Any regular concert-goer has listened to an album on repeat for months, bought expensive concert tickets to hear it live, only to be disappointed by a lackluster performance that did not live up to what the recording promised. Fans of the “Once” film and its soundtrack, however, will find that “Once” as the Broadway musical showing at the Kauffman Center brings more humor, incredible live music and vibrant characters to the film’s plot. It’s even better live.

There are only a few days left to experience this Broadway show in Kansas City. It ends on the 21st and is already sold out on the Kansas City Broadway Series website.

The musical follows two musicians as they record their first album and fall in love despite ties to past loves and self-doubt. It takes place in Dublin, so the accents are thick and the music feels like a more melancholy, folksy version of Jack Johnson. The cast is small but unbelievably versatile; each member seems to act, play an instrument, dance and sing, often all at the same time.

Although “Once” is primarily a romance and touches on loss, past love and personal fulfillment, it’s natural and frequent humor lightens the plot, and it’s music pleases music lovers in general more so than traditional musical lovers. Attendees truly feel like they are at a concert during “Falling Slowly” and “When Your Mind’s Made Up.”
“Once” will entertain fans of good music, unforced humor and air-conditioned entertainment will undoubtedly enjoy it. No more live performance letdowns this weekend.