1-21-2026 6:22am

Once | Electric Company Theatre Company - Charleston Event Center | Feb 1 - 25

Eric Bergstrom Editor

Most of the critically acclaimed cast of the 2023 production returns!

...including Mercy Thornton as Girl and Wesley Chavez (winner of 2023 Orange Curtain Review Best Actor in a Musical) as Guy.

Support your local news!

Also returning are Eric Dobson as Billy, Sophie Keaney as Reza, Rob Bethancourt as Da, Rebecca McBride as Ex-Girlfriend, James Herrera as Eamon, Shauna McFadden as Emcee, Andrew Border as Andrej, Callie Prendiville Johnson as Baruska, and Emily Taylor as ensemble and choreographer. Joining the cast are Alex Sanchez as the Bank Manager, Chris Jones as Svec, and Miles Henry as ensemble.

Once The Musical will be the first theatrical performance held at The Charleston, located in the historic Williams Building in Downtown Fullerton. In the 1920s, the building served as a meeting and event space for the Odd Fellows. The third floor where Once will take place has hosted fraternal and patriotic organizations, a dance studio, and now Electric Company Theatre’s signature immersive storytelling style.

“Once is tender, intimate, honest, and raw, and ECT’s production is no less than a sublime piece of musical poetry in motion…There is something about a production so special that you don’t want it to end – this is that show.” - The Fullerton Observer

Once will be directed by Co-Artistic Director Brian Johnson (winner of 2023 Orange Curtain Review Best Director of a Musical), music by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, book by Enda Walsh.