Next To Normal is an intimate exploration of family and loss. At its heart is Diana Goodman, a suburban wife and mother living with bipolar disorder and haunted by her past. Donmar Artistic Director Michael Longhurst directs this powerful rock musical about a far‑from‑average family.
On the larger canvas, director Michael Longhurst allows the weight of betrayal, the exultation of connection and the soaring jubilation of familial happiness to bump into the top of the rafters. The material itself still has shortcomings – its treatment of mental illness feels more slapdash and non-specific than it needs to be (highlighting the musical is already showing its age against the backdrop of a fast-paced subject matter). Even so, it may have been marvellous at the Donmar, but it’s a must-see now.
Next to Normal will have you reaching for the tissues to wipe away the tears, so make sure you have plenty. You will need them. This is an emotional roller coaster on an epic scale that is not to be missed. This show was reviewed on Tuesday 25th June 2024 at the Wyndham’s Theatre, London where it runs until 21st September.
| 2008 | Off-Broadway |
Original Off-Broadway Production Off-Broadway |
| 2009 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
| 2010 | US Tour |
1st National Tour US Tour |
| 2010 | US Tour |
2nd National Tour US Tour |
| 2013 |
Weston Playhouse Production |
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| 2020 | Washington, DC (Regional) |
Kennedy Center Broadway Center Stage Production Washington, DC (Regional) |
| 2024 | West End |
West End |
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