Review: Fox Theatre Presents Astounding Production of NEXT TO NORMAL

Last year the Pulitzer prize-winning play August: Osage County absolutely lit up the Fox Theatre, going down in my memory as one of the finest productions I'd ever had the pleasure to have seen, and this year the Pulitzer prize-winning musical next to normal arrives with similar high expectations and critical acclaim and, I'm happy to report, doesn't disappoint. At a time when the safe bet seems to be simply plucking a comedy from Hollywood's recent past and reworking it for the stage, it's refreshing to see an original work that actually addresses a real life issue, which in this case is mental illness and the devastating effect it can have on individuals and their families. next to normal is a phenomenal show that's gripping from beginning to end, and the current production playing the Fox Theatre is required viewing for any fan of modern musical theatre.

Husband and wife Dan and Diana, along with their teenage daughter Natalie, seem like your average American family, but things are more than a bit askew beneath the surface. Diana is bi-polar, and has experienced a sudden break with reality that's sent her careening toward a nervous breakdown. Dan, having been down these paths before with Diana, is quick to take her to a physician for another round of pharmacological roulette. But when the pills produce conditions worse than the symptoms, they began to look into other options. In the meantime, the rapidly maturing Natalie is finding it increasingly difficult to cope with her absentee mother, whose attention is instead drawn to a grown up visage of the son she lost before Natalie was even born. And, just as in real life, things get even messier as they search for some kind of relief from the madness that's engulfed them.

On the night I attended, Alice Ripley's understudy, Pearl Sun, assumed the role of Diana. And though I may have been initially disappointed at the missed opportunity of seeing the Tony award-winning actress recreate her success on Broadway, I can honestly say that the role was in very capable hands on this occasion. Sun performed admirably in Ripley's absence, and though some of the dramatic electricity may have been missing, this was clear evidence that this work can stand on its own.

Asa Somers is strong as Dan, conflicted by the choices he's asked to make in order to see that his wife is receiving the proper care and treatment, and completely oblivious to the fact that he's in his own state of denial. Emma Hunton is terrific as his headstrong daughter Natalie, who worries herself if she will someday inherit her mother's instability. Preston Sadleir is warm and sympathetic as Henry, a young stoner who falls for Natalie. Curt Hansen makes a vivid impression as Dan and Diana's grown son Gabe, and Jeremy Kushnier is excellent as the pill pushing Dr. Fine and Dr. Madden, who suggests ECT to clear out some of Diana's more painful memories.

Tom Kitt's music is a catchy and tuneful blast, conjuring up allusions to dozens of other songs and styles, while retaining a true sense of originality and maintaining musical continuity. From the ringing power chord of the opening "Prelude", which immediately brings to mind The Who's "Pinball Wizard" from Tommy, to the hopeful closing harmonies of "Light", this is a brilliantly conceived score. Brian Yorkey's book and lyrics drip with a dark, sarcastic wit that permeates the entire production, lightening the heavy subject matter without completely diluting it.

Michael Grief's sharp and smart direction is superbly executed by a talented and intense cast and crew. Mark Wendland's tri-level, industrial scenic design neatly houses the band and the actors, allowing for multiple sightlines and seamless transitions between scenes and musical numbers. The lighting by Kevin Adams is properly atmospheric and flashy when called upon, and Jeff Mahshie's costumes are perfect fits for each of the characters. Sergio Trujillo's choreography complements the action particularly well, but rarely draws attention to itself, allowing the story to flow without unnecessary interruptions.

This astoundingly engaging and touching production of next to normal continues through April 24, 2011 at the Fox Theatre.

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