Being a jack-of-all-trades has paid off for Wallingford native Lauren Thomas, as it has earned her a role in the national tour of the Tony-winning musical Once, writes Richard Duckett for the Worcester (Mass.) Telegram & Gazette.

The versatile actress and Strath Haven High School graduate started her career at the Hedgerow Theatre in Media, and is an accomplished singer, dancer, and violin player, all of which are required for her new role.

“Within a week, I booked the gig,” she said.

The show is based on the movie from 2007. It tells the story of a despondent Dublin street musician, Guy, whose spirit and creativity gets reignited once he meets his muse, a young Czech woman named Girl. Thomas is playing Reza, Girl’s violin-playing friend.

The actress first saw Once three years ago on Broadway, and she could not hide her excitement about it.

“I was just blown away. It was the first theatrical experience I had where all the actors were doing the same things I had done growing up,” said Thomas.

She got her chance when the actress playing Reza left the show. This allowed Thomas to fulfill her dream, and get on the national tour last September.

Read the entire interview in the Worcester (Mass.) Telegram & Gazette by clicking here.