PREDICTABLE NEVER
SOUNDED SO GOOD

Terrific music, performances, and
sheer good feeling make this
familiar story hard to resist

Emma Busse as Gretta and Kevin William Paul as Max in Begin Again

Sometimes a show really tears at your psyche, makes you question your beliefs, or exposes you to a new level of consciousness. This isn’t that show. Instead, this world-premiere musical will make you feel good almost all the time, except for those times when it sidesteps just enough to give you something deeper to bounce back from later—and smile some more.

(front, center) Patrick Heusinger as Dan and Adrienne Walker as Miriam with the cast

This is a worlds-colliding story. Story 1: Gretta and Max (Emma Busse and Kevin William Paul) are the perfect musical couple: young, attractive, and talented. Gretta brings the heart and soul to the pairing with her moving songs and lyrics; Max is the eye-candy singer who gets viral viewings when the couple uploads a video of Max singing one of Gretta’s songs. The problem is that Max is getting all the attention as he becomes a known face, and Gretta feels left behind. Story 2: Dan (Patrick Heusinger) is a previously successful music producer who is struggling because all the up-and-coming acts lack soul; he wants to find a true artist with a real message and rich musicality. His inability to find and promote the right acts has led him to drinking and irresponsibility, costing him his job, his marriage to Miriam (Adrienne Walker), and his relationship with daughter Violet (Kate Louissaint). How do we create a plot for a musical here? Easy: Gretta’s friend Stevie (Casey Whyland) hosts an open-mic event and pressures Gretta to sing her soulful new song, stirring Dan’s downtrodden musical passion and inspiring the down-and-out producer to (did you see it coming?) begin again by helping launch her career.

(front, center) Emma Busse as Gretta and Kevin William Paul as Max with the cast

(center) Patrick Heusinger as Dan and Emma Busse as Gretta with the cast

The ever-so-slightly bad news about Jenna Clark Embrey and Molly Beach Murphy’s book (based on writer/director John Carney’s film) is that it is rather predictable. There are certainly plot turns here and there, but none that are strikingly unexpected. But with such a great score by Pat Monahan and the pop-rock band Train (Jerry Becker and Matt Musty), the plot is purposefully secondary to the performances. Think Dirty Dancing or Footloose; both are joyful tales enjoyed by millions, but if you’re watching those movies primarily for the plot, you missed the point. The difference between those films and Begin Again is that, in those two examples, dancing is the alternate focus. While David Neumann’s gentle choreography certainly helps, it’s the strong singing, interesting lyrics, and excellent instrumental performances that rule—including some outstanding electric fiddling by Erica Swindell. Director Lorin Latarro brings out the humor in many places while allowing the more heartfelt moments to play out more gently.

The cast

Charlotte MacLeod as Violet and Patrick Heusinger as Dan

Derek McLane’s scenic design requires a special commendation. New York City is practically a character in this show, and outdoor spaces play an important role. McLane’s blending of backdrops and simulated skyscrapers gives us a strong feeling of the intense urban quality of the region. Items that float on fishing wire are clearly a fun outlet for illusion designer Skylar Fox.

Nik Walker

Much of the depth of the show comes in the lyrics and rich tunes. In particular, quite early in the show, when we’ve just met Dan and Miriam, we come to know them very quickly in the poignant “Made to Break.” Gretta and Dan create a haunting melancholy in “Song I Used to Know.” And, in several songs, the fiery banter between the two is reminiscent of Roger and Mimi in Rent—in a very good way. Busse, Heusinger, and Paul all have great, commanding voices but, because of where the plot goes, it’s Busse’s powerful and sometimes edgy alto—reminiscent, at times, of Heart’s Ann Wilson—that you’ll leave remembering most.

(front, center) Patrick Heusinger as Dan and Emma Busse as Gretta

Speaking of what you’ll remember, there are enough catchy songs in this show that you’ll want to hear them again at home. As with most world premieres, there’s no original cast album to buy yet. Until there is (The Old Globe has been a starting point for many musicals that have gone to Broadway), I’ll have to wait for my chance to Begin Again with these songs—even if it’s only where I do some of my best work: in the shower.

The cast

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photos by Jeff Lorch

Begin Again
The Old Globe
Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park
Tue–Fri at 7; Sat at 2 & 8; Sun at 2 & 7
ends on October 18, 2026
for tickets, call 619.234.5623 or visit The Old Globe

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