Photo Flash: Yes, and ... Productions Kicks Off LA Premiere of ORDINARY DAYS

Yes, And … Productions, led by Helen H. Ota and Michael C. Palma, presents the Los Angeles premiere of the musical Ordinary Days by Adam Gwon at the Imagined Life Theater now through June 10, 2012. See photos from the production, which opened last night, May 26, below!

When Deb loses her most precious possession – the notes to her graduate thesis – she unwittingly starts a chain of events that turns the ordinary days of four New Yorkers into something extraordinary. Told through a series of intricately connected songs and vignettes, Ordinary Days is an original musical about growing up and enjoying the view.

“What struck us most about Ordinary Days is the simplicity of the story, coupled with the beautifully written music and lyrics that the composer, Adam Gwon was able to create and weave for the audiences. We knew after seeing the show at South Coast Repertory in 2010 that Ordinary Days was going to be the next project for Yes, And ... Productions,” said Ota.

“In the musical, the four characters ask themselves, ‘What am I doing here?’ It is something that everyone at some point has had to ask themselves – what is your purpose, goals, or reason for being? The journey they embark on is so universal,” added Palma.

Ota and Palma play “Claire” and “Jason,” respectively, in the musical. Ota’s credits include Ching Chong Chinaman (Artists at Play) and she is the Artistic Director of COLD TOFU Improv. Palma’s Credits include Imelda: A New Musical (East West Players) and he is a performing member of COLD TOFU Improv.

Julia Cho as “Deb” and Scott Keiji Takeda as “Warren” round out the cast. Cho’s credits include Ching Chong Chinaman (Artists at Play) and the feature film Larry Crowne starring Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts. Takeda’s credits include Mysterious Skin (East West Players) and Ching Chong Chinaman (Artists at Play).

Directing Ordinary Days is Peter J. Kuo. Theatre credits include Ching Chong Chinaman, Song for a New World, Letters to a Student Revolutionary, Bat Boy: The Musical, La Llorona Llora and The Sound of a Voice.

The musical director is Lisa Joe. She has musical directed at East West Players, Brentwood Theater Company, Los AngeLes Children's Museum, West Coast Ensemble and The Grateful Crane Ensemble.

Other members of the creative team include Set Designer Chika Shimizu, Costume Designer Rachel Stivers, Lighting Designer Christopher Singleton, Sound Designer Mark Johnson, Property Master Arturo Betanzos and Stage Manager Sandy Fury.

Ordinary Days runs now through June 10, 2012 with performances Friday & Saturday at 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm. Tickets are $35 for Opening Night, $25 General and $20 for Seniors, Students and Groups 10+. Special $18 previews are on May 24-25 at 8 pm. Imagined Life Theater, 5615 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019. To purchase tickets click here.

Yes, And … Productions was founded in 2009 with the mission of presenting musicals featuring Asian American actors. Their inaugural show was Songs for a New World by Jason Robert Brown, also directed by Peter Kuo.

For more information, visit www.YesAndProductions.blogspot.com.

Photo Credit: Keri Kaba-Dien