Next to Normal

Ok-so I recently found out about this lovely musical called Next to Normal. For those of you who do know what it is-enjoy my commentary about this wonderful show. For those readers who don't know-I'll explain it. Enjoy!

          Next to Normal (sometimes called N2N by fans) is a rock style musical, written by Yorkey and Kitts-and winner of the much desired Pulitzer Prize. It's a very moving and emotional musical-which deals with very serious subjects such as mental illness and drug use. 

          Warning-Spoilers!

          Diana Goodman has been diagnosed with bipolar depression for the past sixteen years-ever since the death of her eight month old son. But...she doesn't believe that he's dead. How could he be-he's right there! Diana has delusional visions of her son, only now he's all grown up.

          

          This causes some tension between Diana; and her husband Dan and overachieving daughter Natalie. They-along with Diana's psychopharmacologist Dr. Madden-urge her to use ECT (electroshock therapy) to get rid of the visions of her son. Meanwhile-Natalie is feeling sick and tired of being second best to her deceased brother-so she finds comfort in her boyfriend Henry (because after all, he is perfect for her).  I won't spoil the ending-but I have to say-it's very moving.

         My thoughts on Next to Normal? I love it, absolutely adore it. I'd have to say that N2N makes it into my top three musicals-along with Wicked and Rent. It's got...something you rarely see in theatre these days. The subjects that the show discusses aren't things that are usually brought up these days-and I like that.

          And the songs-the songs are just wonderful. I'd never think that I'd like a rock musical-but I do. There's just a thoughtful quality to the lyrics that make the song s beautiful. Some of my favorites are; Superboy and the Invisible Girl, Everything Else; and Who's Crazy/My Psychopharmacologist and I.

        Next to Normal is now being played by the Arizona Theatre company; they are in the process of moving the show to Phoenix. 

          And I'm just really sad that I can't go and see it; Kendra Kassebaum (my favorite Glinda from Wicked and one of my favorite actresses) is playing Diana and I've never seen her live. Why do I have to live on the other side of the continent?