BWW Reviews: New Line Theatre's Powerful Production of NEXT TO NORMAL

I remember seeing Next to Normal at the Fox Theatre a while back and being impressed by the show, especially since so many things that happened to the lead character were/are taking place in my own life. But, New Line Theatre, for me, sets the local standard for musical theatre in our burgeoning arts community, and they've put together a superior staging of the play that hits even closer to the bone, and part of this is due to intimacy of the theatre itself, but a major reason is the fact that it's blocked and staged in a manner that brings the message of the play clearly in focus. New Line Theatre's production of Next to Normal is easily the best show I've seen this year so far. It has a terrific cast, a top notch band which is augmented with strings, and brilliant direction. This is a show you must see, even if it may hit home a little deeply with its subject manner.

Diana is experiencing severe depression. Her husband Dan takes her to see a couple of different doctors for treatment, and the first follows a course of pharmaceuticals (been there, done that), while the second pushes for ECT (been there, done that too) once Diana attempts suicide (we won't go there). Really, none of these options work, although the ECT manages to make her lose her memory of several years of her life, which is not exactly common, but can occur in some cases. She also has a daughter, Natalie, that she's ignored for most of her existence, and who's begun to act out with her stoner boyfriend, Henry. In the end, a tough decision is made, and while it might not seem ideal, it may be the last option open to Diana.

Kimi Short does absolutely phenomenal work as Diana, smoothly embodying this poor soul who's had enough grief to last a lifetime. Short does admirable work vocally as well, and carries the show on her back at times. Jeffrey Wright is terrific as her husband Dan, and neatly plays the conflicting emotions he feels when serious choices have to be made. Wright contributes nicely on vocals as well. Mary Beth Black is amazing as their daughter, Natalie, and conveys her teens angst with a vocal fury that's compelling. Ryan Foizey is Gabe, and he stalks the stage like a caged animal, intruding upon the action, while delivering the goods with his singing talents. Joseph McAnulty is also likable and in fine form as Henry. Zachary Allen Farmer makes his usual vivid impression, and he does exceptional work interpreting the two distinctly different psychiatrists, Dr. Fine and Dr. Madden.

Scott Miller's direction (with the able assistance of Mike Dowdy) is inspired and raises the bar for any other group that attempts to stage a version of this musical. The movement and overall feel of the entire production is one of pure genius. Scott L. Schoonover's scenic design is also very creative, and it adds immensely to the overall mood generated. Amy Kelly's costumes fit the characters well, and Sean Savoie's lighting scheme reacts cleverly to each situation presented. Justin Smolik's musical direction is the cherry on top of this wonderful presentation, and he also conducts and plays piano with an incredibly tight band consisting of: D. Mike Bauer (guitar, electric and acoustic), Ethan Edwards (cello), Nikki Glenn (violin), Dave Hall (stand up bass, electric bass), and Clancy Newell (percussion).

Run out and see New Line Theatre's splendidly mounted production of Next to Normal as soon as you can, it's a definite winner, and it packs an emotional punch. It plays through March 23, 2013.

photo credit: Jill Ritter Lindberg