Ordinary Days | New Worlds Stage
New Worlds Stage’s Ordinary Days was simply beautiful.
All images: Brett Pearce
Over the past few years, have you ever asked “When are things gonna be back to normal? What’s the future gonna look like?” Or do you feel frustrated when things don’t go according to your plans? Sometimes it is important to slow down, take a step back and think about what’s really significant in life.
‘Ordinary Days’ is a modern sing-through musical with music and lyrics by American composer Adam Gwon. It tells a story of four young New Yorkers: Warren, an artist who hands out flyers on the street; Deb, a restless grad student completing her thesis on Virginia Woolf; and Jason and Claire, a couple who are moving in together. Their lives intersect as they search for their place in the world. Having not seen the musical previously, I was excited to see it for the first time.
Presented at the historical and heritage listed Holy Trinity Church Hall, New World Stage transformed the space into a buzzing New York City with minimal stage setting - two white chairs, a park bench, and a city cardboard backdrop. It created an intimate theatrical experience, plus enhanced the underlying theme of connection.
All images: Brett Pearce
The entire story was like a soap opera but carried out in song, with a prevailing conversational style that enriched and emphasised the ideas and emotions. The live piano accompaniment throughout added a wonderful touch to the musicality. There is no doubt that this production showcased some of the finest talents. The musical performance of the cas tas a whole was superb, with crystal clear tone and great vocal control. I was captivated by their enchanting voices, especially when all four characters sang harmonies together on stage their vocals blending seamlessly, creating powerful moments in their shared scenes.
I was completely drawn to the performance throughout. I have to admit it was difficult for me to write notes during the performance, as I did not want to take my eyes off away for just one moment. The costumes were modern and stylish, which reflected New York City fashion, and extended each character’s personality. The blocking and transitions were smooth, with every exchange and action of the characters underpinned by clear intention and motivation. ‘I’ll be here’ by Claire was one of the most touching scenes for me and I couldn’t help but teared up in the end. There were also funny moments such as ‘Dear Professor’ that made many in the audience laugh out loud.
All images: Brett Pearce
This show has caused me to reflect about life, as I found the emotional journey of the characters relatable. Gwon’s main theme is that we can find beauty and happiness in the most mundane things. Everybody has their struggles, goals, and stories like all the characters in ‘Ordinary Days’, however, it is vital to live in the present, as we are often caught up in the past or the future - ‘don’t worry everything will be ok’. It is the little beautiful things that matter as the world is moving so quickly every day- ‘views are always changing, landscapes are shifting, nothing ever stays the same’.
I highly recommend Ordinary Days to anyone. It is a sentimental production with memorable songs and an utterly compelling message. This witty, gorgeous, heartfelt musical will definitely warm you up in our current cold weather.
‘Ordinary Days’ plays at the Holy Trinity Hall in Fortitude Valley until the June 25.
