Review: ORDINARY DAYS, Town and Gown Cambridge
The Town and Gown in Cambridge are currently presenting Adam Gwon’s beautiful song cycle, Ordinary Days - a musical that is perfect for the fringe. This production in particular was produced at the Old Joint Stock in Birmingham several years ago by Karl Steele, who now runs the stunning new Cambridge venue. Steele has revived the piece, with three of the four original cast members returning from the Birmingham production.
Ordinary Days focuses on four ordinary people, going about their ordinary lives in New York City but whose paths cross in the most incredible way. The simplicity of the piece is what is so beautiful and this is echoed in the staging. A colourful canopy of umbrellas are suspended upside down from the ceiling, with a number of solid wooden boxes being the sole items used to create the different settings. The iconic New York skyline has been drawn on the walls in UV so in certain lighting states, you are transported there as an audience member.
Steele has directed this production in-the-round exceptionally well. It is fast paced, with this occasional freneticism reminiscent of the busy city landscape. This also provides a nice contrast with the quieter moments of the piece. The aforementioned wooden blocks are also at times cleverly embedded within the audience seating blocks, initiating intimacy and reflecting togetherness. The lighting design also helps with this; switching between isolated, confined states and bright sweeping ones.
Each character has a clearly defined story arc, for which the actors - and Steele - must be commended. Struggling artist Warren is played endearingly by Duncan Burt. He ultimately holds the key to the show’s message as it unravels and whilst he is generally an optimistic and bubbly person, if not occasionally a little intense, there is a great deal of depth and emotion to his character - something that Burt really tunes into, particularly during the Rooftop Duet.
Burt also has superb chemistry with Dora Gee who plays grad student Deb. They greatly complement one another and whilst their relationship gets off to a bumpy start, Warren’s optimism and persistence makes the somewhat spikey Deb see life in a different way, of which the realisation is beautiful to watch. Gee is a recent graduate herself and she performs with an experience beyond her years, with incredible comic timing. The coffee shop scene is a show-stealer!
James Edge and Lisa MacGregor play Jason and Claire respectively, a couple who are setting up home together in New York City. Jason is a romantic and just wants carve out a future with Claire. Edge has a wonderfully positive air about him throughout and you really root for his character, particularly when Claire appears to be putting the brakes on their relationship. The ‘I’ll Be Here’ scene is a knockout, with McGregor really tapping into the reasons for her hesitation and Edge’s reactions to this being heartfelt and heartbreaking in equal measure - we all felt it!
Musical director Nick Allen does not get a moment’s rest in this sung-through piece as he plays keys throughout and is the sole musician in the show. An accompanying piano is all this musical needs but it can equally be exposing for the vocals. Fortunately, each member of the cast provides a faultless vocal and they are an absolute joy to listen to (and watch, of course).
“Beauty comes from reflection” and on reflection, this production is a beauty.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Jenny Ell
Ordinary Days plays at the Town and Gown in Cambridge until Sunday 17 October. To book tickets, please click here.
