Review: Meadow Brook Theatre's NEXT TO NORMAL is a Stand-Out Production

Sometimes when a theatre tackles a Broadway show that has recently ended, comparisons to that show make it tough not to compare the two, but that is not the case with Meadow Brook Theatre's production of Next to Normal. Not only did it do the original Broadway show justice with talented cast connecting with the audience emotionally, this production took an award winning show making it their own and standing out because of it.

The first aspect noticed when entering the theatre is that it has a simple, yet strong stage. The band seated in the right hand corner visible in between metal bars that make up the stage and a kitchen table with four chairs sits in the middle a little off center. The overture starts and out walks Diana Goodman played by Stephanie Wahl. The audience then meets her son (Ryan Naimy), daughter (Jessica Naimy), and husband (George Andrew Wolff), which the quartet opens the show with the number "Just Another Day" showing they have what it takes to stand out on their own, yet work very well together as a whole. Soon after, Henry (Jason Cabral) is introduced as tries to woo Diana's daughter Natalie, while Diana tries to gain control of her disease with Dr. Fine/Dr. Madden (Eric Gutman) for the majority of the show.

Wahl is a strong, exuberant, and emotionally charged Diana. She sings with such passion that the audience cannot help but connect with her. While on stage, she commands attention whether she is being strong and resilient or weak and broken. Her rendition of "I Miss the Mountains" is beautifully and emotionally done that it really makes the audience feel Diana's internal struggle with her disease of mental illness.

Jessica Naimy is a force to be reckoned with. Her portrayal of Natalie, the daughter, is honest and raw to perfection that at times it is uncomfortable to be a part of because she is so effective on making the audience feel the strangeness of the life she lives with family. She has a beautiful voice when she sings, both in her solos and numbers with the other cast. "Superboy and he Invisible Girl," the duet between Natalie and Gabe, is a powerful performance. One of the final numbers of the show, the song "Maybe (Next to Normal)" between Wahl and her is one of the most memorable songs of the production both for how perfectly the two sing together and for the emotion that they give off through it.

Wolff plays Dan, the husband who has stood by Diana's side through her mental illness and does a fantastic job the role. He has a determined passion behind every choice he makes on stage from his acting to his singing. The second to last number of the show, "I Am The One (Reprise)" that he sings with his son, Gabe, was so emotional and well done that it brought he audience to tears.

Gutman is very entertaining as Dr. Fine/Dr. Madden and while his not on stage as much as the other cast members, he gives a memorable performance. He has a phenomenal singing voice that can be heard during parts of the show and is definitely something to listen for. He encompasses the entire theatre when he lets loose and belts out with his exquisite voice. Cabral is an endearing Henry who makes the audience root for his relationship with Natalie. His Henry is a mix of awkwardness and cute that perfectly blends with Natalie's personality. He also brings great comedic moments to the show with ease. Ryan Naimy is the son Gabe and does a good job at it. He makes the audience feel like Gabe is everywhere during every moment. As the show goes on and the story unfolds, the audience learns more about him and his stage presence grows even stronger.

Meadow Brook Theatre has done a fabulous production of Next to Normal. Director Travis W. Walter took a well-known show that was nominated for eleven Tony Awards in 2009 and made it his own, yet kept the emotional importance and ideas of the show alive. Every aspect of the show was well thought out from the staging to the set to the costumes. Overall this production of Next to Normal is one to be respected and one to experience for fans of the show and theatre lovers in general.

Next to Normal is currently running now through March 10^th at Meadow Brook Theatre in Rochester. Please be aware that the show does contain mature language and situations that may not be suitable for all ages. For more information or tickets, visit www.mbtheatre.com.

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