Next to Normal

Some said it couldn’t be done. Alice Ripley created an indelible stamp to the role of Diana Goodman in Next to Normal, but the show has undergone a major cast change and it works. Since July 19, 2010, the dynamic and versatile soprano, Marin Mazzie (Kiss Me, Kate) as Diana, has tamped down her dramatic blonde hair and good looks, but her impressive talents shine through a glorious voice and incisive acting. She brings fresh distinction to the groundbreaking musical. Her real-life husband, tenor Jason Danieley (Curtains) also joins the new cast as her stage husband, Dan Goodman. In short, directed by Michael Greif, the Pulitzer Prize winning drama of 2010, is better than ever.

In this largely sung-through rock musical about a suburban bipolar mom, her supportive husband and troubled daughter, Mazzie’s voice is powerful and clear. Brian Yorkey’s agonizing story unfolds with eloquence and articulation as Mazzie finds her character’s spiraling soul, presenting it with devastating truth. Diana has undergone years of irregular behavior. Seventeen years ago, her infant son, Gabe, died unexpectedly at eight months, but Diana has mentally held on to him. In some way, she has sadly depended upon her lost son’s spirit for comfort and confidence. He remains always on her side, even when she is discouraged with her life and sings, “I Miss the Mountains” and flushes away her medicines. The problems increase and eventually, even after the experiments of therapy and drugs, they develop into a mental breakdown. In one shattering scene, as Diana is wheeled off on a gurney for her first electric shock treatment, she turns to her husband, her face a vision of devastation and terror. The result of the treatment is a loss of significant memory. The dramatic story is empowered by Mazzie’s expressive face and powerful voice carrying Tom Kitt’s aggressive rock melodies and perceptively delivering Yorkey’s lyrics through the Booth Theatre.

Jason Danieley’s role is more subtly stirring, even passionate. He is overwhelmed by his wife’s behavior, not knowing which way to turn. His reasons for staying with her are explained in a moving, “A Promise.” When Diana decides to leave him and make her own way through the world, he physically reflects a palpable sense of failure. He finally also turns to therapy.

The rest of the six-person cast adds tightness to the ensemble as well as displaying their individual distinctiveness. As the overachieving but neglected daughter, Natalie, Meghann Fahy displays a convincing acting ability although her vocals are occasionally shrill. One interesting point; Fahy is concurrently portraying her own mentally problematic character as an obsessed co-ed on the television daytime series, One Life to Live. Her illusory brother, Gabe, is portrayed with energy by Kyle Dean Massey, tearing up and around Mark Wendland’s multistoried set, insinuating his spirit into the family life with the rousing, “I’m Alive.” He taunts the frustrated Natalie with, “Superboy and the Invisible Girl." Persuasive also is Adam Chanler-Berat as Henry, Natalie’s druggie boyfriend. Louis Hobson plays two roles, as psychiatrists Dr. Madden and Dr. Fine, providing a hint of suspicion into their ethics.

This intense musical continues to fascinate. With the added polish, precision and clarity of Marin Mazzie and Jason Danieley leading a compelling cast, Next to Normal proves to be nowhere near merely normal. It’s closer to exceptional.

(Pictured: Kyle Dean Massey, Marin Mazzie, Jason Danieley)

Elizabeth Ahlfors
Cabaret Scenes
September 9, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org