Page-2 | REVIEW: See ‘Once’ and you’ll want to see it twice | New York Theater | NewJerseyNewsroom.com -- Your State. Your News.

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In a breakout performance, a low-keyed Steve Kazee is a soulful, appealing figure as the melancholy vacuum repairer whose songs are championed by the resourceful Czech émigré played so piquantly by a waifish Cristin Milioti. Making beautiful music together, Kazee and Milioti further make the moody, bittersweet most of their characters’ brief encounter. Susceptible viewers should bring a hankie.

Other notables among the personable company include a spry David Patrick Kelly as the songwriter’s dear old da, a robust Anne L. Nathan as the girl’s formidable mama, the bushy-bearded Paul Whitty as an eccentric shopkeeper crushed on the girl and David Abeles as the recording studio manager who succumbs to the music.

Oh, but it is very easy to succumb to the lovely music and touching story rendered so well here. Bob Crowley’s evocative setting and everyday clothes, exquisite lighting by Natasha Katz and subtle sound design by Clive Goodwin enhance the gentle allure of this winning show. See “Once” and likely you’ll want to see it twice.

“Once” continues an open-end run at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theater, 242 W. 45th St., New York. Call (212) 239-6200 or visit www.oncemusical.com.