Paul Nolan to Busk on Broadway as Guy in Once

Watch out, Broadway, there’s a new Guy in town! Jesus Christ Superstar alum Paul Nolan will assume the role of heartbroken street performer and vacuum cleaner repairman Guy in the Tony-winning musical Once beginning December 17. Doctor Who star Arthur Darvill, currently appearing as Guy, will play his final performance December 15. Once is currently playing at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre.

Nolan played the title role in the 2012 revival of Jesus Christ Superstar, his Broadway debut. He originated the role at Canada’s Stratford Festival, where he also appeared in The Who’s Tommy, West Side Story, As You Like It and The Grapes of Wrath. He starred in the world premiere of Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots at the La Jolla Playhouse. His film and TV credits include Will and Something’s Coming.

Based on the award-winning 2006 indie film, Once tells the story of a whirlwind romance between an Irish street musician (known as “Guy”) and a Czech immigrant (known as “Girl”). Featuring music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova with a book by Enda Walsh, Once is the winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Nolan will appear opposite current star Joanna Christie as “Girl.” Once also features Adam Wesley Brown, Laurel Griggs, David Patrick Kelly, Jillian Lebling, Katrina Lenk, Brandon McGibbon, Anne L. Nathan, Andy Taylor, Carlos Valdes, Erikka Walsh, Paul Whitty, and J. Michael Zygo.