By JEFF SPENCER

Special to the Journal

We are all painfully aware of the challenges of the past year and a half. Between the isolation of quarantine and the uncertainty of when things might return to normal, the immediate future has been up in there air.

Imagine, then, graduating from college with a degree in the performing arts, ready to launch your career, only to have that moment be smack-dab in the middle of a pandemic when all the theatres are closed. What then? It’s hard enough to dip your toe in the professional world, but to do so while limited by a topsy-turvy world is harder still.

This year, Lake Superior Theatre took some tentative steps back into live theatre. Small-cast shows and outdoor events are welcoming Yoopers back to the beloved venue.

This week, some of those newly-minted theatre professionals are bringing to the stage an apt musical by Adam Gwon called “Ordinary Days.” The sung-through show follows four young people trying to find themselves and their purpose in New York City.

Mirroring the steps we are all taking now in getting back into the swing of things, the four pick their way through the city and their interactions in an effort to find meaning and happiness. Kind of the perfect show to do right now, don’t you think?

Co-directed by cast members Sophie Shahbazi and Robert Smedman, they are joined on stage by Lilith Kontos and LST newcomer Doran Berger. The nature of a show like this is that it gives each character moments on their own, as well as duets and ensemble pieces.

Each of these young talents shines. Clear, powerful voices are the watchword here, and it is a pure delight to let their singing wash over you.

The heartache and uncertainty of their young lives really come through, and each actor brings something unique to the proceedings.

A lot of musicals of the “young people in the city” genre can be lost in the crowd, but it’s the performances that elevate the material to new heights. From Smedman’s very hopeful opening song, to Shahbazi’s soaring vocals on “Let Things Go,” to Berger’s gorgeous “Favorite Places,” to Kontos’ powerful voice and many humorous turns (most of my belly laughs were from her), these performances were a delight to be a part of.

With the support of the stalwart LST team of Jeff Bruning on piano, Jim Pennell’s light design and Dan Zeni’s sound, Shahbazi and Smedman did a lovely job of putting the show together. It has a real “hey kids, my dad’s got a barn, let’s put on a show!” vibe, but the kids in this case are budding professionals.

There were some very pretty tableaus set up for the ensemble numbers, which worked well in the space.

“Ordinary Days” runs at 7:30 nightly through Friday at the Frazier boathouse, and runs just shy of an hour and a half with no intermission.

Tickets are available through the Northern Michigan University Ticket office.

Editor’s note: Jeff Spencer is a local actor and director.