TheatreUNI has done it again with a stunning, heartwarming performance of Adam Gwon’s “Ordinary Days”. The musical paints a story of four main characters; “Claire”, played by Aria Jensen, “Deb,” played by Grace Hamann, “Jason”, played by Andrew Breitsprecher, and “Warren”, played by Sam Trumpold. Claire and Jason are a young couple struggling to navigate their lives in New York, learning how to live on their own but also with one another. Deb and Warren find themselves unlikely friends, meeting through odd circumstances that ends up teaching them both a valuable lesson. Through each characters’ trials and tribulations, the audience learns that sometimes things happen for a reason.
In a beautiful testimony to the unknown, this production of “Ordinary Days” took the audience on a journey. The story that is presented in the musical is easily relatable, and composed in a hard-hitting way. Seth Butler, UNI School of Music alumni, was the Music Director and sole orchestra for the show. Butler’s performance added musical and emotional depth to the scripts and songs of the actors. Not only is Butler incredibly talented, but his underscoring of the music positively added to the show. As the characters spoke, piano was played along with them, adding an emotional aspect to the total performance. Lighting was essential to this production, lights followed the characters during their songs, and highlighted the important parts of the musical. Each technological piece added up to make this a heartwarming production with an eye-opening message. The production team and actors consistently collaborated and created these beautiful scenes that were ultimately memorable to audiences.
Many alumni of TheatreUNI participate in the production of these shows. Alumi Scott Olinger was head of projection design. Aidan Smith, a recent graduate, was in charge of scenic design. Costume design was by current student Megan Hedtke. Eric Chen, another current student, was the production’s stage manager. Many of the leading positions were held by UNI students, providing them opportunities in directing. Some alumni who were once involved in TheatreUNI understand the necessity of experience, and they work together to help students in the ways of organization and production.
Hannah Tibbs, assistant director of “Ordinary Days,” has spent hours of her time working with the cast and crew to direct this musical perfectly. The musical was supremely successful this semester, with lots of audience engagement and positive comments. “I think we had a really successful two weekends of runs,” Tibbs said. “The first weekend was completely sold out!”
“Ordinary Days” shows how everyone’s story is different. Though two characters may be the same age, they have different issues. How these characters work to find commonality in a dark time is a wonderful representation of friendship. Deb, a graduate student, finds herself overwhelmed with her thesis, and with all of her research in general. Hamann put her emotions into this character. Not only were the vocals absolutely incredible, but the audience could relate to the emotions portrayed. The relationship that is formed between Deb and Warren starts by Warren finding Deb’s notebook, and emailing her to return it. Deb was at first hesitant and angry about the situation, but Warren approached Deb with an open mind, which resulted in a friendship that allowed both characters to finally feel free.
Claire and Jason represent the struggles many young couples have. The two lived together in a small New York apartment, sharing their items and space with each other. For these characters, it was only a matter of time before one of them emotionally broke. Claire had rightful doubts about the relationship, as she wanted to learn how to truly live on her own. Jason was a very empathic character, constantly trying to prove his love to Claire, which ended up pushing her away. The two got into an argument in the production about wine for an event, which is deeply relatable to the stories that two people could tell. Jensen and Breitsprecher played this story in an unimaginable way, with beauty and emotion. It was as if they were their characters, which is a gorgeous testament to the education TheatreUNI has to offer.
In a captivating performance, these four main characters gave the audience a sense of place. The feelings represented by the cast are those many of us understand, and have experienced ourselves. From steaming anger to exponential anxieties, the characters have a way of reasoning with the viewers. The story behind “Ordinary Days” is one of love, friendship and uncertainty. At the end of the show, the script puts an emphasis on letting things go. Whether that be Deb’s thesis research or Warren’s unsuccessful art, sometimes understanding your why is the key to joy. One of the more memorable moments of the musical was when Warren throws his art off of the side of a building, where it reaches the hands of Claire and Jason. By witnessing Warren’s act of letting go, Claire and Jacon were able to figure things out within their relationship. Deb decided she hated Virginia Woolf, Warren decided he disliked the artist he worked for, Claire and Jason decided to love each other. “Ordinary Days” was a lovely story that paints the way for viewers to look upon their own lives, and decide what they would like.
TheatreUNI’s performance of “Ordinary Days” was nothing less than extraordinary. The cast worked together in a beautiful way that truly benefited the entirety of the show. The positive chemistry this cast held was a reason the show was so entertaining, as the smiling faces and nervous paces captured the audience’s attention. This musical was a spectacular production, which is a strong exemplification of the vitality of TheatreUNI. Within the walls of the Bertha Martin Theatre, these students showed courage as they performed. With an audience full of staring eyes, these actors committed and gave viewers a delightfully memorable experience. From diverse vocal ranges to incredible costumes, there was always something for every audience member to observe.
