Reviewed by Judy Richter
"Next to Normal" is an unflinching look at
how mental illness affects an entire family, not just the person suffering from
mental illness. The story is related through a rock-infused score by Tom
Kitt and book
and lyrics by Brian Yorkey. It won three 2009 Tony Awards as well as the 2010
Pulitzer Prize for drama. In fact, the story is so potent that it might stand
alone, but the music allows for a fuller expression of emotions.
The
central character is Diana, a wife and mother who has been dealing with her
mental illness for perhaps 16 years. She's portrayed by Alice Ripley, reprising her Tony-winning
performance in a gut-wrenching display of emotions scoured raw. Her
long-suffering, supportive husband, Dan, is played by Asa Somers, who makes him patient, loving
and ever-hopeful despite setback after setback. They're the parents of
16-year-old Natalie (Emma Hunton), who tries to win her parents' love by being an
overachieving student but who has her own setback when she begins
indiscriminately popping her mother's mind-altering pills.
Another
part of the family is Gabe (Curt Hansen), Diana and Dan's son who died before his first
birthday and who would be about 18 if he were still alive. He still lives in
Diana's fantasies, and that's a big part of her problem. Preston Sadleir plays Natalie's 17-year-old
boyfriend, Henry, who starts her on the pathway to drugs. He soon becomes
alarmed at how far she goes along that path, but he remains loyal and loving
toward her. Completing the cast is Jeremy Kushnieras Diana's psychiatrists. The
first Dr. Fine, treats her problem by throwing pills at it. The second, Dr.
Madden, uses a variety of other techniques, including electro-convulsive
therapy -- electrical shocks administered to the brain.
The
three-level set is designed by Mark Wendland with lighting by Kevin Adams. Costumes are by Jeff Mahshie
with sound by Brian
Ronan. Musical
director, conductor and keyboardist Bryan Perri is part of the seven-person orchestra,
which is seated on both sides of the set's upper two levels.
Mental
illness is a heavy duty subject matter for a musical, and the show's
resolution, although hopeful, is not entirely reassuring. Still, the
performances, as directed by Michael Greif, are powerful and the story itself gripping. My
guess is that many families that have coped with mental illness will see a lot
that is familiar and probably painful. Still, the show is a testament to the
need to find better, more effective ways to treat mental illness and to help
all those who confront it on a daily basis.
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