Ordinary Days

I arrived back in the UK at 1pm, with an e-mail waiting from Doreen my colleague in District 7 asking if I could cover ‘Ordinary Days’ for her at short notice. I nearly said no, BUT I’m glad I didn’t. This is a little gem of a musical. Superb, in fact !!..I beg you to go see it if you can for their last two performances..!

Firstly, what a lovely venue for this type of musical: an open stage with a backdrop of New York in white and just 2 movable white boxes. Perfect. Well done to Tracey Weaver and her crew for Design and seamless changes, lighting spot on, Jamie Gold and sound Alex Dunmore.

Warren (Callum McFarland) is a twenty-something dreamer who is taking care of the fancy downtown loft of an artist friend.  An artist himself, still trying to figure out his “life story”, he passes time handing out multi-coloured flyers. Cullum played Warren with depth of the character, and a great voice as well. Deb (Elyse Herbert), a cynical grad student from “the middle of nowhere” who takes one of Will's flyers before inadvertently leaving a book of her thesis notes on a bench in Union Square, which Warren finds and returns to her at a meeting. Elyse what a performer, her comic timing was superb, and her acting was second to none. Well done, Elyse. Then there is the charismatic and romantic Jason (Will Desmond) who is finally closing the gap in his relationship with his girlfriend: they are at loggerheads good and bad and by moving in with her, he thinks it may help. Will, what a performance he gave us a believable and at times touching Jason, both in his acting ability and singing. Claire (Rosie Green) while engaging in the joy of her apartment full of stuff, reveals she is upset by something from her past that keeps her from taking a step forward with Jason. Claire gave a perfect balanced performance, she could have gone over the top, but Rosie, you got it just right, excellent in all moods of Claire.

Musical Director Ricardo Fernandes you took Ordinary Days under your wing and your talent in music was uppermost, not an easy task with this piece, and you never faltered all the way through. Perfect Ricardo. Emily Draper (Director) what a cast you chose, they couldn’t have done you prouder. You directed this Ordinary Days to the highest professional standard I have seen in years. Along with your crew of many, you moulded them both on stage and off, and made this Ordinary Days a joy to watch…Thank you. Sevenoaks Players thank you for inviting me, I’m so pleased I said yes to Doreen’s request, a perfect evening at the theatre 

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