I have to admit, I held my breath for the first couple of songs, nervously waiting to see what would happen when Out of the Box Theatre Company took on the challenge of “Falling Slowly,” the most iconic song in the musical (and the movie) Once. It’s such a great song, but you have to fall in love with the cast as they play it for the show to work. Could they really pull it off?
They most certainly could.
Sam Kulchin — a Santa Barbara–raised musician who may be best known locally as part of the cover band The Caverns — was more than up to the task of the role of Guy, the lead in this charmingly romantic and soul stirring show. Playing opposite Mica Basilici as Girl, an actor and musician making their Santa Barbara stage debut, the two leads have a truly delightful connection, and I am quickly hooked by their interplay, just like the rest of the audience.