The best musical you’ve likely never heard of!

From one of musical theatre's most exciting young composers comes Ordinary Days, a refreshingly honest and funny musical about making real connections in the city that never sleeps (but probably should at some point).

Ordinary Days tells the story of four young New Yorkers whose lives intersect as they search for fulfilment, happiness, love, and cabs. Through a score of vibrant and memorable songs, their experiences ring startlingly true to life.

Director Chris Zuber notes, “It’s a humble musical. Four characters, a piano, and an unassuming story about normal people. I like that in ethos.” When asked what audiences can expect from the show, Zuber shares:

“First and foremost, it is fast and fun. It also has moments of stillness where great singers (accompanied by a great pianist) will blow you away.”

This production, starring powerhouse music theatre performers Grant Pegg, Kelly Roberts, Vanessa Valois, and Joel Horwood, marks the Canberra premiere of Gwon’s sung-through musical.

The show has previously been produced in Sydney in 2012, starring Rachael Beck and Michael Falzon, and more recently at Melbourne’s Chapel Off Chapel in 2017.

Ordinary Days is presented as part of the 2024 Q The Locals program, curated by The Q’s Artistic Director, Jordan Best. “The chance to program a musical that has never been staged locally, performed by four of our regions very best musical theatre talents, was too good to pass up” says Best. “Ordinary Days is exactly what we all need right now - intimate, snappy, and life affirming.

It’s a beautifully constructed show, with clever lyrics, terrific songs and a story that reminds us what it means to be human”. Expressing his gratitude to The Q and this program, actor and producer Grant Pegg confesses,

“...without the Q The Locals program this show would simply have never been produced. We are so grateful for that support and local investment in the arts.”

Actor and producer, Kelly Roberts, shares “Chris [Zuber], Grant [Pegg] and I had spent a significant amount of time learning it during the various COVID lock-down periods that saw us all without social connections and being able to see live theatre... It was so lovely to have this beautiful show to look forward to each week in terms of singing and being social in a time when everyone needed little pockets of joy. It was also perfect that the whole show is about needing those human connections and how we can often feel lost without them and having a passion to give us purpose.”

Fellow actor, Vanessa Valois agrees, Singing together and working towards mastering the music gave us a sense of purpose and direction during a difficult time.

When submissions opened for the Q The Locals program, we had a partially learned but very well-loved show. We were thrilled to bring in new cast members to breathe life into the project and finally share it with an audience.

Ordinary Days is showing at the The Q, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre. Thursday 5th - Saturday 7th September 2024.