Lord Cherry’s Reviews

8 August 2026

“Once In A Lifetime, Again” is a beautiful, largely autobiographical new musical surrounding grief, love, connection, fear, therapy, vulnerability, and second chances. Written by Stephen Gardner and directed by Misti B. Wills, this musical is hard-hitting and clever, and refuses to shy away from difficult and uncomfortable themes.

Jesse Davidson (Cooper Grodin) is a hard-working man. His goal in life is simple: just to have enough. It was a shared dream between him and his wife. They had children and needed a bigger home, and what was once enough stopped being sufficient. So, Jesse got a better paying job and threw himself into his work. The years went by, his marriage became strained, the kids grew up. Then they got the news. Cancer. Not knowing what else to do, Jesse went back to work. His wife faded away and passed while he let work consume him. Now, after snapping and yelling at a client, he has two options: go to therapy or lose his job.

Dr. Caroline “Carrie” Little (Thursday Farrar), is a no-nonsense kind of woman. She’s smart, empathetic, kind, and is happy to help. But her patients have to be ready to put in the work. When she’s uncertain whether a new patient is earnestly trying to create change in their lives or are merely coming to appease other people, she tests them. The first assignment: write a letter to your deceased loved one.

What starts as a way to save his job transforms into a message of hope. Letters turn into songs full of deep, beautiful, raw emotions—both good and bad. With difficult and complex themes, dark humour, and a sincere level of tenderness, this musical is unafraid to highlight the fear of starting over, the trap of trying to recreate the relationship you lost, and the good that can come from swallowing your pride and allowing your heart to be open once again.

Matching the beauty of the songs are Male Dancer (Aiden Pressel) and Female Dancer (Arianna Dolan), two nameless characters whose movements epitomise the lyrics. From clean and sharp ballet to fast-paced jazz, these dancers nail every step. The choreography, by Julia Feeley, adds a nice layer of elegance throughout. Filling out the cast is Jenny Lee Stern, playing a plethora of women in Jesse’s life—everything from a good friend, to a co-worker, to various women he dates.

“Once In A Lifetime, Again” brilliantly explores regret, blame, guilt, love, grief, and more. The songs are catchy, heartfelt, and poignant. This musical is impressive. If anything, I would love to see it fleshed out more, allowing for more depth to the characters. In the meantime, I would gladly buy the soundtrack.

I decree 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Broadway Bound Theatre Festival-NYC
Andrea L Alton
AMT Theater

“Once In A Lifetime, Again”
Broadway Bound Theater Festival 2026
AMT Theater
Musical
8 August 2026