Ordinary Days
Music and Lyrics by Adam Gwon
Directed by Andrew Schwartz | Music Direction by Brian Osborne Choreography by Jeri Dickey
October 24-November 3, 2024
Telfair B. Peet Black Box Theatre
Ordinary Days
Music and Lyrics by
Adam Gwon
Directed by Andrew Schwartz | Music Direction by Brian Osborne Choreography by Jeri Dickey
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Beautiful takes a person to make a connection. For beautiful to happen the beautiful has got to be seen.
— Warren, Ordinary Days
Adam Gwon’s poignant, sung-through musical premiered in 2008 and has since been performed all over the world in dozens of languages. This universal story explores the relationships between four young people, as they search for purpose and connection in post9/11 New York City.
As a department, we were drawn to Ordinary Days because we felt that there were thematic elements that might resonate with our students. How would college students in Alabama in 2024 relate to these twenty somethings of New York in 2004? Well, I think both generations understand the loss of “ordinary” — the desire for routine and consistency. Our students felt this during the isolation of the pandemic, just as the characters in Ordinary Days are coping with the tragedy of 9/11. There is a collective association in mourning the absence of connection and wondering what the new normal means for them as they set out to build their lives and create meaningful partnerships.
Because the musical contains only four characters and we wanted to find a way to include more of our talented theatre students, we created two casts: “Cast Monet” and “Cast Manet.” (These designations will become apparent when the characters visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art.) Both casts have done a wonderful job of distinctly and uniquely bringing these characters to life, and we encourage you to return so that you might experience both versions.
Thank you so much for joining us and enjoy the show!
— Andrew Schwartz, Director
Originally Produced in New York City by Roundabout Theatre Company (Todd Haimes, Artistic Director; Harold Wolpert, Managing Director; Julia C. Levy, Executive Director) as part of Roundabout Underground at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre.
Ordinary Days was presented at the National Alliance for Musical Theatre's Festival of New Musicals in 2008. www.namt.org.
Ordinary Days was originally produced and performed by Pennsylvania Centre Stage at Penn State University.
Ordinary Days was first developed by New York Theatre Barn in New York City in 2007.
Ordinary Days is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com
ARTISTIC TEAM
Artistic Director: Tessa Carr
Director: Andrew Schwartz
Assistant Director: Cecilia Frederick
Music Director: Brian Osborne
Vocal Director: Charlotte Lee
Choreographer: Jeri Dickey
Costume Designer: Linnie Johnston
Lighting Designer: Allison Newcombe
Scenic Designer: Matt Gist
Sound Designer: Jeff Sherwood
Assistant Sound Designer: Lily Hamilton
PRODUCTION CREWS
Scenic Studio:
Jeb Bethel, Romelo Blackmon, Hannah-Mae Burnette, Davy Davis, Brian Eldredge, Kirsten Estes, Rosemary Gross, Lily Hamilton, Will Johnson, Abigail Krehling, Avery Melton, Kate Nymark, Sam Oliver, Olivia Prather, Maeson Proctor, Emma Grace Ramb, Sarah Schomburg, Evie Slaughenhoup, Ashleigh Vickery
Costume Studio:
Olivia Beland, Kinsey Bosher, Caroline Brooks, Tapley Cronier, Wil Eplett, Hali Everette, Catherine Govignon, Linnie Johnston, Kathryn Mims, Berkley Peacock, Kara Anne Smith, Lily Sosebee, Bekah Taylor
PRODUCTION TEAM
Director of Production: Laura Sims
Technical Director: Matt Gist
Costume Coordinator: Jennifer Salter
Stage Operations Coordinator: Emily Olson
Costume Shop Manager: Sam Heilhecker
Calling Stage Manager: Lily Sosebee
Deck Stage Managers: Amy Roberts, Bekah Taylor
Props Coordinator: Kate Nymark
Staff Electrician: Emily Olson
Wardrobe Supervisor: Tapley Cronier
Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor: Abigail Johnson
Wardrobe Crew: Patrick Barnett, Isabella Doyle
Head Electrician and Light Board
Operator: Kate Nymark
A1: Lily Hamilton
A2: Abby Krehling
Projections Operator: Elijah Racz
Dramaturgy Team: Lindsey Beam, McKinley Carson, Ashleigh Vickery
SPECIAL THANKS
Auburn University Theatre & Dance gratefully acknowledges the following:
Support for our season from Dr. Vini Nathan and the Office of the Provost of Auburn University.
Special thanks to Professor Brian Osborne, Dr. Charlotte Lee, Professor Jeri Dickey, and all the faculty, staff, and students in Auburn’s Department of Theatre and Dance. Thanks, as well, to Patrick Reagan, Professor Lindsay Rae Taylor, Hannah Brumond, and to Adam Gwon.
— Andrew Schwartz, Director
Photography, videotaping, or other video or audio recording of this production is prohibited.
SETTING
New York City, 2004
CAST
Cast “Manet” (10/24, 10/27, 10/31, 11/1)
Warren .................. Wil Eplett
Deb................... Hali Everette
Jason .............. Patrick Reagan
Claire .......... Catherine Govignon
Ensemble:
Jeb Bethel, Emma Grace Ramb, Michaela Williams, Reid Williams
Cast “Monet” (10/25, 10/26, 10/30, 11/3)
Warren ................ Jeb Bethel
Deb.............. Michaela Williams
Jason ................ Reid Williams
Claire ...........Emma Grace Ramb
Ensemble: Wil Eplett, Hali Everette, Catherine Govignon, Patrick Reagan
The show runs approximately 85 minutes without an intermission.
MUSICAL SYNOPSIS
One by One by One ....................... Warren & Company
Don’t Wanna Be Here ................................... Deb
The Space Between .................................. Jason
Let Things Go ......................................... Claire
Dear Professor Thompson / Life Story ......... Deb & Warren
I’m Trying .................................... Claire & Jason
Saturday at the Met ................................ Company
Favorite Places ...................................... Jason
Sort-Of Fairy Tale ............................. Warren & Deb
Fine ......................................... Jason & Claire
Big Picture ........................................ Company
Hundred-Story City ........................ Jason & Company
Party Interlude ....................................... Claire
Calm
Deb
Life Story (Reprise) .................................. Warren
Gotta Get Out ......................................... Claire
Rooftop Duet/Falling .............................. Company
I’ll Be Here ............................................ Claire
Beautiful ...................................... Warren & Deb
LEARN MORE
• Join us after the Thursday October 31st performance for a talkback session with the actors and members of the artistic team.
• Join us after the Sunday November 3rd performance for a talkback session with the show's composer and lyricist, Adam Gwon.
• Check out the dramaturgical display on the wall monitor in the lobby.
• Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for interviews, takeovers, and other features about the show!
@auburnuniversitytheatre
GUEST ARTIST BIOGRAPHIES
Allison Newcombe (Lighting Designer) is a New York-based architectural and theatrical lighting designer. She earned her MFA in Theatrical Lighting Design at the University of South Carolina. Her work includes Eurydice, The Wolves, Waiting for Godot, and Shakespeare in Love. She is thrilled to be working and collaborating with Auburn University’s Department of Theatre and Dance, as well as with her friend Andrew again.
Jeff Sherwood (Sound Designer) (he/him) is an award-winning sound designer and composer, and Assistant Professor of Sound at Michigan Technological University. He has worked Off-Broadway and regionally including with The Public Theater, The New Group, Signature Theatre, Manhattan Theatre Club, Roundabout Theatre Company, City Theatre Company, Playmakers Rep, Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, and others. Recent sound design credits include: tick, tick…BOOM! (Cape Playhouse); Million Dollar Quartet (ACT of CT); Noises Off, Last of the Red Hot Mamas, Grease, Bridges of Madison County (Bucks County Playhouse); Take the Car (Williamstown Theatre Festival PTP). He serves as Vice Chair of the Sound Design Sub-Commission of OISTAT (International Organisation of Scenographers, Theatre Architects, and Technicians) and as Co-Vice Chair of DTM (Design, Technology, and Management) for KCACTF Region 3 (Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival). He is a proud member of United Scenic Artists Local USA 829 IATSE, USITT, and TSDCA (Theatrical Sound Designers and Composers Association). MFA: Purdue University, BFA: Oklahoma City University. www.SherwoodSound.com
STUDENT COMPANY BIOGRAPHIES
Jeb Bethel (“Monet” Warren) is a sophomore BFA music theatre major from Dalton, GA. His Auburn credits include Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Orchestra Vocalist) and AU Players’ production of Pride and Prejudice (Mr. Wickham).
Wil Eplett (“Manet” Warren) is a sophomore BFA music theatre major from Lilburn, GA, and is so excited to be presenting such a beautiful story with dedicated cast members. You may have seen him in Fractals: Infinite Movement (Ensemble), and Dare WE Defend (Dragonfly). He hopes you enjoy the show and get some good ideas for your Big Picture.
Hali Everette (“Manet” Deb) is a senior BFA music theatre major from Fairhope, AL. Her previous AUTD credits include The Thanksgiving Play (Logan), Barbecue (Marie), and Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Sonya). Hali is thankful for her peers, mentors, and family for leading her on this journey!
Cecilia Frederick (Assistant Director) is a senior BFA performance major from Baltimore, MD, and is thrilled to have worked with these two incredible casts on her first directing credit. She is incredibly proud of every cast & crew member! Cecilia would like to thank Andrew for the opportunity to shadow such a wonderful director. Break a leg, everyone!
Catherine Govignon (“Manet” Claire) is a sophomore BFA music theatre major from Calhoun, GA. Her Auburn University credits include Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Orchestra Vocalist) and AU Players’ Pride and Prejudice (Colonel Forster). Other favorite roles include Mamma Mia! (Rosie) and The Sound of Music (Mother Abbess).
Emma Grace Ramb (“Monet” Claire) is sophomore BFA music theatre major from Orlando, FL, and is honored to be in her second mainstage production at Auburn! Recently she was in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Ensemble, Sonya u/s). She wants to thank her family, friends, and professors for helping her grow!
Patrick Reagan (“Manet” Jason) is a junior exercise science major from Huntsville, AL. This is Patrick's first acting role with Auburn University Theatre & Dance. He previously participated in AUTD shows Monstersongs and Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 as part of the orchestra (guitar) and appeared in AU Players’ Pride and Prejudice (Mr. Darcy).
Amy Roberts (Deck Stage Manager) is a junior theatre major with a concentration in management from Scottsboro, AL. She previously stage managed four shows at Northeast Alabama Community College. Amy is so excited to be part of the Auburn family and experience this amazing show! She hopes you enjoy it just as much as she does!
Lily Sosebee (Calling Stage Manager) is a sophomore theatre major from Powder Springs, GA. Previous AUTD credits include Barbecue (ASM), Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (ASM), and Fractals: Infinite Movement (Light Board Op). She hopes you enjoy the show!
Bekah Taylor (Deck Stage Manager) is a junior BFA performance major from Reeltown, AL. Her most recent credits include Auburn Area Community Theatre's Hands on a Hardbody (Cindy Barnes) and AUTD's Dare WE Defend (Devising Ensemble). She hopes you enjoy the show!
Michaela Williams (“Monet” Deb) is a senior BFA music theatre major from Columbus, GA. Their previous AUTD credits include Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Dolokhov, Anatole u/s), Barbecue (Marie), Dare WE Defend (Devising Ensemble), Pippin (Ensemble, Berthe u/s), The Wolves (#00), and more! Michaela is also a member of Mosaic Theatre Company. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Reid Williams (“Monet” Jason) is a junior BFA music theatre major from Mobile, AL. His most recent AUTD credits include Fractals: Infinite Movement (Dancer), Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Andrey), and Wellesley Girl (Hank/Donnie). He is immensely thankful to have the opportunity to be in such a wonderful show and thanks God, all artistic staff and peers, and family for everything.
AUTD Welcomes Adam Gwon!
The Department of Theatre and Dance is thrilled to welcome Adam Gwon, the creator of Ordinary Days, to our campus!
Adam will attend the show and have a talkback session with the audience on Sunday, November 3rd, and he give a masterclass for our students, faculty, and staff on Monday, November 4th. We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to host such a talented and gracious theatre artist and to provide our students with this incredible experience.
Adam Gwon is a musical theater writer named one of “50 to Watch” by The Dramatist magazine and hailed “a promising newcomer to our talent-hungry musical theater” whose songs are “funny, urbane, with a sweetness that doesn’t cloy” by The New York Times. His musicals have been produced on six continents, in nine languages. Off-Broadway: Scotland, PA (Roundabout Theatre, Drama Desk Award nomination, NYT Critic’s Pick), Ordinary Days (Roundabout Theatre; Keen Company, Drama League Award nomination, Best Revival), Old Jews Telling Jokes (Westside Theatre, NYT Critic’s Pick); Regional: Witnesses (California Center for the Arts, Craig Noel Award winner, Outstanding New Musical), String (Village Theatre), Cake Off (Signature Theatre, Helen Hayes Award nomination; Bucks County Playhouse), Cloudlands (South Coast Repertory, LA Times Critic’s Pick), The Boy Detective Fails (Signature Theatre), Bernice Bobs Her Hair (Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma); West End: Ordinary Days (Trafalgar Studios). Read more about Adam and his work at adamgwon.com
We offer this season’s productions as a way to add to our collective understanding of resilience.
Developed by Dr. Joel Bennett and staff at Organizational Wellness & Learning Systems, the 5 “Cs” listed here are known as the five competencies of resilience and considered useful tools to assess our own unique resiliency skills.
Source: drkarenwolfe.org/the-five-cs-of-resilience
Ordinary Days follows the intersecting lives of four individuals as they navigate love, loss, and the search for committed connection in a bustling metropolis. The show takes audiences on a journey through the complexity of urban life while sharing themes of hope, friendship, the joy of connective moments, and the transformative power of small acts of kindness.
Support Theatre and Dance at Auburn University
AU Theatre and Dance students are some of the hardest working on campus. And every year we must start anew in finding ways to help support their remarkable efforts.
We are especially in need of gifts to support Theatre and Dance Scholarship Fund. Our students depend on scholarship support to keep up rigorous academic and creative schedules, and to balance the various aspects of student life.
Across 5 major degree tracks and 3 different minors, our students engage daily in the rigorous hands-on work of the theatre. They construct sets, sew costumes, create designs, call shows, choreograph dance, devise new work, build props, focus lights, analyze texts, block scenes, score scripts, and everything in between. Stanley Jones
Ann
The
Please consider becoming an AU Theatre and Dance donor today, or renew your previous generous gift if you gave in the past.
Every gift, no matter the size, truly makes a difference and will mean the world to our students!
We are profoundly grateful to our generous donors. Every gift helps to support the work of our department and our incredible theatre and dance students.
Craig and Gabriele Darch
Fudd Graham & Patty Tyler
Ed Richardson
Arthur Wilke
We would love to thank you publicly, but we need your permission to list your name. This listing includes all donors who have given us permission to list as of the time of printing. If your name is missing and you’d like to be included, please contact us to be added to the next program.
Students at Work Top: Wil Eplett takes his turn as house manager (photo by Ashley Butler). Bottom: Megan Starling and Davy Davis discuss sound equipment before a dress rehearsal (photo by Henry Eiland).
DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE & DANCE
OUR MISSION
Theatre has the potential to foster dialogue, alter perceptions, and inspire social change. The Auburn University Department of Theatre and Dance is dedicated to the education and professional training of theatre artists, scholars, and audiences within a liberal arts environment.
The Department champions the interaction between theory and practice and produces citizen artists who advocate for the arts through their own work in local, national, and international communities.
Auburn University theatre and dance students think critically, creatively, and collaboratively and carry their knowledge from rehearsal spaces and classrooms to stages, campuses, and communities worldwide.
Learn more about our department and degree tracks at: auburnuniversitytheatre.org
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Department Chair: Tessa Carr
Office Administrators: Becky Henderson, Vickie Murtadha
Marketing Coordinator: Magalí Zaslabsky
Graphic Designer: Ashley Butler
STUDENT STAFF
Event Staff: Romelo Blackmon, Wil Eplett, Rosemary Gross, Kate Johnson, Abby Krehling, Presley McQuiddy-Gasparlin, Kate Nymark, Bekah Taylor, Ashleigh Vickery, Reid Williams
Costume Studio Assistants: Linnie Johnston, Tino Soto, Andrew Vance, Michaela Williams
Props Assistant: Reid Williams
Production Assistant: Abigail Bowling
Marketing/Recruitment Assistants: Olivia Beland, Hannah Carstarphen, Kara Anne Smith
Scenic Studio Assistants: Daisha Flint, Jason Owens
Sound & Lighting Assistant: Davy Davis
Wig Assistant: Hali Everette
Follow @auburnuniversitytheatre on Facebook and Instagram
Auburn University is an equal opportunity educational institution/employer.
Top: Ashleigh Vickery as “Medusa” in Monstersongs (2023).
Center: Telfair Peet Theatre. Bottom: Lindsey Beam works on deck backstage during a dress rehearsal of Wellesley Girl (2024). Photos by Henry Eiland.