Next to Normal

 

I saw "Next to Normal" this weekend, and it is so spectacular, it deserves a blog post. Major, right? YES!

I've heard very much about this musical being a huge Broadway fan. Every review said it's amazing. I've watched members of the cast win award after award for their performances. Some of my friends have seen it multiple times, which is something that only happens with cult shows like "Wicked." So it rightfully shot to the top of the "Shows Alyson needs to see before she dies" list. 

The show started off-Broadway, which its plot line reflects. The plot is too complicated to explain here (and I don't want to give anything away, of course!), but the basic sum is a story revolved around a woman who has bipolar disorder and how it affects her family. Not your typical smiles and sunshine musical, right?! And that's why it's brilliant! The entire cast, which only consists of 6 people, is spectacular. (If Alice Ripley doesn't win the Tony, I will hunt someone down and slap them back into their senses!) And the director, Michael Greif, who also directed "Rent," deserves major snaps for putting together one heck of a show. AND the set! It's so simple but is the perfect accent to the actors and story, rather than overpowering it like many do. OH! The lighting is stunning. It truly reflects the emotion of each scene whether intense or placid. 

I can't say enough great things about this show. You laugh. You cry. You hurt for the characters. You rejoice with them. You walk out of the theater completely moved and excited, which is what live theater should do every time! It is just AMAZING! I was ready to see it again when the actors took their curtain call.

If you are in the NY area for any reason, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE see this show! Even if you don't enjoy musical theater, you will enjoy this. It's not all romance and positive songs and happy endings.  In fact, it's none of those things. You have to see it to understand. SO GO! Now! Did you purchase your tickets yet? What are you waiting for!??!