London's Once Follows Broadway's Lead, Sets Closing Date

Following the news that Once will close on Broadway, comes the announcement that the West End incarnation will shutter on March 21, 2015. Irish pop superstar Ronan Keating is set to join the London production on November 17 at the Phoenix Theatre and will remain with the musical for the rest of its run.

Based on the 2006 film, Once features a score by the movie’s stars and Academy Award-winning composers for “Falling Slowly,” Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova. The show premiered at New York Theatre Workshop before opening at Broadway’s Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on March 18, 2012. Once won eight Tony Awards, including honors for Tiffany, as well as Enda Walsh for his book for the romantic musical. The West End production of Once opened in April 2013.

The current London cast stars David Hunter and Jill Winternitz who are joined by Fiona Bruce, Jamie Cameron, Mark Carlisle, Matthew Ganley, Mathew Hamper, Daniel Healy, Loren O’Dair, Miria Parvin, Tim Prottey-Jones, Jez Unwin, Juliana Cotton, Demi Lee, Gemma Loader and Ruby Payne.