Next to Normal stands out for the fact that its subject matter is challenging and under-serviced, certainly in musical theatre form. It demands that the acting from the performers is as good, if not better, than the singing requirements. The cast here deliver in spades with a potent mix of excellent songs, a great score, and a fully formed narrative arc for its central character that is as harrowing as it is gut wrenching. It is clear why this is one of only a few musicals to have won a Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Horwood, Alyce, Beck & Cormick Gary Marsh Photography |
Medical treatment for bipolar comes under the microscope as the suburban housewife is forced to suffer varying forms of medication and procedures that take away her fundamental essence; her sense of who she is, good and bad. It also fails to address the possible underlying cause of her mental state as some memories cannot be erased by modern medicine no matter how invasive and powerful. You can only feel but empathy for the character as the writing and Beck's performance is first rate.
Diana's condition impacts those closest to her - husband Dan (Brendan Hanson), daughter Natalie (Shannen Alyce), and son Gabe (James Bell). Natalie has a new boyfriend, the stoner Henry (Joel Horwood), while Diana is being treated by Drs. Madden and Fine (both played by Michael Cormick). A total cast of only six and what a cast it is. Acting and vocal talent across the board is exceptional with everyone given their moment to shine.
Hanson has perhaps the most difficult role - Dan is described by Diana as stolid, steadfast, solid and stoic. In the early going his was the one character in danger of verging into caricature. But as the show progressed and Dan is forced to make increasingly difficult decisions regarding his wife that smoothed itself out until Hanson delivers a devastating punctuation point (I Am the One - Reprise) in the aftermath of Diana's final choice.
Shannen Alyce & Joel Horwood Gary Marsh Photography |
Cormick is memorable as especially Dr. Madden when Diana's fantasies are occasionally brought to life with a shot of rock 'n' roll style voltage. He has a powerful voice and an authoritative stage presence that matches Beck blow for blow as they duel both in acting sequences and numbers such as Didn't I See This Movie? with ECT looming.
The other standout for me though was James Bell as Gabe. It's the relationship between Diana and Gabe that is the heartbeat of this piece and Bell is simply electrifying. Gabe's presence carries so much emotional heft and Bell attacks the role with such energy that his impact is undeniable. Another tremendous vocal talent, his performance and its ramifications are pivotal to making this fly.
There IS an orchestra pit! Gary Marsh Photography |
Musical highlights abound but special mention to I Dreamed A Dance and How Could I Ever Forget?, two stunning sequences that fuse lyrics, music, direction and performance for maximum emotional impact. Only one criticism - given the quality of the songs it was disappointing they were not listed in the programme; an all too often and baffling omission for musicals.
Hanson, Bell, Horwood, Beck & Alyce Gary Marsh Photography |
Scene transitions were slick as the revolves ensured the pace never flagged. Lighting design by Trent Suidgeest was evocative and well judged while the sound design by Ben Collins was the best I've heard at this venue; the only minor quibble being that Hanson's microphone volume was noticeably lower in the early scenes but this was soon corrected.
This is an excellent production with everybody at the top of their game, on stage, in the orchestra pit and behind the scenes. Directed by Adam Mitchell with Music by Tom Kitt, Book and Lyrics by Brian Yorkey, Musical Direction by David Young and starring Shannen Alyce, Rachael Beck, James Bell, Michael Cormick, Brendan Hanson and Joel Horwood; with Young on Keyboards, Michael Perkins (Drums/Percussion), Shane Pooley (Bass), Andrew Weir (Guitar), Brian Kruger (Violin) and Laura McGorgan (Cello), Next to Normal is a must see and is on at the State Theatre Centre until 22 November.
I incorrectly stated that both Shannen Alyce and Joel Horwood were 2014 WAAPA Musical Theatre graduates. Horwood actually graduated from the Acting class.
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