In 2008, “Ordinary Days” had its world premiere at the “Penn State Center Stage” as part of their 2008 summer season in State College, PA. Exploring themes of inter-personal connections, resilience, and the search for meaning in everyday life (particularly “Urban” life) “Ordinary Days”, reminds the most cynical amongst us that even the most superficially ‘insignificant’ moments can hold profound worth. Set in present day New York City, this musical is completely sung-through with a sumptuous score comprised of 21 songs. Revolving around an unlikely quartet of mis-matched protagonists: “Warren”, Deb” ,“Claire” and, “Jason”, the play follows these four as each grapple with their own personal challenges and aspirations (referred to here as “The Big Picture” for their lives.) At the same time, the Author/Composer uses them to explore how their “ordinary” lives can connect in the most startling, and ultimately anything but ‘ordinary’ ways. Interestingly too, the title’s simplicity contrasts with the complexity of its narrative and the detailed melodies that advance the plot. At their finest, the show’s creator, Adam Gwon’s lyrics recall the best of Broadway Legends Stephen Sondheim and Johnathan Larson. (Ironically, perhaps an even better title for this little charmer would be “Extraordinary Days”, because there’s nothing ‘Ordinary” about the new production now playing at “The Gem’!) 

Yessiree folks, our friends at “One More Productions”—the resident Musical Theater Company housed in the historic “Gem Theatre” in Garden Grove California, have done it again! In celebration of their theatrical “home” for twenty-one years now, their latest, “Ordinary Days—a remarkable contemporary musical featuring Music and Lyrics by Mr. Gwon, is a riveting tapestry of interconnected lives played against the bustling backdrop of modern-day New York City. Directed by OMP’s Co-Founder and Chief Artistic Director Damien Lorton, who also serves as Musical Director as well, here (at first glance) may seem to be a more modest outing than many of their other recent offerings, yet it’s this very intimacy that makes it such a perfect fit for the Gem’s intimate space. Don’t be fooled by the more modest four-person cast size either. This one is humongous in its humanity and soaring spirit. Is it any wonder then, that during one of his recent pre-curtain greetings he gives every audience at every performance, Lorton proudly declared “We’re thrilled to give this gift of a show to you!” (And Oh, what a true gift it is!)  

This current production may be a departure from “The Gem’s” usual fare, but audiences will undoubtedly feel their entertainment quota met—and then some. With empathetic characters, memorable music, and heartfelt performances, “Ordinary Days” is a must-see. Each musical number is carefully crafted to reflect the emotions and struggles of the characters, whether uplifting or deeply introspective. Through music, the plot unfolds as each character grapples with personal challenges, inner strengths, and public aspirations. Their interactions are expertly woven together, creating a narrative that is both unconventional and profoundly relatable—at turns jubilant and heart-wrenching. Likewise, Gwon’s snappy lyrics capture the characters’ triumphs and setbacks with striking honesty and relevance. Indeed, between Gwon’s songwriting and Lorton’s thoughtful staging, it’s easy to become immersed in the lives of this ‘quasi-lost’ foursome. Lorton maintains a pace that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish, using the intimate cast size to ensure each performance is polished and every moment advances the story. Ultimately, this production serves as a powerful reminder that even in the hustle and bustle of The Big Apple–or anywhere, beauty and meaning can be found in the most unexpected places—if we only take the time to notice them; Or, as “Warren”, the first character we meet, so astutely observes: “For Beautiful to happen, the Beautiful has got to be seen!”

The cast is comprised of a band of newer talents to “The Gem” stage (think of them as “One More Production’s “New Class”, as we’re certain to be hearing more from them in the upcoming seasons!) The four actors and a sole pianist couldn’t be better–each, to-a-one, deliver performances that are heartfelt and authentic and…well, musical. In addition, everyone brings their character to life with nuance, and an understanding of their triumphs and struggles making their interactions feel genuine and impactful. We could actually KNOW (and maybe HAVE) these characters, and the sublime chemistry between the actors playing them is deep, refreshing and palpable. The jubilant opening, fittingly called “One By One By One”, has all four entering and ‘singing’ a basic introduction of who they are while also demonstrating their really splendid vocal strengths—especially as it pertains to rendering some witty expositionary stanzas. Shortly after, we meet “Warren”—a wannabe Artist who just longs to be noticed—by anyone; to that end, he spends his time throwing colorful large print flyers (featuring simple but wise, homespun little axioms like “The Worst Mistake Is Not Making Any’ or “Never Let the Tallest Building Obscure The View Of Your Dreams”,) from the uppermost floors of local high-rise buildings to the streets below.

SPOILER ALERT: At one juncture, audiences in “The Gem’s” auditorium are similarly showered with said flyers—the best and most comforting being “Don’t Worry; Everything Will Be OK” (How many musicals have you been to lately that furnish you with such a simple but delightfully reassuring souvenir to take home?!) Although at times our boy “Warren” may seem like a kind of chronic underachiever, through his abundant, unpretentious-but-always-earnest observations, such as what he expresses while appraising an ostensibly “simple” painting of a common fruit bowl while visiting New York City’s “Metropolitan Museum Of Art”–) wise spectators are bound to realize he may be the most well-adjusted of those whom we’ll meet here.

Sean Hawkins absolutely shines as “Warren”—the resident ‘slacker” of the group—playing him as that friend we all have who’s just ‘this side’ of goofy, but thoroughly likeable. Gifted with a laudable voice and affable stage presence, his “Warren” is a hopeful artist and chronic, acute optimist who possesses the gift of seeing potential and positivity in every corner. Joining him–and in many ways, his character counterpoint (in light of her almost obsessive success-driven fixation on accomplishment,) Sasha Baker is “Deb”. An easily agitated Graduate Student whom we learn is putting the finishing touches on her big thesis regarding the celebrated Authoress Virginia Woolf, until she discovers that her notes are not in the bag where she “swears she kept them.” (Cue the emotional melt-down!) In a side-splitting hyper-agitated “sung-soliloquy” called “Dear Professor Thompson” she imagines contacting her Supervising Instructor to plead for an extension, (knowing full well that this is a request he will never grant.) Later, opposite Mr. Hawkins, “Deb” and “Warren” share a stand-out duet, “What’s Your Big Picture” which, both exceptional and pithy, is one of the oeuvre’s major standouts. (“Big is a relative thing” Warren advises Deb in an attempt to soothe her rumpled nerves.) As a team, Ms. Baker and Mr. Hawkins conjure some dynamic chemistry, thanks to their contrasting stage-personalities, thus giving rise to a much appreciated abundance of brightness and levity amidst the ‘deeper’ and more ‘weighty’ scenes.

Meanwhile, Caden Fraser too, scores big as “Jason”. To a great extent, “Jason” is the more formidable character on the stage—yet, he may appear to be a typical run-of-the-mill, thirty-something ‘’Everyman’, but Fraser provides us with a golden opportunity to look into the deeper, more intricate psyche of such a “regular guy”. A big romantic at heart who spends the bulk of the musical attempting to further his romance with girlfriend “Claire”, in a smooth and tuneful little ditty called “The Spaces Between”, he even suggests the two move-in together. Similarly, his “Places I’ve Never Been” is a well delivered sentimental Crowd-Pleaser gratis Fraser’s excellent voice and talent for interpreting some fairly affecting lyrics. Then again, one of the “standout” characteristics of this musical is its deep exploration of the seemingly mundane moments that, collectively, create the fabric of our lives. Claire and Jason’s relationship adds still another layer of complexity to the narrative, exploring themes of commitment, trust, and rediscovery. Their struggles and triumphs mirror the complexities of many modern relationships, making their story even more riveting and engaging. As his ‘lady-love’ “Claire”, Courtney Hays could arguably be looked upon as the most intriguing of these characters. Don’t just write her off as another up-tight, over-the-top personality though; post-intermission she reveals a personal tragedy that gives the entire show added depth and poignancy. In fact, the decision to share an apartment with “Jason” is the catalyst for “Claire” to finally face her past. Her cathartic “I’ll Be Here” provides the audience with the final clue to her arc. As a couple, Jason and Claire triumph conveying (through song) their shared Chanson, “I’m Trying”—attempting to decipher the complexities of their bond amidst life’s everyday hurdles.  Despite them having less stage time than the ‘younger’, more ‘impetuous’ duo, it may sound easy to oversimplify “Claire” and “Jason’s” contributions–labeling them as being the ‘secondary’ or ‘subsidiary’ couple in the story. Before you do however–Hold On: It may just turn out that by the time the ‘Curtain Calls” roll around, “Jason” and “Claire” will prove to be the real compelling pair to watch. Not to be discounted either is Pianist Nick Bravo who joins them all, seated centerstage at the Keyboard, where he’ll remain on-stage the entire time–occasionally even interacting with our Heroes! This IS a musical after all, and Mr. Bravo does a superior job keeping everyone singing and the goings-on humming (–literally!) It’s even better when you take into account that he does have some awesome material to work with and he ensures it lives up to its promise every note, every phrase, every stanza!

Looking at this production from a ‘technical’ standpoint, when it comes to the Set Design, this may very well be the MOST unique of any show to appear before “The Gem’s” footlights.  Victor Crisafulli’s innovative Set Design is minimalist yet wholly unique, allowing the focus to remain on the characters and their stories while helping to “set the scene” (even the piano is mobile!) These “set pieces” include a large model of the Brooklyn Bridge that stands rear-stage right. But its way more than that–Crisafulli’s designs also incorporate the use of innovative “props” (case-in-point: a cabinet that looks like the Empire State Building—and then serves that function as a cityscape set piece off to the rear of the stage when not in use.) All of these are enhanced by Jeremy Huff’s comparably impressive Lighting Designs. The ‘Cosmopolitan’ lighting he concocts to suggest various “Big Apple” landmarks: the Subway, Times Square, a Luxury Highrise on Central Park West, etc. Together and alone, each couldn’t suit the atmosphere being depicted better. Consider too how, adding to this shrewd way to indicate place and time still more, are the rear-scrim projections from Projection Graphic Designer Julia Johnston. Much of her selections cleverly recall sketches and cartoons found in issues of “The New Yorker” magazine with wit and comedic insight.

It’s oft been said that the very finest ‘Live Theatre’ illuminates our shared humanity—if that’s truly the case, One More Productions’ “Ordinary Days” is a glowing example of this! At its core, “Ordinary Days” is a story about finding meaning—and even beauty–in the mundane and “One More Productions” gives us a riveting musical that resonates with anyone who has ever felt lost or uncertain in the perceived chaos of life. If you’re a dyed-in-the-wool theatre lover—one who seeks out such brilliant theatrical experiences, you can’t go wrong heading out to the one currently playing at “The Gem Theatre” (You’ll be thrilled, moved and delighted you did!) After “Previewing” on Thursday and Friday, May 1^st and 2nd, “Ordinary Days’ officially opened on Saturday May 3^rd , where it is slated to play through May 18^th, 2025, at “The Gem Theatre”, located at 12852 Main Street, in Garden Grove, CA. Showtimes are Fridays & Saturday evenings at 8:00 PM, with Sunday Matinees at 2:00 PM. Special reduced price “Student Rush” discounts for Fridays performances are also available: $25 cash or $30 with a bankcard. For more information or to purchase tickets, call One More Productions Box-Office at (714) 741-9550, or visit their website at: www.theGEMoc.com .

Production Photos by Ron Lyon www.ronlyonphoto.com Courtesy of “One More Productions” www.theGEMoc.com ; Special Thanks to Damien Lorton, Nicole Cassesso, Dan Baird, Victor Crisafulli, Ron Lyon, Julia Johnston and to the cast and crew of “One More Productions” 2025 Production of “Ordinary Days” for making this story possible.