Ordinary Days

After Chad Badgero's directing triumph with the challenging "Caroline or Change" at Riverwalk Theater early in the season, he scores again with "Ordinary Days" through his own Peppermint Creek Theatre Company.

There was magic in the air as we stood in line on a cold night at Creole Gallery in Lansing's Old Town waiting for tickets for "Ordinary Days". The small but charming venue was totally sold out (word of mouth is still the best advertiser) and everyone was excited about seeing the show.

"Days" is a small musical with four characters and a piano. It's the story of four young people trying to make it in the Big Apple, but are all going through their own problems of finding their path in life and love. Badgero also designed the imaginative set, with a modernistic New York skyline depicted in colorful dots.

Written by Adam Gwon, Days is a marvelously entertaining play (entirely sung). The music is Sondheim lite with some Avenue Q thrown in and the lyrics are urbane, witty, and human with wonderful rhymes. Badgero gets a high level of energy from his four fine actors (Joseph Quick, Leah Gerstel, Rusty Broughton and Amanda Whitehead). The songs are difficult, but each and every actor spits out every word with conviction and somehow nails the angular melodies.

Leah Gerstel impresses with her acting that really shows how her troubled character changes through the story. Amanda Whitehead sings the climactic song towards the end of the show that leaves the entire audience crying.

Although the venue is small (92 seats), each actor was miked and the sound mix was just right. Edric Haleen played keyboard and I am sure prepared the singers as well, excellently. Too bad the show closes tonight, it is a winner.