BWW Reviews: NEXT TO NORMAL at the Kennedy Center: Something's Not Normal

In all the many years I've attending Broadway musicals, I have never been in such a state of shock hearing the wonderfully-talented Tony winner Alice Ripley try to continue in her role of Diana with obvious problems with her voice.

It was back in January, 2009, that I reviewed this incredible musical in the intimate space at the Arena Stage in Crystal City, VA. Ripley was astonishing in her role. I commented that "...the contemporary score is so wonderful I wanted to buy the CD to listen to on the way home."

Well, now there IS a CD from the Broadway production and I listened to it on the way home after this performance. I wanted to hear if in fact there was a vast difference from the Ripley on the CD and the Ripley playing the Kennedy Center at the moment. And it was easy to confirm that she is having serious problems with her voice and I feel terrible for her.

The reasons shows have a standby is for such situations. Pearl Sun is the standby for Ripley. This part requires the standby to be at the theater or close by in case it is necessary for her to go on. It is now necessary for Sun to go on.

Producers may sell tickets using Ripley's Tony-winning performance as a reason to see the show. But it also won the Pulitzer Prize. There is no reason to continue this charade if she is not in perfect form.

It's amazing how her incredible acting talents did not diminish her problems with her singing voice. But something should be done immediately before she risks the possibility of permanent damage.

It's a shame since the rest of the case is terrific.

Asa Somers does a fine job as Dan, who's married to Donna, and must deal with a wife with bipolar disorder. Emma Hunton is Donna's daughter, Natalie, who continues the connection this musical has with Spring Awakening. Both Hunton and the original Natalie, Jennifer Damiano, have Spring Awakening credits. Hunton has a great future. Playing her boy-friend Henry is Preston Sadeir. His is a very tender performance.

Curt Hansen has the tough role as Natalie's brother and is a incredible vocal talent.

That leaves just one actor, Jeremy Kushnier who plays two doctors trying to help Diana. A big smile was on my face when I saw his name in the program since he was so phenomenal in the Signature Theatre's memorable production of the musical Chess. This is one amazing and powerful actor and his performance is worth the price of admission.

I love to listen to Next to Normal. Tom Kitt (composer/co-orchestrator) and Brian Yorkey (Librettist/Lyricist) have written a memorable score. Director Michael Greif cleverly has the six musicians appearing on the three tier set. I found myself watching them often. The Next to Normal Band: Bryan Perri, Conductor/Piano, Craig Magnano (who plays a gorgeous acoustic guitar), Michael Pearce (playing a wonderful and lyrical Bass and Electric Bass), and Shannon Ford on the Drums and Percussion. Two members of the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, Oleg Rylatko (Violin) and Ignacio Alcover (Cello) round out the music. I did miss Charlie Alterman (Music Supervisor) who did such a great job conducting the orchestra at the Arena Stage.

Special mention should be made to Kevin Adams who did a masterful job with the lighting design.

Next to Normal only runs until July 10, 2011. I suggest, even with Ripley's problems, you see this terrific show. You could make it a double-header seeing a Wicked matinee and Next to Normal in the evening.

For tickets call 202-467-4600 or visit www.kennedy-center.org, for additional information, visit www.nexttonormal.com.

For comments, write to cgshubow@broadwayworld.com.

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