Out of the ’Ordinary’

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"Ordinary Days" by Adam Gwon is a sentimental, often funny Off-Broadway script that wears its influences on its sleeve.

Gwon’s music begs comparisons to Jonathan Larson ("Rent") and Stephen Sondheim ("Sweeney Todd," "Into the Woods"). Unlike Larson and Sondheim, Gwon’s songs lack any memorable hooks. But they do serve the stories well. offering several textured numbers with glowing harmonies. First-rate direction by Chad Badgero and an outstanding cast make "Days" accessible to small-towners, even as it focuses on big-city struggles.

Set in the present, "Days" follows four young New Yorkers seeking connection and direction in school and marriage.

A couple moves into an apartment together and out of the honeymoon stage, while a college student meets a young man after he discovers her missing notebook. The fact that the two couples never meet can be seen poetically as commentary on bigcity anonymity or, cynically, as two unrelated stories to fill a play.

Jason (Rusty Broughton) and Claire (Amanda Whitehead) are lovebirds who struggle to find common interests. Broughton and Whitehead have Broadwayready voices and the defined features of leading actors. Throughout much of the first half, Broughton shares little chemistry with Whitehead, partly due to plot points not to be revealed here. Consequently, their story remains flat until real conflict finally arises and the two argue about wine and everything else. Their showdown stands as one of the show’s strongest scenes.

Meanwhile, Joseph Quick, as Warren, hands out flyers with inspirational sayings to people like Deb, played by Leah Gerstel. Quick plays Warren with his trademark blend of naïveté and nerdy sincerity. His best moments come near the end, as his character begins to realize his potential.

Deb is the idiosyncratic cynic who fantasizes about strangling her life coach while ordering complex lattes. Gerstel shares the stage nicely with Quick, who offers his lines up like soft pitches that she responsively bats out of the room.

Gerstel is a theatrical force to be reckoned with, showing off the dexterity of her face as well as her voice. Gerstel’s level of control is astounding to watch as she zings from wall to wall, carrying entire scenes and songs with manic flair.

Music director Edric Haleen keeps up with the cast, fingers deftly dancing on the keys, providing perfect, unobtrusive support.

’Ordinary Days’

Peppermint Creek

Creole Gallery, 1218 Turner St., Lansing

8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3; Friday, Feb. 4, and Saturday, Feb. 5

$15 all seats

(517) 927-3016

www.peppermintcreek.org


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