This is a very classy production.
It’s an American micro-musical, with lyrics and music written by Adam Gwon. It tells the story of four people making their way in New York City. It’s American-ness is part of its charm; it was very easy to imagine I’d been transported to an off-Broadway theatre (except for the occasional fruit bat squeal slipping in from the trees outside the Flight Path.)
Under the direction of Aidan O’Donnell & Jacob Macri, the cast of four – Ethan Bourke, Chantal Elyse, Jordan Berry & Lachlan Ceravolo – give sensational performances, both musically and dramatically. Gwon’s lyrics are great fun and the humour is beautifully delivered.
Musical director Joseph O’Reilly on keyboard is the sole accompaniment, and he’s brilliant, playing with both exuberance and nuance for the show’s entire ninety minutes.
Despite being a musical, Ordinary Days has real depth. It’s a musing on finding beauty, even when you fear being overwhelmed. Remember, this is New York City.
It’s sung-through, and the majority of the songs are solo pieces. This means the structure is a little like that of a conventional play consisting of alternating monologues. This creates a poignant sense of isolation, entirely fitting the story of four people who are each a little lost. (Remember, New York City)
The final image of the show is gold. The spoiler rule prohibits a description, but the image is the perfect encapsulation of the duality of modern life: the importance of the individual in the multitude and, conversely, the importance of the multitude to the individual.
Opening night was sold out, as I believe is tonight. The show closes this Saturday.
Paul Gilchrist
Ordinary Days by Adam Gwon
presented by Bold & Blunt Creative,
at Flight Path Theatre, until 9 May
Image by Andrea Magpulong.
Theatre Red 