Steven Breese, Artistic Director Drew Martorella, Managing Director Kim Martin, General Manager/Producer Antonio Colaruotolo, Associate Producer

ORDINARY DAYS Created by Dave Solomon and Jason Ardizzone-West Music & Lyrics by Adam Gwon Directed by Dave Solomon

Music Director Production Design Costume Design Camille Villalpando Rolla Jason Ardizzone-West Pei-Chi Su

Lighting Design Sound Design Director of Photography Cat Wilson Peter Brucker William “Buzz” Miller

Video Editor Stage Manager Production Manager Mickey Miller Gabrielle Colwell James Ogden II

pittsburghplayhouse.com

Originally produced in New York City by Roundabout Theatre Company. Todd Haimes, Artistic Director; Harold Wolpert, Managing Director; Julia C. Levy, Executive Director as part of Roundabout Underground at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre. ORDINARY DAYS was presented at the National Alliance for Musical Theatre's Festival of New Musicals in 2008. www.namt.org. ORDINARY DAYS was originally produced and performed by Pennsylvania Centre Stage at Penn State University. ORDINARY DAYS was first developed by New York Theatre Barn in New York City in 2007.

ORDINARY DAYS is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

New York City, 2006; it seems like another era, another time...especially right now. But the themes of perspective and connection in Ordinary Days feel more relevant now than ever. In fact, when I was first asked what musical I might be interested in directing virtually, in a new medium, at this time, I immediately and instinctually responded: Ordinary Days.

Despite all the incredible challenges that would present themselves over the three months in which we were rehearsing a musical (on Zoom) and creating a film/theatre hybrid production with dual casts (in the middle of a pandemic!!); working on this music, these characters, these words with such an incredibly gifted group of actors and designers and the most dedicated and hard-working production team, has been truly therapeutic and restorative.

I first brought the idea of doing this show to my colleague and collaborator, designer Jason Ardizzone-West, because I knew he would ask the same questions I was asking myself: “Why?” and “How?” We had already been having conversations about ways to further the medium of virtual theatre, and he answered the ‘why’ and ‘how’ with a brilliant visual concept and language that allowed us to look at the piece through the lens of today while keeping it set securely in the world of NYC in 2006.

The musical we present here is unchanged – except for some fun gender-swapped versions of the original characters that Adam Gwon tweaked exclusively for these specific casts and actors. In the show, one of those characters, Warren (and in our Cast ‘D’ version: Lauren), speaks of a painting by Monet that reminds him/her of “people like us. Thousands of tiny specks huddled together in random arrangements that nobody expects. Every dot on its own ordinary and pale, but thrown together one by one, they make this dazzling, joyous, hopeful sort of [fairy tale]”. In our unique theatrical/cinematic world, our characters literally appear inhabiting the pixels of a larger image. Right now, we see a lot of the world, and of each other, through pixels...and through boxes on a screen. An ordinary day today might be quite different than it was in the fall of 2006, but who we are – our humanity, our need to connect with others and our drive to figure out our ‘Big Picture’ and discover our ‘Life Story’ – remain unchanged. We might be looking at these things through a new lens (or computer screen), but we are still asking the same questions. Adam Gwon’s beautiful, funny and thought-provoking musical may not have the answers to life’s biggest questions, but it offers us some comfort in the constant unknowns. CAST O

Clay Koby Fink Jason Jaquel Spivey Deb Emily Botnen Warren Gabriel Lasley

CAST D

Claire Jana Glover Jason Bennett Speith Drew Will Cobb Lauren Zoey Myers

Setting

New York City, 2006

Special Thanks

Joe Christopher, RWS Entertainment Group, Brendan Bradley, Jennifer Ardizzone-West, Evan Alexander

*This DIGITAL PRODUCTION is protected by the copyright laws of the United States of America and other countries. Unauthorized duplication, copyright or use of all or part of this DIGITAL PRODUCTION may result in civil liability and/or criminal prosecution in accordance with applicable laws.

SONGS

“ONE BY ONE BY ONE” Warren/Lauren & Company

“DON’T WANNA BE HERE” Deb/Drew

“THE SPACE BETWEEN” Jason

“LET THINGS GO” Clay/Claire

“DEAR PROFESSOR THOMPSON / Deb/Drew & Warren/Lauren LIFE STORY”

“I’M TRYING” Clay/Claire & Jason

“SATURDAY AT THE MET” Company

“FAVORITE PLACES” Jason

“SORT-OF-FAIRY TALE” Warren/Lauren & Deb/Drew

“FINE” Jason & Clay/Claire

“BIG PICTURE” Company

“HUNDRED-STORY CITY” Jason & Company

“CALM” Deb/Drew

“LIFE STORY” (REPRISE) Warren/Lauren

“GOTTA GET OUT” Clay/Claire

“ROOFTOP DUET / FALLING” Company

“I’LL BE HERE” Clay/Claire

“BEAUTIFUL “ Warren/Lauren & Deb/Drew

CAST BIOS

Emily Botnen (Deb) is thrilled to be making her mainstage debut at Point Park in such an innovative and beautiful production, previously performing in the One Acts Festivals (Leah in Zionsville and Axis in A Collection of Things...) and in student films (Illia in Night Life and Regina Sally in Murder in the Rink). She is a junior musical theatre major grateful now more than ever to be back in the room (or Zoom) creating once more. She’d like to thank Dave, Adam, Camille, Gabby, and the OD cast and crew for their vision and trust, as well as her family, boyfriend, and MT ‘22 for their light and love. “The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting joy from common things.”

Will Cobb (Drew) is overjoyed to be making his Point Park digital mainstage debut in this groundbreaking production of Ordinary Days! Will is a sophomore musical theatre major with a minor in dance, and is originally from Colquitt, GA. Will would like to thank Dave, Camille, and Adam for their guidance through this process and all of his amazing professors. Mom and Dad, thank you for everything. Love you.

Koby Fink (Clay) is a sophomore musical theatre major and is making his Pittsburgh Playhouse debut! Koby’s previous credits include Frank Jr. in Catch Me If You Can, Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, and the Beast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Koby would like to give a huge thank you to Dave, Adam, and Camille for this incredible opportunity and the privilege of telling this story—and of course his parents for paying his tuition. Koby’s future plans include graduating college, moving to the Big Apple, bumping into Patti LuPone at a Duane Reade, and maybe being on Broadway! He is dreaming big! @kobyfink

Jana Glover (Claire) is a junior musical theatre major and is extremely excited to be a part of her third Point Park production. She was previously a part of the premiere of Bound in Before last fall and a part of the ensemble in the musical Pippin. Jana is grateful for all of her friends, family and faculty for their support during this process, and gives a special thank you to all of the cast, crew and directors! Jana recognizes that these are scary and uncertain times, but she is grateful for the opportunity to share this art with the world.

Gabriel Lasley (Warren) is a senior musical theatre major at Point Park University. In addition to his theatrical studies, he is also earning his minor in dance with a concentration in jazz. Gabriel has most recently been seen at the Pittsburgh Playhouse in the ensemble of Pippin. Other Conservatory credits include Diamonds in the Rough, Reclaiming, and the Pittsburgh Playhouse's inaugural Gala celebration featuring Rob Ashford, Shirley Jones, and Tony Yazbeck. Endless thanks to the cast, crew, and his family for all the love and support to create art that changes the world. Proud Dreamer. Black Lives Matter. Trans Lives Matter. #MMIWAwareness

Zoey Myers (Lauren) is a junior musical theater major, and she is so excited to share this beautiful story of connection with everyone. Her most recent credits include Kat in Tammy Ryan’s Zoom reading of Helicopters with City Theater, and #14 in the Playhouse’s production of The Wolves. She wants to sincerely thank her family, and every single person involved in the production of Ordinary Days for their patience, love, and support along the way. “Break all the legs to this stunning cast. We hope you enjoy our show!”

Bennett Speith (Jason – Cast D) is a junior musical theatre major and both a music and dance minor at Point Park University. Favorite roles include Bert (Mary Poppins), Jester (Once Upon a Mattress), and Randall (Bring It On: The Musical). He is thrilled to be a part of this revolutionary adaptation of Ordinary Days and would like to thank Dave, Adam, and Camille, as well as the rest of the crew for the opportunity to bring this story to life. He would also like to thank the cast, his parents and sister, friends and God for leading him to this moment and for their support. Instagram: @bennettjspeith

Jaquel Spivey (Jason – Cast O) is excited to be a part of his first virtual production and second mainstage production at Point Park. Favorite credits: The Little Mermaid (Sebastian), Spring Awakening (Georg), and Sunday in the Park with George (Louis/Billy). All love to God, his fabulous family, gracious friends, and beautiful cast. Special thanks to the creative team. All Black Lives Matter!!!

PRODUCTION BIOS

Steven Breese (Artistic Director and Dean, Conservatory of Performing Arts) has enjoyed a national and international acting-directing-playwriting career that has spanned more than 35 years. He holds his M.F.A. from California Institute of the Arts and has acted and/or directed at some of the nation’s finest theaters including the Tony Award-winning South Coast Repertory Theatre, Dallas Theater Center, the Cleveland Playhouse, American Heartland Theatre, Forum Theatre (Chicago), The Royal George Theatre (Chicago), Watertower Theatre (Dallas), Shakespeare Festival of Dallas, Ft. Worth Shakespeare in the Park, Virginia Stage Company, Virginia Shakespeare Festival, and other regional theaters/touring companies. As a playwright, Steven has completed over 25 plays including, The Trial of Hamlet (classical courtroom drama), Brotherly Love (contemporary love story), and Actus Fideí (historical fiction). In 2013, he published a new book on acting theory and practice entitled, “On Acting, A Handbook for Today’s Unique American Actor”. Prior to joining us at Point Park, Steven served as an academic dean at three separate institutions, including: Long Island University (Arts, Communications & Design), Southern Connecticut State University (Arts & Sciences), and Christopher Newport University (Arts & Humanities). His career in the educational and artistic arenas has been defined by innovation, creative vision, and an entrepreneurial approach to institutional improvement.

Drew Martorella (Assistant Vice President, Managing Director) was formerly the Executive Director of UCCS Presents at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS). There he was responsible for building support for arts and fostering community engagement through the operation of the Ent Center for the Arts and its programs including the Artists Series; Theatreworks, the region’s premiere professional theater; the Galleries of Contemporary Art, and the University Center and Event Services. He was a 2013 recipient of CU’s prestigious Thomas Jefferson Award and was the 2019 recipient of Drew University’s Alumni Arts Award. Prior to becoming an administrator, Martorella was a professional production manager and stage manager working for regional theatres across America including the New Jersey Shakespeare Festival, New Mexico Repertory Theatre and the Mark Taper Forum. He received his M.P.A. in Non-Profit Management from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and a B.A. in Theatre from Drew University in Madison, N.J.

Kim Martin (General Manager/Producer) graduated from Point Park University in 1987 where she received a B.A. in Fine, Applied and Performing Arts and graduated again in 2016 with an M.B.A. in Sports, Arts & Entertainment Management. She remained involved with the University since her undergrad and returned in 1999 as Production Stage Manager for The REP, where she also created and developed the Stage Management Program. In 2013, she was promoted to Director of Production at the Pittsburgh Playhouse and in 2016 became Producing Director. In addition, Kim has directed, acted in, produced and stage-managed over 400 productions. Some favorites over the years include: Playboy of the Western World, The Devil Inside, Becky’s New Car, The Lonesome West, Mojo, Killer Joe, The Birthday Party, Glengarry Glen Ross, Guys & Dolls, Drinking in America, Deathtrap, The Dumb Waiter, Annie, La Ronde, and Three Sisters.

Antonio Colaruotolo (Associate Producer) is originally from Italy, and studied lighting design and video production at the New University of Cinema and Television in the Cinecittà film studios in Rome. Antonio has designed and worked for various video productions for the Italian National Public TV (RAI), specifically in the documentary and news department. He never missed an opportunity to work in the special effects department and created video effect for short films. Thanks to lighting knowledge, he worked as lighting director and video editor for video commercials and music videos. For the Pittsburgh Playhouse he has designed the video projections for: Pippin, Bound in Before, Much Ado About Nothing and The History Boys. Antonio’s video design productions include: Florencia en el Amazonas (Opera Steamboat Spring Colorado) Don Giovanni (Undercroft Opera), Oceano Mare, Mentre Piango Rido and Il Paese Dei Giganti (Teatro K.O. - Italy). As lighting designer Antonio had the pleasure to design for the CSA Performance Series by the New Hazlett Theater, Pittsburgh Playhouse, Quantum Theater, PICT, Bricolage Production Company, Carnegie Stage, Youngstown State University, Slippery Rock University, Carnegie Mellon University and Steamboat Opera. For more information visit lightingbyantonio.com.

Dave Solomon (Creator/Director) - Broadway (as Associate Director): Tootsie, Side Show, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, 9 to 5, Pal Joey, Sunday in the Park with George, The Ritz, Curtains. Film/TV: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (2017), Mr. Holmes, “A Christmas Story Live” (also associate producer). Other Broadway credits include: Assassins, Laugh Whore. Directing credits include: the pandemic- halted world premiere of Pump Up the Volume for Pittsburgh Playhouse (as well as workshops and concerts of the musical for MSU, Joe’s Pub/Public Theater and Sheridan College/Canadian Music Theatre Project), The Dodgers (with Corbin Bleu, Eric Nelsen and Emma Hunton), Same Time, Next Year (with John Bolton and Eve Plumb), Marrying Meg (NYMF), You’re Gonna Hate This (with Michael Holland and Lindsay Mendez). Film credits include the award-winning short films: Photo Op (starring Randy Harrison, Aaron Lazar, Hannah Bos and Lucas Steele) and Cavan. As writer: Margaret and Craig (NYSAF and The New Group/New Works festival with Mario Cantone and Marin Ireland, Sheryl Kaller, dir.), Havana (NCL, Warren Carlyle, dir./choreo.), Ars Nova. Regional: La Jolla Playhouse, Kennedy Center, CTG/Ahmanson, Goodspeed, Two River Theater. He has been a resident artist at SPACE on Ryder Farm and is represented by WME. Member of SDC. Graduate of Vassar College.

Adam Gwon (Lyricist/Composer) is a composer and lyricist whose musicals have been produced on six continents, in more than half-a-dozen languages. Off-Broadway: Scotland, PA (Roundabout Theatre - Drama Desk nomination, NYT Critic’s Pick), Ordinary Days (Roundabout Theatre, Keen Company revival - Drama League Award nomination), Old Jews Telling Jokes (Westside Theatre, NYT Critic’s Pick); Regional: String (Village Theatre), Cake Off (Signature Theatre - Helen Hayes Award nomination, Bucks County Playhouse), Cloudlands (South Coast Rep), The Boy Detective Fails (Signature Theatre), Bernice Bobs Her Hair (Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma); West End: Ordinary Days (Trafalgar Studios). His songs have been heard at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and more, performed by such luminaries as Audra McDonald, Kelli O’Hara, and Brian d’Arcy James. Honors include the Kleban, Ebb, Loewe, and Richard Rodgers Awards, Second Stage Theatre's Donna Perret Rosen Award, Weston Playhouse New Musical Award, ASCAP Harold Adamson Award, and MAC John Wallowitch Award. Recordings include: Ordinary Days (Ghostlight Records), Audra McDonald's Go Back Home (Nonesuch), The Essential Liz Callaway (Working Girl Records), Over the Moon: The Broadway Lullaby Album. Adam has been a fellow at MacDowell, the Hermitage Artist Retreat, the O’Neill Music Theater Conference, and the Dramatists Guild.

Camille Villalpando Rolla (Music Director) is happy to be exploring new ways to collaborate and share stories during this decidedly NOT ordinary time in our lives. Other Point Park productions include Sunday in the Park…, Kiss Me Kate, The Light in the Piazza, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. She spent five seasons at Tuacahn Center for the Arts in Utah serving as musical director for several regional premieres including Disney's Mary Poppins, Tarzan and The Little Mermaid, Starlight Express and a pre-Broadway run of Disney's Aladdin. Camille spent four years as resident musical director at Pittsburgh Musical Theater and six summers as musical director at West Virginia Public Theatre. Other regional credits include Mary Poppins and Les Miserables (Red Mountain Theatre Co., AL), Disney’s High School Musical (Swine Palace, LA), Die Hard N’At (Bricolage), The Fantasticks (Mt. Washington Valley Playhouse, NH) and Menopause, the Musical in Atlantic City, NJ. Touring credits include The Music Man, Funny Girl, Crazy for You and Hello Dolly, and most recently the Celebrate America Tour with the Wheeling Symphony. Her hands made their television debut in Legends of the Haunted Lighthouses for the Learning Channel.

Jason Ardizzone-West (Creator/Production Designer) is an Emmy award-winning set designer & production designer based in New York. Recent projects include Blue Man Group (National Tour), Jesus Christ Superstar (NBC), Bliss (5th Ave Theatre), School Girls, Or The African Mean Girls (Berkely Rep), Once On This Island (Cincy Playhouse / Actor’s Theatre of Louisville), Dermot Kennedy (World Tour), Lana Del Rey (Arena Tour), Uncle Vanya (Old Globe Theater / Hunter Theatre Project), Good Grief (The Vineyard Theatre), Native Gardens (The Cleveland Playhouse), Circus - Wandering City, Ethel String Quartet (BAM Next Wave Festival), Next To Normal (Tantrum Theatre), The Michaels, Illyria, The Gabriels (The Public Theater), Bullets Over Broadway (National Tour), Adele Live In NYC (Radio City Music Hall, w/ Es Devlin). Jason received a Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University, College of Architecture, Art & Planning, a Master of Fine Arts from New York University, Department of Design for Stage & Film, and is a member of USA 829.

Pei-Chi Su (Costume Designer) is delighted to be part of the team, stretching the practice of live performance further during this pandemic. Pei-Chi is a designer who has a diverse background blending experiences in costume design, wearable arts and art education. Her works have been seen across the United States, Turkey, Germany, Ireland, Korea and Taiwan with over 120 productions and counting. Her recent collaborations include Tiffany Mills’ new work Not Then, Not Now at the Flea Theatre (NYC), Amber Sloan’s new work On the Edge of Normal at Joe’s Pub at the Public (NYC), David Parker’s new work Mouthful of Shoes at the Danspace, Hong-Zhang Zhu’s a Chinese adaptation of Uncle Vanya at TNUA Performing Arts Center (Taiwan). Christopher Rawson (Pittsburgh Post- Gazette) well described her design style as “…enhance imagination with careful minimalism…”. Pei-Chi holds an M.F.A. degree from the School of Drama at Carnegie Mellon University, and she is an Associate Professor and the Director of Costume Design at Hofstra University.

Cat Wilson (Lighting Designer) is proud to be the Assistant Professor of Lighting Design at Point Park University. She is also an active freelance lighting and projection designer. Regional credits include shows with City Theatre Company in Pittsburgh, Goodman Theatre, Drury Lane Theater, and Timeline Theatre in Chicago, and many other companies around the country. She is so proud of her students at Point Park. Member of USA 829. www.catwilsondesigns.com.

Buzz Miller (Director of Photography) After more than a decade concentrating on projection design and integration for live theater, Buzz was excited to get back to working with cameras to shoot Ordinary Days. He has collaborated throughout the Pittsburgh theatrical community, working with Attack Theatre, PICT Classic Theatre, and Quantum Theatre. His most notable collaborations have been with Squonk Opera. Together they created several touring shows, including (Put Your Hometown’s Name Here): The Opera, which premiered as Pittsburgh: The Opera in 2006 and was adapted for more than two dozen U.S. cities. It was even tailored to open the Busan International Performing Arts Festival in Busan, South Korea. In addition, Buzz collaborated with Squonk Opera to create the outdoor multimedia spectacle Astro-rama and the more intimate Mayhem & Majesty. Excerpts from these shows were adapted for Squonk Opera's national television debut in America's Got Talent. From 2011 to 2016, Buzz served as the video technologist in Carnegie Mellon’s School of Drama, helping to establish their Video & Media Design program. In that role, he helped numerous students realize and implement their video designs for the theater. Buzz joined the Playhouse in 2018 to help open the new downtown facility and serves as the Theatrical AV & IT Manager.

Michael Palumbo (Video Engineer/Programmer) is a senior majoring in technical design and management, concentrating in lighting and audio/visual, and is thrilled to be working on this production. Past credits include: Pittsburgh Playhouse Conservatory’s productions of 42nd Street (Spot Operator), Coram Boy (Light Board Operator), Sunday in the Park with George (Assistant Lighting Designer), Pippin (Assistant Video Engineer/Video Director), River Front Theatre Company’s productions of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (Light Board Operator), and The Last 5 Years, (Lighting Designer and Board Operator). Michael would like to thank all of his friends and family for taking the time and supporting him.

Anna Hanson (Assistant Director) is so excited for everyone to see this virtual performance of Ordinary Days. She would like to dedicate every single performance to her pet hermit crab and life partner, Taco. Shout out to Zoom for having no delays and always working perfectly in rehearsals, you are truly the unsung hero of this show! @a.hanson1

Joe Borsch (Associate Lighting Designer) is a sophomore in the theatre production program at Point Park University with an emphasis in lighting design. He most recently co-designed Student Choreography Project, a dance show at Point Park. He is excited to be a part of this new era of theatre and discover the design potential found in a virtual theatrical space. He would like to thank Cat Wilson, Professor of Lighting Design, for being an excellent mentor in the production program. Additionally, he would also like to thank Jeff Sherman, Pittsburgh Playhouse Master Electrician, for his time and dedication to this project.

Leo Basinger (Assistant Scenic Designer) is a junior theatre production major at Point Park. He is thrilled to be working on this virtual season and would like to thank his friends for their support.

Matt Gibala (Project Carpenter) is a theatre tech design & management major. He’s a sophomore and a transfer student from CCAC. He plays for the Varsity Rocket League team.

Gabby Colwell (Stage Manager) is a senior stage management major, graduating in December. This is her third stage management position at Point Park University. Previous credits include Company Manager/Stage Manager for RWS Entertainment Group, Stage Manager for the One Acts Festival Fall 2019, ASM for Sunday in the Park with George, and Stage Manager for Brittney Chantele’s A Fire on Venus at the New Hazlett. She would like to thank all of those involved on the production for putting this amazing show together, especially Dave, Camille, Adam, Anna, Hannah and Jaylin.

Hannah Gross (Assistant Stage Manager) is a sophomore stage management major and is stoked to be part of such an innovative creative process for her first Point Park production. She wants to thank Gabby and Jaylin for steering her through this, albeit somewhat new to them too, and thank you to Dave, Camille, and Adam for this lovely piece of art. Black Lives Matter.

James Ogden II (Production Manager) received his B.F.A. in Theatre Arts from Point Park University in 2012. James joined Actors’ Equity Association in 2011 and has remained a proud member since. James spent several years working with Charlotte Ballet, taking on positions from Stage Manager to Director of Artistic Operations. He traveled to China, Russia, Italy, and Turkey as the Production Supervisor for Martha Graham Dance Company. Most recently, James held the role of Production Director for Alonzo King LINES Ballet, traveling frequently to France, Germany, and Spain. Throughout his career, James also freelanced with the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater, Pittsburgh Playwrights, Elisa Monte Dance, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet. He is excited to be back in Pittsburgh and working with the company that cultivated his career.

ADDITIONAL PRODUCTION STAFF

Video Engineer/Programmer Michael Palumbo Assistant Director Anna Hanson Associate Lighting Designer Joe Borsch Assistant Scenic Designer Leo Basinger Props Master Katie Mikula-Wineman Assistant Stage Managers Hannah Gross Jaylin Minor Maureen Penko Kenni Stokley Stage Manager Mentor Melanie Holcomb Audio Engineer Gillian Lawrence Light Board Operator Theodore Lau Project Carpenter Matthew Gibala Scenic Painter Nina Stumpf Technical Director James Dworek Costume Shop Manager Michael Montgomery Playhouse Master Electrician Jeff Sherman Sound Engineer Steve Shapiro

COPA Chair April Daras Department Chair Aaron Bollinger Company Manager Barbara Houston Box Office Manager Brandon Dujmic Events Coordinator Katie Colwell COPA Faculty Stephanie Mayer-Staley Marketing Consultant Chris Ann Hays