“The writing is exceptional and, at times, deeply moving. This show is the perfect opportunity to experience a sense of community in live performance again.”

It is that time yet again, folks. The Department of Theatre and Dance’s first Mainstage of the 2021-2022 academic year is finally here. We are kicking off the season with a feel-good and down-to-earth show that is sure to bring people closer. Ordinary Days, written by Adam Gwon and directed by faculty Lisa Brescia, is about four young individuals “searching for love and meaning” in the fast pace environment of New York City.

We have interviewed via email some of the cast and technical members of the production to get an insight into the characters and feelings of this wonderful show. Read below to see what they had to say.

 

First, we have an interview with this production’s director, Lisa Brescia, who was also in the original Off-Broadway premiere as Claire and sang in the original cast album. She stated that the original experience was “dreamy from start to finish,” but that “it was a thrill to be part of a new show with numerous changes being made throughout the process.”

“Before we started, I had no idea how I would feel once we got into rehearsal. I wondered if I would get bogged down in old ideas. Thankfully, the actors in this production are coming in with their own ideas, and most importantly their own true selves, and the essences of these fascinating young artists is coming through the material in delightful and surprising ways. Also, hearing Adam’s score in the hands of Heather Luellen at the piano is exciting and yes, often very moving because I time-travel back to 2009 in NYC (that original production). Memories keep flooding in: the friendships forged, the professional relationships that continue to this day, the impact this show had on us and the people who came to see it. It is not lost on me that these young actors here at MSU are feeling that impact as well. To be a part of that process for them is a privilege.”

 

Next, we interviewed actors Ashlyn Cheek (Deb) and Caleb Miofsky (Warren) about their characters and why audiences should come see the show. Ashlyn started with, “I would describe Deb as a girl who knows what she wants from life, but not necessarily what she needs. She is extremely intelligent and loves the classics, like literature, music, and taking notes the old-fashioned way by hand. She is incredibly Type A and has her whole life planned out, but she lacks true connection and familiarity with those around her (which she eventually seeks and receives from her friendship with Warren). Warren brings out a more colorful side of her and helps her to understand that the beauty of life is in the journey instead of the destination.” Caleb followed with, “Warren is an incredibly optimistic artist who is tenacious, kind-hearted, and so easy to love. He befriends Deb, who’s only goal in meeting him is to get her notes for her thesis back. As the show progresses, we see Warren and Deb’s friendship turn in to something quite beautiful, for they each learn a lot about themselves and the world from each other.”

“Audiences should definitely come to see this show because it is such an intimate look at ordinary lives in one of the most extraordinary cities in the world. Ordinary Days has such a perfect title because it takes the mundane and creates a masterpiece! Especially in a day and age where human connection is so often lost amongst instant culture and socio-political strife, this show really makes the audience see the beauty throughout all of it” -Ashlyn. “This show is not only a love letter to New York City, but it explores the beauty in simplicity. In a world that feels so chaotic and unpredictable, this show is such a grounding experience for it’s audience by showing them that sometimes the most beautiful things are the ones we tend to overlook” -Caleb.

 

Finally, stage manager Dekayla Craigg shared her experiences on this production with the unique double-casting. “In the beginning, the show having two casts was a bit of a challenge because the flow of rehearsals have been a bit unique, as they all have been present for all of them rather than being spilt. It was a bit different at first, but it became valuable for us all to be in the same room.” Overall, though, she stated,

“This cast and crew has been so unbelievably amazing to work with. The way the cast is so willing and ready to try anything is so fun to watch. The two separate casts are also supportive of each other that it is truly special. There doesn’t seem to be any competition between them, they simply understand that they alone are two standout casts and want the other to succeed. It makes me incredibly happy. The crew has been equally awesome. The scenic design is very original and fun (thanks Michelle!) and the props team has been so accommodating and stellar with the work they’ve provided (huge props  to Grace and Anna). Toni and the costume team have also made stuff that the actors are genuinely excited about, so that’s always incredible and valuable to the show as well. People should come to the show simply because it has a lot of heart. The story is fun and touching and relatively short, in terms of time. You should also see it twice, just to experience the creativity of both casts!”

 

This is a show you won’t want to miss! In fact, you might want to see it twice! As mentioned in some of the interviews, this cast was double-cast, so different performers will appear different nights. Performances are September 23rd through October 4th with the Van Gogh cast performing on even dates and Monet cast on odd dates. All performances will be held in Craig Hall’s Balcony Theatre. 

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It’s about the importance of authentic human connection, and I think we can all agree that we could use more of that right about now.