Let’s go to the theatre. We are going to see a play about a
woman with a manic depressive personality, how she and her family
cope
– and it’s a musical! Huh?
Let’s go to the theatre. We are going to see a play about a woman with a manic depressive personality, how she and her family cope – and it’s a musical! Huh?
Fasten your seat belts. This is a stunning, multi-faceted look into a little understood subject and – oh yes – it’s a contemporary, rock musical. The plot takes us into a dark, insidious disease, and those who have not experienced or been exposed to it will come away with a new understanding.
For the most part – amazingly enough – it is not depressing and it is even humorous at times, with a cast that is the ultimate in their field. Alice Ripley – in the role that won her the 2009 Tony Award for best actress in this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning musical – proves she is in a master class.
Director Michael Greif, best known for directing “Rent”, keeps the mood and does not let the momentum of any moment stray.
The music can be jarring, but always fits the moment. The sets by Mark Wendland are unique and ingenious, melding the orchestra with the action on stage. Light design by Kevin Adams is on the mark and never misses the intricate cues.
For a memorable evening of fine performances and drama, “Next to Normal” will more than satisfy the theatre aficionado.
***
‘Next To Normal’
Where: Curran Theatre, 445 Geary St., San Francisco
Through: Feb. 20
Tickets: $33-$99
Details: (415) 551-2000 or visit www.shnsf.com.
