Let’s go to the theatre. We’re going to see a play about a woman with a manic-depressive personality and how she and her family cope, and it’s a pop-rock musical! Huh?
Fasten your seat belts. This stunning offering is a multifaceted look at a little understood subject and – oh yes – as I said, it’s a contemporary, rock musical.
The plot takes us into the depths of a dark, insidious disease and gives some perceptive so those who have not experienced or been exposed to it come away with a new understanding. Amazingly enough, it is – for the most part – not depressing and at times humorous and heart-wrenching, with a cast that is the ultimate in their field.
The riveting Kendra Kassebaum plays the role of Diana in this Pulitzer Prize winning musical. She is a master in theatre and vocalization.
Joe Cassidy as Diana’s loving, supportive husband, Andrea Ross as her neglected daughter, Natalie, Jonathan Shaw as Gabe, and A.J. Holmes as Natalie’s interest, bring in strong performances and add strength to the sensitive and frenzied story with their performances and resilient voices.
Director David Ira Goldstein – best known for his fine direction of San Jose Rep’s “The Kite Runner” – keeps the mood and does not let the momentum of any moment stray.
“Next To Normal” won lyricist Brian Yorkey the 2009 Tony Award for Best Score, and Tom Kitt two Tony’s for Best New Score and Best Orchestration. Both won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize in Drama for “Next To Normal” – rare for a musical.
The sets by John Ezell are unique and ingenious, melding the orchestra within the action on stage. Light and projection design by David Lee Cuthbert are on the mark and never miss the intricate cues.
For a memorable evening of fine performances and drama, “Next to Normal” will more than satisfy the theatre aficionado.
