I only caught one production for “review” on the weekend

It was so hot, I pretty much “vegged” out in my air conditioned home and watched the U.S. Open on TV.

Ordinary Days

From l, Anne Schroeder as Claire and William Martinez as Jason in “Ordinary Days.”

From l, Anne Schroeder as Claire and William Martinez as Jason in “Ordinary Days.”

This is a high spirited musical revue, with no spoken dialogue, featuring a diverse quartet of “20 something” actors/singers, and a talented onstage pianist (P. Matthew Park – Musical Director). Directed playfully by Angel Creeks, with entertaining storytelling lyrics and music by Adam Gwan, I feel that this production will be most relatable to a younger theatergoing audience … who are dealing with similar life situations, possibilities, and choices. Taking place in bustling New York City … four young East Coast transplants, search for acceptance, love, and the varied paths their lives will follow. (Seniors who have “seen and done it all” will also enjoy this journey….) Their lives intersect in “the city that never sleeps,” through the lyrics of a dozen and a half original songs … some humorous, some beautiful, some introspective … and all well performed. I would’ve preferred “some” spoken dialogue to pull it all together … but that’s just my personal opinion. The minimal set design was cleverly “ever changing,” (by Frank Pepito) and the fresh young cast worked very hard.

From l, Reggie De Leon as Warren and Katie Kitani as Deb in “Ordinary Days.”

From l, Reggie De Leon as Warren and
Katie Kitani as Deb in “Ordinary Days.”

Reggie De Leon plays Warren, the excitable “would be artist” with hilariously quirky style. (This role is double cast, with Amir Levi appearing on Friday nights.) Katie Kitani is a sizzling standout as Deb, the brainy beauty with an “edge.” William Martinez is loveable as Jason, and offered my “fave” song performance singing “Favorite Places.” Anne Schroeder is high spirited as his girlfriend Claire from back home. Each telling their own stories, and sharing their dreams, the two duos never meet … as they learn and grow from their experiences. When this play ran on the East Coast, The New York Times critic wrote, “This musical captures with stinging clarity that uneasy moment in youth when doubts begin to cloud hopes, for a future of unlimited possibility.” That pretty much says it all! Running through Sept. 29 at the Victory Theatre located at 3326 W. Victory Blvd. in Burbank (group and senior rates available). For seats call .

Footnote: This theatre has great air conditioning!

Mark Your Calendar – Lonny Chapman Theatre, Sept. 29 at 7:30.

Yarmy’s Army will rock the house for “one night only,” in a hilarious benefit performance, at Lonny Chapman Theatre in North Hollywood. A noted group of much loved and well known comics come together for the evening to “tickle your funny bones!” Peter Marshall, Chuck McCann, Mike Preminger, Howard Storm, Pat Harrington Jr., Hank Garrett, Jim McGeorge, and Greg Lewis. Sounds like a hoot! For tickets/info call or go to thegrouprep.com. $25 a seat.

Back next week with my review of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, opening at NoHo’s Crown City Theatre. One of my favorite shows on “relationships” … I can’t wait! To book seats early call . In the meantime stay cool!

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  • Only one production to tell you about this week
  • I only caught one production for “review” on the weekend
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  • No plays to review this week, but let me preview a trio of enticing upcoming productions I’ll be telling you all about in the next month
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