I've gone to, listened to, and been in a lot of musicals... And I mean a lot. Musical Theatre is basically the only thing I've done since the age of eleven. But of all the shows I've been exposed to, there's one that I constantly hail as the best, and that show is Next to Normal by Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt. This moving rock musical has been gracing audiences ever since it opened off-Broadway in 2008. Why do I love this show so much? Well, funny you should ask. Here's 5 reasons why Next to Normal is the best musical you'll ever see 1). The Story![]() One of the biggest reasons why I love Next to Normal is the beautiful story. This show follows the story of the Goodman family as they struggle with the fact that the mother, Diana Goodman, has Bipolar I Disorder, but I don't want to reveal too much to you about the plot. This is a show everyone should see and have the chance to do so without knowing the plot already. I saw this show at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point many years ago, and I was on the edge of my seat for the entirety of the performance. If I would've known the story, the show wouldn't have been nearly as exciting. It's a story that digs deeper and deeper into the depths of your head with every syllable. The attention to detail Brian Yorkey put into this script is rivaled by no other. 2). The ThemesNot only does this musical have a beautiful and enticing story, but it also dives into a lot of touchy subjects that people should really talk about. As talked about before, Diana Goodman has Bipolar I Disorder, which represents a main theme of the show: mental disorder and dealing with it's symptoms. Diana's disorder not only effects her, but also her family and those around her, which is very trying to watch. Not only is Mental Illness a major theme in this show, but Natalie Goodman, the daughter, struggles through life with the stress of college dawning on her and a dance with the abuse of prescription medication. Some of the show hurts to watch, but that's because it's so real. The real truth is that mental health, stress, and drug abuse plague our nation. It's something we as people need to talk about. 3). The MusicOne of the best ways these themes are portrayed is through the captivating music that runs throughout the show. This story is marketed as a rock musical, but that's such a limiting term. Though rock is a very prevalent genre in this show, there are also several songs that are very folk sounding, bringing back childhood memories of listening to Sufjan Stevens, one of the best folk artists of all time that you definitely need to check out. Tom Kitt, the man who wrote the music for this show, is amazing at tweaking themes in the music to great a new emotional feel to the show. One of my favorite instances of this can be heard in the song It's Gonna Be Good in Act 1 and the It's Gonna Be Good (reprise) in Act 2. Though having the same theme, the two songs portray completely different emotions, the first being joy and the second being fear. 4). The Original Cast![]() This show has a cast of six people, which isn't a whole lot. Because of this everyone is doing something at all times and participating in virtually every song. One instance of this can be heard in the song Who's Crazy/My Psychopharmacologist and I, when the majority of the jazzy accompaniment is actually the voices of the other characters singing behind Alice Ripley. As well as being a foundation for the songs in the show, the original cast members have a magical way of bringing the most they possibly can out of their characters. With every line they deliver and series of notes belted at the top of their lungs, the actors and actresses of this show have a way of each of them telling their own personal story within the show. This itself can show how everyone deals with the trials of life differently from the next, which is something we all ought to take into consideration. The Original Broadway Cast is absolutely amazing, and there's a video on YouTube of one of their full performances ON Broadway! Is this Illegal? Yes. Am I going to link you the YouTube video of this performance? Of course not! I am a good, law-abiding citizen! But If I weren't, where would I link it? Right here ;) 5). The AccomplishmentsNext to Normal is a very critically acclaimed musical, not only by it's fan base, but by many awards, as well. Although it was (in my opinion) robbed of several awards during the 2009 Tony Awards, it was successful in winning 3 of it's nominated 10 awards: Michael Starobin and Tom Kitt won Best Orchestrations, Alice Ripley won Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical, and Tom Kitt won Best Original Score. But not only did Next to Normal win these awards, it also had the honor of winning a Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Though it wasn't put on the shortlist for the award committee to select from, the committee recognized Next to Normal's artful representation of Bipolar I Disorder and gave it the Pulitzer Prize anyways! Looks like I'm not the only one who loves this show so much! The Rest Is up to You!Well, that's my two cents! As you can tell, this show is by far my favorite and an absolute obsession of mine. I certainly hope everyone has an opportunity to see this show sometime in their life. If you ever do see it, or if you already have and have an opinion on the show, leave me a comment! I'd love to talk about it! After all, I am kind of obsessed. Have a nice day!
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