Five Jewish teens recorded their experiences in diaries as their world descended into World War II. These memoirs are a testament to the human spirit during a period in history that must never be forgotten. Five songwriting teams and Tony Award-winning writer Robert L. Freedman have crafted this world premiere theatrical event to bring their words to life and tell a story with stunning contemporary relevance.

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WITNESSES

California Center for the Arts

“Glorious and inspiring” (Time Out New York), “fun and heartfelt” (The New Yorker), ONCE is the story of a guy who gave up on love and music, and the girl who inspired him to dream again. On the streets of Dublin, an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant are drawn together by their shared love of music. Over the course of one fateful week, an unexpected friendship and collaboration quickly evolves into a powerful but complicated love story, underscored by emotionally charged music. From the very first note, ONCE draws you in and never lets go. This emotionally captivating musical is the only show to have won an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, an Olivier Award and a Tony Award.

ONCE

This Tony Award-winning musical masterpiece is a portrait of a country—and its people—on the brink of change. Based on E.L. Doctorow’s acclaimed novel set at the turn of the twentieth century in New York, three distinctly American tales are woven together – that of a stifled upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant and a daring young Harlem musician – united by their courage, compassion and belief in the promise of the future.

J. Scott Lapp

Events

Upcoming events

Oct 21 - Nov 8, 2026

Ragtime · Rubicon Theatre Company

Past events

Jul 15, 2022

WITNESSES · California Center for the Arts, Escondido

Apr 22, 2022

ONCE · California Center for the Arts, Escondido

About

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