Cast of the musical “Ordinary Days” at NextStop Theatre, from left: Carl Williams, Anna Philips-Brown, Bobby Libby and Sarah Anne Sillers. Photo courtesy NextStop Theatre
“‘Ordinary Days’ is a rare gem that you are not going to see anywhere else. It is full of funny, exciting, and poignant music,” said Evan Hoffmann, Artistic Director, NextStop Theatre. “It is a show that will just make you feel good about life.”
The musical “Ordinary Days” by Adam Gwon is the heartfelt story about people craving connections in their increasingly fretful, stressful lives. The show follows four city dwellers in 2008, exploring how their everyday lives intersect in unexpected ways. There is a couple struggling to confront a fracture in their relationship as well as two friends who have an idiosyncratic bond based upon a love for arts. Is it possible that the smallest acts can have the most profound effects on your life?
Jay D. Brock, who is directing “Ordinary Days,” called it “probably one of the most realistic musicals that is in the canon. Although it is through-sung it more like a play than what one would typically think of when considering the musical genre.”
“So often our lives are about milestones and ‘badges of accomplishment.’ It is so easy to miss the beautiful in the ordinary process of living,” added Brock describing the musical. “Our brains are literally wired to ignore information that is expected or part of a regular pattern. You can walk past a beautiful piece of art every day and eventfully start to no longer see it; it takes intentional focus and energy to give our attention to the beauty of everyday life and to the every-day things that comprise our existence.”
“All of the story-telling for ‘Ordinary Days’ is done through music,” said Elisa Rosman, the production’s music director. “The music has a forward pulse. Each song feels to me to be crafted just right for the story it is telling. It is a joy.”
The production features actor/singers Anna Philips-Brown, Sarah Anne Sillers, Bobby Libby and Carl Williams. Sillers portrays Claire; “a tightly wound grad student struggling to find her place in life and what truly makes her happy, meanwhile being terrified of not measuring up to the expectations of herself or others. She’s a very sassy and driven person…with ambition despite what appears to be a never ending stream of obstacles.”
“Ordinary Days” is a musical that also has surprises to savor. “It is a jolt of optimism,” said Hoffmann, inviting audiences to the NextStop production.
Where and When
Next Stop Theatre presents “Ordinary Days” at NextStop Theatre, 269 Sunset Park Drive (Inside the Sunset Business Park on Spring Street), Herndon. Performances Feb. 20 to March 15, 2020. Thursday Feb. 20, March 5 & 12 at 8 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday Feb. 22 and March 2 at 8 p.m., Feb. 29 & March 14 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday Feb 23, March 1 & 15 at 8 p.m., Mar. 8 at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. Tickets: General Admission: $40-$55* (NextStop strongly encourage booking in advance. Ticket prices increase as performances get nearer and fill up). Call 866-811-4111 or visit: www.nextstoptheatre.org. Note: “Ordinary Days” contains adult language and themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences.