“Next to Normal”

[rating=5] Over the years, I have seen many productions of the same show, and as I have always stated “Each production is like seeing a new one”! Every director, every cast, and every set makes the show seem different and of course, the interpretation can change the entire character of the production. When I first witnessed “Next to Normal” with a book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt, I was anxious to see how a musical could be created that would touch people dealing with mental problems. This  play is now ten years old, and seeing the current production at The Writers Theatre is my fifth time of seeing it, and I am still seeing its brilliance, just as I did in 2009.

This is a pure “chamber piece”. Six actors fill the stage in Glencoe and in this production, under the direction of David Cromer, audiences are treated to a superb interpretation of the story. Ah, yes, the story. The story is about a family, the Goodman’s. Dan Goodman ( David Schlumpf is powerful in this role) and his wife, Diana ( played to sheer perfection by Keely Vasquez) , their daughter Natalie (deftly handled by Kyrie Courter) and their son, Gabe ( brought to life by newcomer Liam Oh, who I am sure will become a regular name in our theater community-what a talent). A perfect American family in their perfect suburban home, living the American Dream.

But what we see is not always what we get. They are anything but normal. In fact, later in the play, Natalie says to her mother, she would be happy if they were “next to normal”, explaining the title of the play with music. Turns out Diana is bi-polar and what we see is not reality, but what she sees. I prefer not to give away the story, but the thrust of the story is to explore the family and its trauma but with music and even some humor. There is a young man in Natalie’s life as well. His name is Henry ( Alex Levy, another newcomer to Writers) who seems to be the wrong guy for her, but ends up being a solid influence in her life. One that she needs.

The story shows Diana meeting with her doctors ( all played by Gabriel Ruiz, who surprisingly shows that he can sing as well as act. Could he be a “triple threat” performer?), and does the pharmacy change game until she finaly goes to electroshock to get a new start on life. Here is where much changes in the paths of all of these characters lives as they search for their “new beginnings”.

This is far from the typical musical , but rather a great story told with the help of music and lyrics that propel the story and give us depth in each of the characters.While the songs are far from “hummable” they are poignant and probably 80% of the play is performed through the music. Songs of note, “Just Another Day”, “You Don’t Know”, “I’m Alive”, “It’s Gonna Be Good”, “Make Up Your Mind”, “Catch Me, I’m Falling”, “Maybe (Next To Normal)” and many more. Just reading this list draws you into the story and the performances of this cast complete the picture to perfection. Thank you Writers Theatre for bringing this production to your stage and for bringing Cromer’s mind to this special production.

By the way, the music direction by Andrea Velis Simon is terrific, the set design by Regina Garcia is amazing and the lighting (Keith Parham) and sound (Christopher M. LapPorte and Ray Nardelli) are perfect. Rachel Watson’s props and Rachel Anne Healy’s costumes add to the technical aspects of this “must see” production and the choreography by Eamon Floey, again, adds to the flow of the story-telling that David Cromer brings to Writers. This is a masterpiece that you will WANT to see. In particular, if you have anyone in your life who might be “bi-polar” or suffering any mental problems.

“Next to Normal” will continue at Writers Theatre thru June 23rd with performances as follows:

Tuesdays  7:30 p.m.

Wednesdays  7:30 p.m.  (May 29th and June 12th also a 3 p.m. performance)

Thursdays  7:30 p.m.

Fridays  7:30 p.m.

Saturdays 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Sundays  2 p.m. and 6 p.m.   (no evening on 6/2 and 6/16)

Tickets range from $35- $80 and can be purchased at the box office located in the theater at 325 Tudor Court in Glencoe, by calling 847-242-6000 or online at www.writerstheatre.org

Plenty of free parking in and around the theater and the train is just a half-block from the building.

Run time: two hours-fifteen minutes ( includes 15 minute intermission)

Audience Engagement

Sunday June 2nd at 11:30 Sunday Spotlight- learn about theater

Every Tuesday post conversations- The Word

Wednesday post conversations- The Artists

Thursdays PRE-show conversation at 6:45 – up close- learn more about the production

SPECIAL NOTE:

“Next to Normal” will have a special performance on Sunday, June 9th to raise awareness on the topic as part of the Rebecca’s Dream awareness program. This will be a fund -raiser and include a brunch at 11:30 for the 2 p.m. production as well as a post show discussion. Rebecca’s Dream has a mission and that is to change the face of depression and this production fits perfectly with their goal.  Visit www.rebeccasdream.org for more info on this marvelous organization that promotes awareness of depression and bipolar disorder as real diseases.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Next to Normal”