Prior to the performance of “First Day” — the Kitchen Theatre Company’s second main stage show of its season — artistic director Rachel Lampert greets the audience gathered in the intimate Clinton House theater, introducing the show as a “theatrical event unlike any other.”

It’s an intriguing statement that leaves the audience wondering how any show can live up to such high praise. By the end of the performance, whether the play is truly one of a kind, “First Day” proves itself to be a wholly dynamic and an incredible original work that succeeds on all levels.

What makes the show so special, yet so difficult to classify, is the focused approach it takes to the mundane and traumatizing experience of the first day on a new job. The concept is simple, but writer Ted LoRusso — who worked with the play’s director, Sturgis Warner — sets the experience within the mind of Johnny Diamond (Erin Gann), an apprehensive and conflicted loser retreating more and more into his fantasies and neuroses as his day steadily gets worse. All of Johnny’s inner dialogues and conflicts take place over the nearly constant beats and rhythms provided by percussionist Steve Reichlen ’00. Reichlen plays with great energy and personality, setting the atmosphere for the bizarre nature of Johnny’s inner world.

The music fits in perfectly with the exceptional acting by Gann, as well as M.F. Dalto, Jennifer Herzog and Alejandro Rodriguez as Johnny’s subconscious voices. Gann excels at delivering pithy, witty comments about his character’s innermost desires while maintaining a perfectly even expression and tone. That is, until Johnny finally cracks with outbursts in the “real world” of the show, which, in turn, comes out as silent screaming to the audience.

Dalto, Herzog and Rodriguez are conversely emotive representations of feelings in Johnny’s head. Their characters, while different than the monotone demeanor of Gann, are equally necessary to make “First Day” an effective profile of the workings of the subconscious. Dalto embodies the bravado side of Johnny with the right mixture of bombast, idiocy and sluggish charm. Herzog is peppy and logical as the more practical side of Johnny. She also turns on sultry

behavior as the femme fatale of Johnny’s dreams. Rodriguez captures the physicality of the nervous energy Johnny always has.

With stellar acting and percussion work, “First Day” captures what the first day of work feels like. The Kitchen’s performance space adds to the connection between the actors and audience. The intimate environment, expressive acting and energetic choreography help every member of the audience feel as if they are walking and waiting right along with Johnny.

Even the smallest details immerse the audience members into the show, enhancing their understanding of Johnny’s world. Periodic changes in the lighting signal variations in Johnny’s consciousness and geometric lighting patterns also set the stage for his walks through the city. Also, the wardrobe is clean, streamlined and appropriate for characters. The actors’ muted gray clothing is accented with red, which speak to Johnny’s flair of personality in his subconscious.

“First Day” is a superbly cohesive show, expertly put on by the Kitchen Theatre Company. It’s certainly a theater experience unlike any other in Ithaca and should not be missed.

“First Day” runs through Sunday. Tickets can be purchased at the Kitchen Theatre.