“Next To Normal” brought lyricist Brian Yorkey the 2009 Tony Award for Best Score and Tom Kitt two Tonys for Best New Score and Best Orchestration. Both won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize in Drama for “Next To Normal”, rare for a musical.
We are going to be introduced to a woman with a manic-depressive personality and how she and her family cope, and it’s a pop-rock musical! Huh?
Well, fasten your seat belts. This is a stunning look into a little understood subject to the general public, and, oh yes, as I said it’s a contemporary, rock musical. The plot takes us into this dark, insidious disease and gives some perceptive that most have not experienced or been exposed to. Amazingly enough the performance for the most part is not depressing and at times is humorous and heart wrenching.
Watching riveting Catherine Brady in the role of Diana in this Pulitzer Prize Award winning musical is like walking on a tight rope of an experience in fine theatre and vocalization brought to life.
Aaron Weisberg (as Diana’s loving supportive husband) with Callie Camacho-Light (as her neglected daughter Natalie), Zack Goller (as Gabe her son) with Anthony Stephens (as Natalie’s interest Henry) and Tyler Savin (as Dr. Madden/ Dr. Fine) bring in solid implementations and add strength to the sensitive and at times frenzied story with their performances and resilient voices.
Director/actor Ken Powell (best known for his fine co-direction of Shrek the Musical”) keeps the mood and does not let the momentum of any moment stray.
The sets also by Ken Powell and Andrew Cunnings are unique and ingenious. The small but mighty orchestra under the direction of Christopher Adams brings in solid support for the production. Costumes by Michelle Griffin beautifully fit the mood. Sound and lighting by Brian Foley and Nathan Cummings are on the mark and never miss the intricate cues.
For an evening of fine theater “Next To Normal” delivers.
Camille Bounds is the Theatre and Arts columnist for Morgan Hill Times and The Gilroy Dispatch. She can be reached at
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“Next To Normal”
Music by Tom Kitt
Book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey
Where: Morgan Hill Community Playhouse
17090 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill
Through: Nov. 22
Running time: Two hours and thirty minutes with one 15-minute intermission.
Tickets: $16-$22
Reservations and information: Call (408) 842-7469
