Once

Neil Young, who is as wise as he is grizzled, once sang that "only love can break your heart." The musical Once bears him out. An Irish busker is on the verge of giving up music after a painful break-up, but a Czech girl convinces him he needs to keep at it. Together "guy" and "girl" (no names are given) work on new songs and slowly put together a band. The hope is that the guy will get a recording contract and move to New York in pursuit of his lost girlfriend, but instead he and the girl find themselves romantically drawn toward each other. Once earned eight Tony awards for its delicate love story and catchy songs, which were written by Markéta Irglová and Glen Hansard. The musical returns to town for a short run this weekend. Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday (September 30 to October 2) at the Fox Theatre (527 North Grand Boulevard; www.fabulousfox.com). Tickets are $30 to $95.