Next To Normal Reviews
Los Angeles Times- Somewhat Recommended
"...Diana's disorder isn't just a response to the pressures of modern life. It's rooted in a specific tragedy. Although useful dramatically, this "explanation" of her illness transforms her from an everywoman to a psychological case study. "Next to Normal" is most moving, paradoxically, when it makes the case that the difficulty of communication isn't a glitch that can be repaired with the right drug: The difficulty of communication is the status quo. It's just normal."
Broadway World- Highly Recommended
"...Next to Normal is a groundbreaking musical in the pantheon of Broadway theater, a towering achievement for such a small scale, low budget show. It's worth braving the Los Angeles freeways to see it."
Edge- Highly Recommended
"...Musicals that deal intelligently (or at all) with mental illness must be a hard sell. And when you find one, oh, yes, you will go see it, both for its entertainment value as well as its educational value. So, I present to you... "Next To Normal.""
LA Splash- Highly Recommended
"...The exhausting emotional roller coaster that defines "Next to Normal" is well worth every turn of the ride. Don't be surprised to find yourself bawling through certain parts and laughing hysterically in others. It is a heart-wrenching, honest, provocative play with a stellar cast of characters who lift the script off the page and ignite an atmosphere of fervor and sensation."
Stage Scene LA- Highly Recommended
"...The 99-seat Pico Playhouse proves a just-right setting for a compelling, powerfully-performed intimate staging of Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey's Next To Normal, one of only nine musicals in Broadway history to have won the Pulitzer Prize."
ReviewPlays.com- Recommended
"...This is a very difficult subject matter, and it is created and performed with grace and style by a marvelous cast under the fine direction of Thomas James O'Leary. Nearly all of the dialogue depicting the entire story is done in song by the cast whose voices reverberate beautifully. They are accompanied by Conductor and pianist Taylor Stephenson, Dominic White on guitar, Lois Good on violin, Nic Gonzales on bass, and Jorge Zuniga on drums and percussion."
Hollywood Progressive- Recommended
"...Next to Normal is for more adventurous theatergoers willing to tackle a disturbing yet important subject, as well as for those who enjoy rock music performed by a live band, great acting, singing and a story some may find to be inspirational."
Culture Spot LA- Recommended
"...The culmination of the play comes when Diana's doctor suggests electroconvulsive therapy after other forms of treatment fail. To those not familiar with the subject, this may seem like a throwback to a more primitive way of treating mental illness, but as the play makes clear, it is still a useful and current therapy. While it may seem a bit strange to address these serious and complex issues through popular song, I can't argue with the results. Next to Normal sheds light on a serious social problem without being preachy and with a considerable wallop of emotional impact. Even though the problems illuminated are not neatly solved, you'll leave the theater with a lighter heart than when you went in."
Culver City News- Recommended
"...As presented in such an intimate theater with a live band who wonderfully rocked the score, the imaginative scenic design by Jeff Cason and lighting design by Matt Richter, Adam Earle, and Andrew Schmedake, create a multi-level, ever color-changing look into the many conflicts being presented, keeping the action moving quickly between scenes with the actors changing set pieces which hide into areas of the multi-level set. Amazing quick costuming piece changes designed by Vicki Conrad enhance every mood of the characters. I would recommend this show for ages 12 and above due to subject matter, an encourage families with teems to attend together and talk about the subject matter honestly afterwards."
Grigware Blogspot- Highly Recommended
"...This is a play that will repel some, but engage most with intelligence and feeling. Those who turn their backs on reality will like it least. And after all, how is it possible to talk medecine and disease and produce an an entertaining play? Well, Yorkey and Kitt manage to do just that. They also leave you with a message of hope: stay open and fair at all costs in your reactions to everyone's predicament. That is the first step toward change, the real progress."
Joe Straw #9- Recommended
"...Next to Normal is exquisitely brilliant. The score by Tom Kitt is a mesmerism, songs of metal illness, and one that touches and embraces an emotional chord in your very being."
Pat Rye Reviews- Highly Recommended
"...Brilliantly directed by Thomas James O'Leary, he finds the beats and comedic balance as the plot unfolds. The ensemble cast is outstanding and their vocal blend perfect. Especially moving is Michelle Lane as the mother, Diana. Kudos to scenic designer Jeff Cason for his versatile set design in a small space. This is powerful theatre with keen insights for coping with loss, and it will particularly resonate with anyone who has dealt with a loved one fighting mental illness. Not to be missed."
Stage Raw- Recommended
"...Featuring a score by Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, it opens with the number, "Just Another Day," in which we're introduced to mom Diana (Michelle Lane), her husband Dan (Nick Sarando), their son Gabe (Harrison Meloeny) and their 16 year old daughter Natalie (Isa Briones). At first glance, this seems like a normal happy family: Mom hands out paper bag lunches for her brood. But - Diana goes on making sandwiches, compulsively, till they spill onto the floor. We realize that something is off. And we soon learn that Gabe died years ago, and the person we've seen is a figment of Diana's imagination and/or memory."
Tin Pan LA- Recommended
"...Taylor Stephenson put together a stellar vocal ensemble and a rocking band for this production of Next To Normal. Stephenson even leads the show from another room with his 4-piece band and skillfully maintains a balanced and together sound between the cast and the orchestra. The band in this show brings Michael Starobin and Tom Kitt's orchestrations to full realization; the violin book played by Lois Good is particularly beautiful."
On Stage and Screen- Highly Recommended
"..."People who think they're happy just haven't thought about it enough." This powerful line is just one of many that makes Next to Normal, currently being presented at Los Angeles's Pico Playhouse by Triage Productions in association with Standing Room Only Productions, one of the most celebrated and praised musicals of recent decades. I am happy to report the spirit of the original Broadway production, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama as well as three Tony Awards, is alive and well in this incredibly intimate staging."
Peoples World- Somewhat Recommended
"...Thomas James O'Leary, director, promises "an emotional rollercoaster...an inspiring and touching, if not transformative, experience for audiences," and largely succeeds despite the questionable premises of the book itself. I found the conclusion, cautiously hopeful and ambiguous, rewardingly non-cathartic: This is not a case wrapped up with a neat bow at the end. But still, the next phase of Diana's journey is again another retreat into the hothouse."