Next to Normal Review: A Gutwrenching Tale of Mental Health and Family Dynamics
The Hit Musical has FINALLY made it to London’s West End and shines a light on a picture-perfect family, but serious cracks begin to show.
★★★★★
When the show was on Broadway in 2009, it shined a light on mental health and the serious consequences it can bring. Fast forward 15 years, and the themes and elements of this show, currently playing at the Wyndhams Theatre, can still connect with people today!
In Brian Yorkey's poignant story, we follow Diana (played by Carolyn Maitland), a mother grappling with Bipolar disorder, as she strives to maintain a facade of perfection while haunted by a traumatic past. Her husband, Dan (played by Jamie Parker), desperately attempts to anchor her in the present yet struggles with the emotional toll. Meanwhile, their daughter Natalie (played by Lizzy Parker) is left to fend for herself, feeling neglected as Dan focuses entirely on Diana’s well-being. The result is a heart-wrenching portrayal of a family caught in the ripple effects of mental illness, each character searching for stability in a chaotic world.
The show features a score by Tom Kitt and Yorkey that remains as powerful and resonant as it was during the original production. The rock-infused melodies and deeply emotional lyrics still connect with audiences on a profound level, capturing the complexities of mental health and grief interwoven with the dynamics of family. Songs like “Superboy and the Invisible Girl” and “I Miss the Mountains” continue to reflect universal struggles with identity and loss. This score’s energy and raw vulnerability still make this a musical masterpiece!
The design team pulled off something special with this piece. The set by Chloe Lamford brings us to a modern, suburban American house that also doubles as Diana’s mind space. Combined with the lighting design by Lee Curran, we can see what she is going through. For example, in the number “I’m Alive,” the ghost of Diana’s son Gabe (played by Jack Wolfe) runs around her to prove that he is actually there, but in reality, he is not. The way the lighting projections run around the stage during this number, as well as at the beginning of the second act, are visually stunning!
This production would not have happened if it hadn’t been for the brilliant and visionary direction of Michael Longhurst. His vision for the show primarily maintains the depth of the distressing themes of the story intact, as well as adding elements that can reach a modern-day audience. His staging, along with movement and choreography by Ann Lee, bring these characters to life and take part in the story’s emotional impact on audiences.
The cast of actors in this production is nothing short of sheer perfection! Carolyn Maitland delivers an extraordinarily heart-shattering performance as Diana. She sings her heart out, and it might just make you cry. Jack Wolfe soars through the roof as Gabe. A performance that I can only describe as energetically ambitious. He brings the house down with the showstopper “I’m Alive.” Jamie Parker delivers a heartfelt performance as Diana’s wife, Dan. He serves as a supportive figure, and all he wants to do is help Diana come to terms with reality and make sure she can heal.
Overall, this is a show that can spew all emotions in the span of two hours. The themes can be triggering to some, but the message of the show helps spread awareness of the complexities of mental health and how we can improve ourselves. If you’re not able to see this before it closes next week, don’t worry; you’ll have another chance. This past week, the show was professionally filmed. So, hopefully, we may see a release in the near future. Also, I hope that this production can make the journey to New York because I think American audiences want to see Next to Normal come home. Anything is possible, right? One can only hope!
Next to Normal - Wyndham's Theatre
Attended on 12 September 2024