Review performance about "Next to the Normal" - Essay Example

Review: Next to the Normal Next to the Normal Next to Normal is an extraordinary Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical that debuted Off-Broadway in 2008. The musical, with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt, addresses several touching societal issues such as bipolar disorder, suicide, drug abuse and other concepts that define suburban life and the contemporary family. Through its concept of assertive realism and its award winning music, the musical has won several awards in different categories, and this signifies its impact in the society.

This paper explores a live original musical performance and a review of the musical, Next to Normal. Next to Normal takes one through an exhilarating journey of laughter and sorrow as one relates with the challenges of the actors (Brantley, 2009). Diana Goodman is a loving wife and mother who want the best out of her largely dysfunctional family. Their struggles typify the normal suburban neighborhood in an emotional manner, and the actors punctuate this with periodic musical breaks. In addition, Goodman has bipolar disorder, a form of mental illness, which affects the normal functioning of her already disunited family.

The plot also explores Natalie’s drug abuse and her isolation from the family. The music and stage decoration is perfect. Through a lively pop/rock score, this intensely moving piece of theatre offers a breathtaking opportunity for the actors to investigate dramatic material and highlight their vocal talents. The timing of the lighting effects is in lieu with the message in the storyline and depicts the right emotion. As the musical starts, the lights go off and reveal Diana Goodman sitting alone, pondering about her future.

Similarly, as the musical ends, Natalie, the daughter, walks in and turns on the light when he finds his father seated in darkness. She turns on all the lights in the house and reveals Diana who is visibly hurt, but happy to be alive. Apart from the lighting, the scenic and sound design augments the direction and mood of the musical performed on a three-story set that doubles as a doctor’s office, residence, and school.The actors and actresses do an excellent job in their performance. This is fortified by the numerous applauds and awards the musical has won as it endears itself to the public.

Drama Desk Awards awarded Alice Ripley for Outstanding Actress in the musical. Of the eleven nominations in the 2009 Tony Awards, the musical won three, including Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical for Alice Ripley. Similarly, Aaron Tveit won Most Promising Male Performer in the 2009 Clarence Derwent Award. Directed by Michael Greif, the choice of actors is magnificent. Alice Ripley plays an astounding central performance while Aaron Tveit provides comic breaks that keep viewers entertained.

Rolling stone affirms that the musical “pushes Broadway in new directions”. It not only provides good music, but also effectively blends an excellent performance from outstanding actors who present relevant themes that affect the society in an emotional manner (Brantley, 2009). Even so, it has mature content and strong language, which may require parental guidance. Otherwise, its theme of mental illness in the society is relatable because it affects several families that often choose to remain silent.

The creativity, plot, and actors are all wound up in one remarkable musical that will definitely keep audiences enthralled for generations to come. ReferenceBrantley, B. (2009). Fragmented Psyches, Uncomfortable Emotions: Sing Out! Theatre Reviews. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/16/theater/reviews/16norm.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0