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A simple day trip to St. Croix Falls turned into an unforgettable night thanks to Festival Theatre’s enchanting production of Ordinary Days. Set in the heart of their newly renovated historic auditorium, a former vaudeville house that still pulses with life a century later, this show proves that even the smallest stories can have big impact.

From the moment the lights dim, the audience is drawn into a bustling, emotional slice of New York life. This intimate four-person musical by Adam Gwon explores how seemingly disconnected people find connection, meaning, and beauty in the everyday chaos.

The story opens with Warren, an unflappably optimistic dreamer played with wide-eyed charm by Noah Warner. Warner’s performance is a delight, his quirky energy and warm vocals instantly endear him to the audience. He finds a perfect counterbalance in Deb, a neurotic grad student portrayed by Lindsey Fry. Fry delivers a riotously funny performance, capturing Deb’s high-strung anxiety with perfect comedic timing while grounding the character in authenticity. Her vocals soar, and her emotional journey hits home with anyone who’s ever felt lost in their journey.

Warren and Deb’s unexpected friendship unfolds with heart and humor, offering a touching reminder that human connection often begins in the most random (and hilariously frustrating) of moments.

Parallel to their story is a romantic subplot featuring Claire and Jason, played by Beth Seigling and James Randolph. Seigling is a standout, her crystalline voice is breathtaking, and she commands the stage with quiet intensity. Randolph’s  nuanced performance brings vulnerability and tenderness to Jason’s attempts to hold their relationship together. Together, they navigate love, grief, and the complexities of commitment with grace and emotional depth.

The real magic of Ordinary Days lies in its ability to take ordinary people and turn their stories into something profound. Under the sensitive and insightful direction of Mark Rosenwinkel, the show never overplays its hand. Every moment feels genuine, from the intimate staging to the carefully chosen design elements. The simplicity of the set and lighting allows the characters to shine, while subtle visual cues evoke the hustle of New York City without overwhelming the story.

Adding another layer of emotional resonance is the music, played live by Elizabeth Chen and Music Director Isaac Bont at the helm. Gwon’s score is fresh and heartfelt, and perfectly supports the show’s themes. The live piano accompaniment adds immediacy and warmth, drawing the audience deeper into the world onstage.

This production isn’t just entertaining, it’s a reminder of the beauty in the mundane, the extraordinary hiding in plain sight. It left me both inspired and deeply satisfied, grateful for the emotional journey and the honest storytelling.

If Festival Theatre isn’t already on your radar, it should be. Ordinary Days is a gem of a production that showcases the remarkable talent brewing in this vibrant community. I’ll certainly be keeping a close eye on what they do next.

Ordinary Days is on stage until August 17. Thursdays, the show is at 7 p.m., Saturday, August 9 at 2 p.m. and Saturday, August 16 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are available online or call 715-483-3387

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