The Original Broadway Cast Recording of Once Debuts at #1 on Billboard's Cast Album Chart

NEW YORK, March 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- MASTERWORKS BROADWAY is pleased to announce that the Original Broadway Cast Recording of Once: A New Musical debuted at #1 on the Billboard's Cast Album Chart.

Produced by Steve Epstein and Martin Lowe, the album is available now. Once opened on Sunday to tremendous reviews at Broadway's Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre.

Once is the celebrated new Broadway show based on the Academy Award®-winning film. The show includes all of the beloved songs written by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova for the critically acclaimed film. The score features the Oscar®-winning hit "Falling Slowly," as well as two new songs, "Abandoned in Bandon" and the Czech folk song "Ej Pada Pada Rosicka." One of the most unique elements of this musical is that the 13-member cast of the show act, sing and play all of the instruments: there is no orchestra or separate band. A distinctive aspect to the cast album is that it was produced allowing these talented actors/musicians to record the music in the same style and environment as their stage show. This special recording process not only showcases the gorgeous new orchestrations by Martin Lowe, but also captures the live essence of this extraordinary ensemble.

Once tells the story of an Irish musician (Guy) and a Czech immigrant (Girl) drawn together by their shared love of music. Over the course of one fateful week, their unexpected friendship and collaboration evolves into a powerful but complicated romance, heightened by the raw emotion of the songs they create together. Brought to the stage by an award-winning team of visionary artists and featuring an ensemble cast of gifted actor/musicians, is a musical celebration of life and love: thrilling in its originality, daring in its honesty... and unforgettable in every way.

Once features the Academy Award-winning music and lyrics of Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, a book by award-winning Irish playwright & screenwriter, Enda Walsh (Penelope, Hunger, The New Electric Ballroom), direction by the acclaimed Scottish director of Black Watch, John Tiffany, movement by Steven Hoggett (Black Watch, American Idiot) and music supervision and orchestrations by Martin Lowe (Mamma Mia!). The set and costume design are by five time Tony Award winner Bob Crowley (The Coast of Utopia, Mary Poppins), lighting design is by Tony winner Natasha Katz (Aida, The Coast of Utopia), and sound design is by Clive Goodwin. The cast of Once features Steve Kazee as 'Guy' and Cristin Milioti as 'Girl.' Also in the company featured on the cast album are David Abeles, Will Connolly, Elizabeth A. Davis, David Patrick Kelly, Anne L. Nathan, Lucas Papaelias, Andy Taylor, Erikka Walsh, Paul Whitty, and J. Michael Zygo.

Once is produced by Barbara Broccoli, John N. Hart Jr., Patrick Milling Smith, Frederick Zollo, Brian Carmody, Michael G. Wilson, Orin Wolf and Executive Producer Robert Cole. Tickets for the Broadway production are now on sale via Telecharge.com or by phone at 212-239-6200. For more information on the musical, please visit www.oncemusical.com.

Masterworks Broadway is a label of Sony Masterworks. For email updates and information on Masterworks Broadway please visit www.masterworksbroadway.com.

Tracklisting:

    1. The North Strand
    2. Leave
    3. Falling Slowly
    4. The Moon
    5. Ej Pada Pada Rosicka
    6. If You Want Me
    7. Broken Hearted Hoover Fixer Sucker Guy
    8. Say It To Me Now
    9. Abandoned In Bandon
    10. Gold
    11. Sleeping
    12. When Your Mind's Made Up
    13. The Hill
    14. It Cannot Be About That
    15. Gold (A Cappella)
    16. Falling Slowly (Reprise)

SOURCE MASTERWORKS BROADWAY

SOURCE: MASTERWORKS BROADWAY

CONTACT: MASTERWORKS BROADWAY, Angela Barkan, Angela.Barkan@sonymusic.com, +1-212-833-8575; Larissa Slezak, Larissa.Slezak@sonymusic.com, +1-212-833-6075; ONCE - A NEW MUSICAL, Boneau/Bryan-Brown: Adrian Bryan-Brown / Matt Polk / Christine Olver, +1-212-575-3030, MPolk@bbbway.com / COlver@bbbway.com

Web Site: http://www.masterworksbroadway.com