Workshop.
Once was originally produced Off-Broadway at the New York Theatre Workshop in December 2011, Jim Nicola, Artistic Director, William Russo, Managing Director
Once was originally developed at the American Repertory Theater, Cambridge, Massachusetts, in April 2011, Diane Paulus, Artistic Director, Diane Borger, Producer
Once is presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 423 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019 | (#p) 212-541-4684 | (#f) 212-397-4684 | www.MTIShows.com
About Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré: Located in the historic French Quarter of New Orleans, Le Petit Theatre, a 501(c)3 organization, serves our community by inspiring a love of live theater. We present the highest quality theatrical performances to entertain and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the vitality of the arts community. For more information, visit LePetitTheatre.com.
Le Petit Theatre embraces the work of the city’s professional artists both onstage and backstage, all while nurturing and mentoring up-and-coming talent with its array of outreach programs. Under the leadership of Producing Executive Director Don-Scott Cooper, Artistic Director A.J. Allegra, and a Board of Governors, Le Petit Theatre has played an important role in our nation’s and city’s theatrical history since 1916.
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