Next to Normal has been called one of the best musicals of the 21st century. The award-winning rock musical centers on a mother struggling with bipolar disorder and the effects that her illness has on her family. The show won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It was nominated for 11 Tony awards in 2009, it won three (including one for Armonk native and Byram Hills High School graduate, Tom Kitt who wrote the music). Book & Lyrics are by Brian Yorkey.
A play about depression may not seem like an uplifting night at the theatre, but The Theatre Barn’s compelling production delivers a dose of laughs, dramatic tension, and up-tempo songs. Thought-provoking themes such as family, loyalty, sanity, and relationships are explored. We meet a family dealing with mental illness from several perspectives: those suffering from it, those with relatives suffering from it and those who fear they may suffer from it in the future. Most people can relate to one or more of these perspectives, The terrific cast creates empathy from the very start of the show and compels the audience into the uncomfortable position of watching the downward spiral of a woman who could easily be one of them.
This production is a new, fresh and surprising immersive theatrical event. The show is beautifully and skillfully directed by Matt Austin and Jessica Chesbro. The inspired staging brings the characters in among the audience. The movement is choreographed meticulously and the action moves at brisk pace while indulging all the emotionally charged interactions. The wonderfully simple set, also designed by Matt Austin and Jessica Chesbro, offers all sorts of exciting possibilities. As the actors navigate the numerous platforms throughout the theatre, the level of intimacy and direct connection it establishes, seems to transport the audience inside the mind of these characters.
The members of the cast are all very impressive singers with wonderfully clear diction. Not one word of the text was lost, and it seemed that the audience was listening intently to every word. They performed with humanity and profound sincerity.
Diana is played by the extraordinarily talented Marylin Olsen. She delivers a courageous, bold performance that gives us a glimpse of the unbalanced and chaotic universe of someone suffering from bi-polar disorder and depression. Her powerful physicality and facial expressions reflect the sadness and pain. Diana’s husband, Dan, as brilliantly played by Chris Fay, shows us the many nuances of despair. While aptly navigating the erratic 16 year marriage to Diana with empathy, He also actively faces the chaos she brings into every moment. His beautiful voice brought a tearful poignancy to “He’s Not Here.”Gabe, the enabler of his mother’s most destructive behavior, is at once angry, rebellious, hurt and defiant. Rob Bassett delivers and commands the stage with a dangerous and volatile energy. His demonic-like second act reprise of the number. “I’m Alive” is especially powerful.As Natalie, who vies for her mother’s attention and, failing over and over, Hannah Rapaglia is fantastic. She embodies Natalie’s vulnerability, and she can certainly belt out a song. I especially loved her rendition of “Superboy and The Invisible Girl.”As Henry, the weed-smoking slacker boyfriend, Marc Costanzo gives a sympathetic portrayal of both a follower in Natalie’s wake, yet someone who manages to show some courage when most needed. Their rapport on stage is remarkable. His beautifully rendered “Perfect For You” was a highlight of the show.Dr. Madden played by the terrific Bill Warncke is the epitome of collected calm, always reasonable and objective. His turn as a the rockstar therapist of Diana’s hallucinations add some lighter moments. His character’s ambiguous nature keeps us questioning how effective a clinician he actually is.
Lighting Design by Mark Hankla and Sound Design by Jay Austin were perfectly conceived and executed and added tremendously to the brilliance of the piece.
Kudos to the stellar contributors to this production who include, Sound engineer Ellie Crough, Lighting Operator Addis Engel, Production Managers, Rob Kruzykowski and Craig David Rosen, Stage Managers, Craig David Rosen and Addis Engel, Props/costume coordinator, Craig David Rosen and Set construction, Craig Schiller.
Don’t Miss this astounding production! A powerful musical shedding light on the medical ethics of clinical treatment, the possibility of prescription drug abuse, the negative side effects of medication, and the impact of mental illness on an individual’s sense of self-worth and personal identity.
Friday & Saturday evenings @ 8pm; Sunday matinees June 11 & 18 @ 5pm.
Alcohol-Free Evening Performance: Thursday, June 22 at 8pm.
Recommended for Mature Audiences
Cabaret Seating | Bring Food & Drink.
Doors Open 1 Hour Prior to Curtain
Tickets $38/adults | $33/students, veterans, and seniors
The Ridgefield Theatre Barn. 37 Halpin Ln, Ridgefield, CT 06877
Info: 203.431.9850
BoxOffice@RidgefieldTheatreBarn.org