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THE TONY-WINNING MUSICAL ONCE MAKES ITS BLOOMINGTON DEBUT AT IU AUDITORIUM APRIL 19 & 20.

WHAT: Once WHEN: Tuesday & Wednesday, April 19 & 20, 8 p.m. WHERE: IU Auditorium TICKETS: $21-$44 for IU Bloomington students with a valid ID and $39-$65 for general public, on sale now. Individual tickets may be purchased online at IUauditorium.com, in person at the IU Auditorium Box Office, as well as through Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, or charge by phone at 800-745- 3000. The IU Auditorium Box Office is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Once, winner of eight 2012 including Best Musical, and winner of the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, will play the IU Auditorium for a limited engagement on April 19 and 20 at 8 p.m.

Once features the Academy Award-winning music and lyrics of and Markéta Irglová, a book by award-winning Irish playwright and screenwriter, (Penelope, Hunger, The New Electric Ballroom), direction by the acclaimed Scottish director of Black Watch, , movement by (Black Watch, ) and music supervision and orchestrations by Martin Lowe (Mamma Mia!). The set and costume design are by five-time Tony Award-winner (The Coast of Utopia, Mary Poppins), lighting design is by Tony winner (, The Coast of Utopia), and sound design is by Clive Goodwin.

Once is the celebrated new musical based on the Academy Award-winning film. It tells the story of an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant 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, Once is

a musical celebration of life and love: thrilling in its originality, daring in its honesty... and unforgettable in every way.

Once, which was also named Best Musical by the New York Drama Critics’ Circle, Drama Desk, Drama League, Outer Critics Circle and , ran for more than 1,100 performances on Broadway with acclaimed international productions from London and Melbourne to Japan and South Korea.

A special feature of the Broadway production, Once at IU Auditorium will also be granting patrons the opportunity to experience the Dublin bar in which the musical takes place. Audience members will be able to come onto stage before the performance and order their beverages from the on-set bar.

“Spring is the season of new beginnings and is the perfect time to enjoy this incredible new Broadway production for its Bloomington debut,” said Doug Booher, IU Auditorium Director. “Once’s message about love, taking risks, and going for your dreams resonates with all of us. It is sure to be an unforgettable performance.”

For more information on Once and the rest of the Auditorium’s 75th anniversary season, visit IUauditorium.com. The website features video clips and a selection of songs from this season's performances, in addition to a direct link to the IU Auditorium Facebook and Twitter pages, whose members receive exclusive benefits throughout the year.

Once at IU Auditorium is sponsored by Indiana University Residential Programs and Services. IU Auditorium’s 2015–2016 season is presented by Curry Auto Center, The Herald-Times, B97 Radio, and French Lick Resort.

Once At-a-Glance

WHAT: Once WHEN: Tuesday-Wednesday, April 19-20, 8 p.m. WHERE: IU Auditorium TICKETS: On sale now at IUauditorium.com, the IU Auditorium Box Office, and Ticketmaster. • IUB students and children $21–$44 • General public $39–$65

Once Fun Facts • Once has won 8 Tony Awards, including Best Musical • This musical is based on the 2007 Academy Award-winning film • The actors also all play instruments, making up the on-stage band • The set onstage, depicting a pub, turns into a working bar for audience members

Once Educational Events • IU Auditorium has selected Once as one of the recipients of its Student Ticket Initiative, where funds raised through the IU Auditorium Circle of Friends will provide select IUB students with free admission to the performance and the opportunity to interact with the cast.

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