Ordinary Days: Show Review by Robin Gorman Newman


Adam Gwon’s charmingly understated and heartfelt chamber musical, Ordinary Days, strikes some chords, literally, on various levels.

In the Keen Company revival of the show, well directed by Jonathan Silverstein, we meet four characters, each searching for connection in the busy city that is NY.  It effectively touches on the subjects of loneliness, fitting in and finding ones purpose in life.

Deb (Sarah Lynn Marion – a powerhouse vocalist) is a grad student on a mission to write a thesis about Virginia Woolf.  She frenetically writes copious notes in a notebook because her computer is on the fritz, constantly doubting her ability.

Floundering 20-something year old gay Warren (Kyle Sherman) hands out flyers with inspirational sayings, which few accept to his dismay, as he house sits and performs cat care taking duties for a well-to-do artist in a home with a view.

When Warren one day happens upon Deb’s thesis notes, they strike up a friendship of sorts…seemingly strained at first, until it evolves.

Jason (Marc delaCruz) is a 30-something professional who is dating Claire for over a year, but of late things have been out of sorts on the romantic front.

Packing up her clothing one day to clear space for Jason’s things, a sweater turns up that triggers profound memories for Claire.

The narratives of the four characters ultimately connect….bringing the show to a satisfying close.

Touching and introspective with some beautiful music, Ordinary Days has a sweetness without being saccharine.  The cast is appealing and in fine acting and vocal form, delivering the material with  both command and finesse.

Lighting is by Anshuman Bhatia, Sound is by Alex Hawthorn, Design is by Steven Kemp, Costumes are by Jennifer Paar, Orchestrations are by Bruce Coughlin, and Musical Direction is by John Bell.

The stark set with a minimalist architectural feel doesn’t add much, but it doesn’t distract either..which in this case works well, as we get to focus on each character’s respective journey.

Performances are staged at the Clurman Theatre within the Theatre Row complex.  Running time: 1 hr 30 mins (no intermission).  It is running through November 17th.

Visit keencompany.org.