SASHA BAKER as Deb and Sean Hawkins as Warren in “Ordinary Days” at the Gem Theatre in Garden Grove (OMP photo).

By Thom deMartino
Orange County Tribune

While we might not be able to always see the big picture, we are all part of something bigger, greater and more beautiful than just ourselves.

The award-winning Gem Theater in Garden Grove is now presenting, for a limited run, the moving and inspiring musical “Ordinary Days,” directed by Damien Lorton.

The second show in the Garden Grove venue’s new “Black Box” series, the One More Productions troupe takes a step away from the more lavishly-set shows to take an intimate look at four young people making their way through the hustle and bustle of modern New York City.

There’s the fiery Deb (Sasha Baker), in grad school and struggling with her thesis. Not trusting technology, she keeps all her copious notes in a bound notebook – which she promptly misplaces. Terrified, she’s looking all over to recover it… and she can only hope someone finds and returns it to her.

There’s the eager Warren (Sean Hawkins), following his bliss – by handing out flyers to strangers, featuring random gems of wisdom to inspire them. And while most crumple them and throw them away, the rare someone takes and keeps one… helping him feel like he’s making some kind of difference in the sprawling, intimidating city.

And then there’s Claire and Jason (Courtney Hays and Caden Fraser), taking the next big step in their relationship by moving in with each other. But it’s not long before their cramped quarters start to feel claustrophobic, and each finds themselves wondering if they’ve made the right choice… do they even really know each other?

But the world doesn’t stop spinning, as each begins to be overwhelmed by their circumstances… can these disparate, ordinary stories and moments come together to become something bigger, brighter, more beautiful than just the sum of
their parts?

Let’s be honest – shows by the One More Productions troupe are always solid: but these Black Box shows have really been something special to watch.

Smaller in scope and more intimate than the Gem’s bigger and better-known musicals, they’ve really brought something new, different and special to the renowned theater.

“Ordinary Days” is fast-paced, and instantly mesmerizing in how quickly the
acters’ lives, in how engaging and familiar they seem. We recognize something in ourselves, through them.

The minimal cast helps the viewer to fully appreciate the trajectories of their lives, and their individual dilemmas and struggles. The dynamics between the players are outstanding as well, whether it be Deb’s manic energy versus Warren’s unbridled enthusiasm, or Jason’s affection for Claire versus her hesitance and second-guessing.

Splendid, moving performances by the players, along with beautifully executed musical pieces, help make this little show something you’re going to want to experience before the curtain falls on this production’s abbreviated run.

It’s a charming, special treat for Gem theater-goers, and there’s only two weekends left to check it out, so be sure to get out and see this extraordinary, beautiful and moving piece while you can
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“Ordinary Days”: Sasha Baker, Sean Hawkins, Courtney Hays and Caden Fraser star in this intimate look at four young people exploring the in and outs of the big city, and their relationships as well. Now playing through Sunday, May 18 at The Gem Theater 12852 Main Street, Garden Grove, CA, 92840. Call 714-741- 9550 x221 or email boxoffice@onemoreproductions.com for ticketing information. Some adult language and content.