Musical Theatre / Q the Locals/ Ordinary Days. At The Q, Queanbeyan, until September 7.  Reviewed by IAN McLEAN.

This is a terrific show.

From the moment of realisation that the cleverly designed set of moulded together milk crates depicted the New York skyline and that the constantly moved smaller pieces represented apartment rooms and iconic New York buildings, this was a captivating production.

There are just four characters, joined on stage by a centrally placed grand piano, played by musical director Matt Webster, the talented Canberra composer, performer and teacher. His accurate interpretation of the complex and tricky score, together with his empathic, supportive and delicate accompaniment playing immediately stamped this as a high-level, professional production.   That standard was evident in each and every aspect of the show.

Premiered in London in 2008, with a Sydney production following in 2012, this Adam Gwon composed sung-through musical shares a snippet of the lives of four young people in their mid 30s who are seeking the purpose, meaning and significance of their lives. Jason and Claire have decided to move in together rather than travel constantly to see each other. Of course, such a move is not simple, so all the necessary personal sacrifices required to facilitate such a change are suddenly exposed.

The other two characters, Deb and Warren, meet by chance when Deb, a driven graduate student in the process of completing her thesis, loses her notes and they are found by aspiring artist Warren who has found himself, not producing art, but handing out flyers on the streets. His closest association with artistic endeavour is caring for the cat of an imprisoned graffiti painter. The two polar opposites endure numerous misadventures as they forge an unlikely bond of friendship.

Through clever lyrics and pithy, catchy tunes the stories interweave marvellously. Many of the songs are rapidly paced and the lyrics would surely have been lost had it not been for the excellent diction and powerful projection of the four fine actors. Their work was complemented by an excellently balanced sound design by Telia Jansen.

Besides their outstanding vocal contribution all four performers produced particularly well researched and interpreted portrayals of their complex individual characters. Joel Horwood as Warren won hearts with his naive natured, but warm hearted and positive outlook on life, while the comic timing of the multi-layered and quirky Deb (Vanessa Valois) was a delight throughout. Both individually and in partnership, Jason (Grant Pegg) and Claire (Kelly Roberts) displayed a special warmth and understanding as they tackled their journey of discovery with pathos, passion and compassion.

Director Chris Zuber cleverly permitted the actors individual freedom for the depth of all characters to be fully realised while ensuring that, as an ensemble, cohesion was always evident. The dimly lit and atmospheric lighting further enhanced the production.

Excellent singing, totally convincing acting, brilliant playing, a simple but cleverly designed and utilised set, appropriate mood lighting and tight direction of an absorbing and realistic story of our times: the ingredients for a most enjoyable night at the theatre. Highly recommended!