BWW Reviews: NEXT TO NORMAL in Toronto - Innovative and Fresh

In the last few years there has been a resurgence of the jukebox musical - shows that are based on popular music that people already know, designed to sell tickets on the "name" or the "hum-ability" of the catchy songs in the score. I have no problem with jukebox musicals - they are generally fun, the audience leaves pleased and they keep people going to the theatre. That said, in my personal opinion, you truly can't beat a completely original musical. There is something about hearing a brand new score, crafted from an original book with fresh ideas that is an experience second to none - and one that people who take a trip to Dancap Productions presentation of Next to Normal will get to have.

This is not traditional musical theatre. As I overheard one patron say on opening night, "Well, it certainly isn't Oklahoma!" And that person is completely right. This show is innovative and fresh, tackles difficult and mature subject matter and does so with panache.

Next to Normal tells the story of one family and their struggle with the mother's battle with mental illness. The lead role of Diana Goodman is played by Tony Award winner Alice Ripley, who won in 2009 for this particular role. This is a rare opportunity to see a Tony Award winner in the role they won for outside of Broadway - and it's worth the ticket price alone. Watching Ms. Ripley go through two and a half hours of emotional hell on stage is a breathtaking experience, and one which further serves to show just how powerful the music and book really are.

While the show may be about mental illness, at its core it is the story of how a family interacts, copes with difficulty and ultimately, overcomes obstacles. Each cast member is fantastic in their various roles, and they all do a wonderful job portraying the difficult emotional journey of coming to terms with a life that is definitely not "normal." Stand-out performances included Jeremy Kushnier as Dr. Madden/Dr. Fine (returning to Toronto for the first time since his critically acclaimed performance as Tommy DeVito in the Toronto Cast of Jersey Boys) and Emma Hunton as Alice Ripley's daughter Natalie, who has to deal with a family who can't give her the time and attention she so desperately needs at her young age. Ms. Hunton has the audience wrapped around her finger for the entire performance, ripping hearts out with each song as she struggles to learn to cope on her own and help her family.

All in all this is a musical theatre experience not to be missed - and sadly the Toronto stop will be the last on the tour. You still have a few more days to catch it, as it plays The Four Seasons Centre for the Arts from now until Saturday. 

When and Where?

Dancap Productions presents Next to Normal

On now until July 30th at The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.

Tickets can be purchased in person at the box office, by phone at 416-644-3665 or online at www.dancaptickets.com.

Photo Credit: Racheal McCaig Photography

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