OBSERVER: Ordinary Days
The ordinary takes flight in Adam Gwon’s chamber musical Ordinary Days.
Set in New York, Jason (Bobby Fox) and Claire (Sarah Morrison) are moving in together.
Meanwhile, Warren (Joel Granger) has found Deb’s (Melanie Bird) misplaced notes for the thesis she is writing. Their lives intersect in a form of poetic symmetry where the simplest dots of a Monet painting or a cascade of multicoloured leaflets resonate and provide hope in their respective quest for direction, friendship and purpose.
This production begs for a grander stage. The exuberance of Granger’s character counterpoints with the taciturn nature of the graduate student played by Bird.
They achieve a chemistry of opposites full of humour and vitality. Morrison and Fox are equally as convincing as characters but their couple don’t necessarily achieve the loving friction to match the others.
Director Tyran Parke has worked the fortyfivedownstairs space compromised as it is by the length and the pillars that need to be negotiated.
There is a conventional proscenium arrangement and a minimalist set of tables to imply different locations (Richard Roberts). The lighting (Gavan Swift) helps differentiate time and place as well.
Musically, the proficiency and expertise of the performers is remarkable. The musical direction with Vicky Jacobs on the single piano to the side of the stage speaks to an understanding and aptitude from all concerned that enable the nuances of each song to be delivered as if they were second nature.
For all the constraints of the venue, this production is a delight. There is a resonance in the nature of the characters allowing audiences to identify with the ordinary.
Parke has brought out the joy and pathos of the characters’ lives in this uplifting production. You could feel the work wanting to break the shackles of the building and vault into a more expansive arena.
Clovelly Fox Productions
Fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane
Until August 31
Bookings: fortyfivedownstairs.com/event/ordinary-days/
Review by David McLean
Pictured: Joel Granger and Melanie Bird in Ordinary Days.
Photo: Ben Fon