**** Highly Recommended The Copley Theatre production of Next to Normal is a beautiful rock musical about a heart-wrenching subject, mental illness and its effect on a family. It is gripping, emotional and beautifully performed (with some of the best voices I’ve heard anywhere). I won’t give away all the plot turns, but be warned, all is not what it seems. I give it 4 Spotlights.
Next to Normal was written by Brian Yorkey, with music by Tom Kitt. After an Off-Broadway Run, in 2009 it moved to Broadway. Next to Normal won three Tony Awards. It also won a Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2010. This production is directed by Paramount Artistic Director Jim Corti with Choreography by Lexie Bailey. Kory Danielson is the Music Director, Celia Villarcres is the Conductor.
Diana (Donna Louden) has a great life with her husband, Dan (Barry DeBois), her 16-year-old, over-achiever daughter, Natalie (Angel Alzeidan), and her curfew-challenged son, Gabe (Jake Ziman), or does she?
Diana exemplifies the perfect wife and mother, except things seem to be just a little off kilter, maybe even a little on the OCD side. She seems to be totally obsessed with some mysterious grief from the past. By the way, every feeling that Donna Louden is trying to convey is reflected in her ever-changing facial expressions – and in the Copley, everyone is close enough to see that face!
During the opening song, Just Another Day, Dan gets up, gets ready for work, while Diana is making sandwiches – except she gets stressed and ends up making sandwiches on the floor. Obviously something is very wrong. Dan helps her up saying they’d better call the doctor. Meanwhile, Natalie leaves for school while Gabe exits the stage without a word.
Diana meets with her doctor (Devin DeSantis) who adjusts her meds, again and again and again. Finally, when she says she can’t feel anything, he says the meds are working. Her family walks on eggshells as she struggles with her bipolar disorder. Eventually a new doctor (DeSantis) advises shock treatments.
Natalie suffers from benign neglect. In fact, she feels invisible. One morning, as she uses the piano in a practice room at school, she meets Henry (Jake DiMaggio Lopez), who is determined to be her friend whether she wants one or not.
Next to Normal is a definite must-see, if for no other reason than to enjoy the gorgeous voices. It’s a sad story – I definitely got teary several times – but the glorious music makes it well worth the trip.
Note: Next to Normal contains mature language, recreational drug use and mental health issues.
Next to Normal runs through September 3rd in the Copley Theatre, North Island Center, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Plenty of street parking is available. Running time is 2 hours, 20 minutes, with an intermission. Performances are Wednesdays at 1:30 & 7:00 pm, Thursdays at 7:00 pm; Fridays at 8:00 pm, Saturdays at 2:00 and 8:00 pm, Sundays at 1:00 and 5:30 pm. Tickets range from $40-$55. FYI (630) 896-6666 or www.paramountaurora.com.