Above : Liam Faulkner-Diamond as Jason-‘Favourite Places’
Danika Rojas as Deb- ‘Don’t Want To Be Here’[/caption]
CODA’s debut production of Adam Gwon’s play ORDINARY DAYS is a song cycle that beautifully explores the extraordinary within life’s everyday moments. With no spoken dialogue, the musical unfolds entirely through song, telling one compelling story of love, loss, and the search for meaning. Directed by Kris Sergi, the production sensitively draws out the emotional undercurrents of its characters, with some quirky moments of whimsy. The musical direction by Yianni Anastasiadis and Johnathon Zhang’s piano accompaniment offer a solid foundation, working in tandem to complement the story.
Cassidy Lobb leads the cast as Claire, bringing emotional depth to the character’s grief and longing. Lobb’s vocal training (Sydney Con) and recent New York experience are evident in her performances, particularly in “I’ll Be Here” and “Fine”, where she navigates Claire’s struggle to move on while carrying the weight of loss. Her portrayal is both measured and powerful whilst the natural chemistry with Liam Faulkner-Dimond, who plays Jason, adds a genuine tenderness to their interactions. Faulkner-Dimond shines in “I’m Trying”, where Jason’s earnest attempts to connect with Claire come across with sincerity and emotional clarity. His vocal range and control underscores his strong potential as an emerging talent in musical theatre.
Danika Rojas brings unexpected depth and humour to her role as Deb, injecting the character’s sarcasm with a refreshing lightness. Her performance in “Calm” offers a raw, vulnerable moment, peeling back the layers of Deb’s tough exterior to reveal the emotional conflict beneath. Matthew Dorahy’s portrayal of Warren complements Deb’s lack of charm. Their endearing take on Warren’s awkwardness adds a unique humour to the production, whilst Dorahy is not as vocally strong, their ability to lean into this and offer it as part of the characterisation works. A memorable moment comes when Warren returns Deb’s lost notebook, when the two perform a playful mock ballet around the tattered prop, infusing lightheartedness into the narrative which the audience found very amusing.
The set design features a movable stoop that functions as both a physical and emotional symbol of the characters’ journeys. In a key scene in “Rooftop Duet”, Warren and Deb toss coloured flyers into the air. This chaotic flutter of paper evokes the loss and confusion following 9/11, subtly underscoring the show’s emotional depth as Claire’s grief is triggered. This powerful visual moment ties into the show’s exploration of life’s unpredictable transitions. Gaby Whalland’s lighting design, with its muted purples and soft tones, enhances the intimate atmosphere, adding to the overall emotional journey of the characters. Melissa Applin’s costume design is carefully considered, complementing the characters’ emotional arcs. Claire’s understated wardrobe subtly reflects her grief and struggle to move on, whilst Warren’s quirky look adds a touch of whimsy and awkward charm.
As CODA’s first production, ORDINARY DAYS is a strong debut, showcasing the company’s commitment to heartfelt and inclusive theatre. With solid performances, thoughtful direction, and a powerful musical score, the show effectively explores the beauty and complexity of life’s ordinary moments. CODA’s dedication to creating a space for connection and reflection is clear, and this debut production marks them as a promising new voice in Sydney’s theatre scene.
