NEW ORLEANS – The emotionally captivating musical “Once” 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 for an evening or matinee of beautiful music and a stirring romance in “Once,” starting with opening night on Friday, June 5, running through June 21. Preview night is Thursday, June 4, 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.
OPENING NIGHT: Friday, June 5 at 7:30 PM.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE: June 4 – 21 | Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; 3 p.m. Sunday afternoons. Saturday, June 20 matinee performance at 2 p.m. Student matinee performance Thursday, June 11, at 10 a.m.
WHERE: LE PETIT THEATRE – 616 St. Peter St. New Orleans, LA 70116
BOX OFFICE: 504-522-2081 x 1 or lepetittheatre.com
TICKETS: Single tickets range from $40-$95. Student tickets are available for $20 for every performance. Groups of 10 or more may contact the box office to receive a 20% discount. Discounted preview night tickets available for Thursday, June 4th performance only.