Do you think N2N will be considered a classic in the future?

[broadway guy]

Posted: 5/28/13 at 5:20pm

Or is it already considered a classic?

It seems that everyone here LOVES this show. It's such a gem of a piece and the lyrics are incredible and the music just makes your heart ache. There is literally not one bad song in the entire show and the book is well done! The fact that it won the PP speaks volumes. Do you think this is the type of Musical that will be remembered because of the show or because of Alice Ripley's Performance? I have always considered this show a Modern Masterpiece of Musical Theater.

Thoughts?

[ClydeBarrow]

Posted: 5/28/13 at 5:24pm

[Unknown User]

Posted: 5/28/13 at 5:24pm

If you want to consider it so, go right ahead.

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 5/28/13 at 5:33pm

The score outweighs the book, IMHO.

Always has.

I think Ripley's performance made the show.

Classic? Maybe.

Masterpiece? Mm. To some, I guess.

A solid score? Surely.

[broadway guy]

Posted: 5/28/13 at 5:43pm

I agree, i think the score definitely outshines the book, the book is still pretty solid though.

"I think Ripley's performance made the show."

Idk, she is definitely great in that show but do you think the show would still be fondly remembered as it is now if Ripley never did it? Was Ripley's Performance the sole reason the show is a gem?

"Masterpiece? Mm. To some, I guess."

What Musicals do you consider a masterpiece ( if any) That have been written in the last 12 years?

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 5/28/13 at 5:49pm

For me? The first one that comes to mind: Passing Strange.

RE: Masterpiece. Not 'classic'.

Some shows are intended to have much 'shelf life' beyond their original runs, much like shows that are 'Off-Broadway' and lose some splendor when they make the inevitable move. There are, in fact, shows out there that do their job, leave a lasting impact, and ... that's it.

Updated On: 5/28/13 at 05:49 PM

[GlindatheGood22]

Posted: 5/28/13 at 5:49pm

In a word, yes. I always say that in forty-fifty years this is the show we're all going to be saying we saw.

[BroadwayFan12]

Posted: 5/28/13 at 5:50pm

I enjoyed it more with Marin Mazzie. And I love Alice Ripley. Whether or not it's a masterpiece is subjective, but I do hope it will be remembered for the many lives it changed.

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 5/28/13 at 5:51pm

if you're capable of creating an alternate universe in your mind where Next To Normal is actually worthy of such an honor, then sure..

[broadway guy]

Posted: 5/28/13 at 5:58pm

"if you're capable of creating an alternate universe in your mind where Next To Normal is actually worthy of such an honor, then sure."

I think it could definitely be considered a classic in years to come. Ripley's performance will probably be considered legendary if it isn't already.

"shows out there that do their job, leave a lasting impact, and ... that's it."

Okay that makes sense i guess. N2N did its job and even some of the best musicals don't run for as long as they should. Im still sorta miffed it didn't win Best Musical though but at the same time WSS didn't win either and thats a classic also. But im creating a double standard cause Music Man is a classic also so.. :p

[Wishing Only Wounds]

Posted: 5/28/13 at 6:39pm

I saw it quite a few times; in addition to Alice and Marin, I also saw Catherine Porter play the role (I believe she only went on two times, but I could be wrong) and she was excellent. The show does not need Ripley to be powerful, but I don't think anyone was really claiming that.

To the original question: I think so. I'll be very curious to see if Next to Normal merely gets caught up in the "rock-opera era" which history will surely not forget, but I do think Next to Normal will be able to stand on its own. I'm thrilled to see how history treats the turn of the century when it comes to theatre/Broadway. I'd elaborate but it's really meant for a whole other thread.

Updated On: 5/28/13 at 06:39 PM

[mjroberts972]

Posted: 5/28/13 at 6:55pm

Alice Ripleys performance is certainly one that I'll always remember

[jnb9872]

Posted: 5/28/13 at 7:46pm

I think it's interesting, Mike, you brought up PASSING STRANGE. I think that score is much stronger than NEXT TO NORMAL's (I wish I could comment on their books, but I sadly missed N2N during its run.)

PS, to me, seems like a show even more bound to its' original production, thanks to the semi-autobiographical nature of it. I know it's being done regionally now and I'm kind of dying to see a production without Stew in it. I know he wrote it so that he was only the Narrator, and so it theoretically should work, but the way he sang "Work the Wound" is one of the more unforgettable performances I've ever seen (and sadly, all I got to see was Spike Lee's filmed version of the show.)

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 5/28/13 at 8:05pm

It seems that everyone here LOVES this show.

Consider the source. To use your generality it also seems everyone here loves WICKED and many think that THE FULL MONTY is a superior musical. Quite a few people here actually believe PHANTOM OF TEH OPERA is a good show because 1) it has been running so long and 2) It was the first Broadway show they ever saw (so that alone must guarantee its quality!)

Classic status to me means a show done frequently in professional/semi-pro stagings. Over the next few years we'll see how often N2N is revived. But love alone does not make it a classic.

[steven22]

Posted: 5/28/13 at 8:23pm

I think NEXT TO NORMAL has the possibility of being a classic. It seems revivals are popping up all over the place. Especially since it won the Pulitzer...

[Someone in a Tree2]

Posted: 5/28/13 at 8:31pm

I think in the face of so few shows written in the new century that merit remembering a couple decades from now, NEXT TO NORMAL is in very select company.

Feeling in a generous mood, I'd include along with N2N:
HAIRSPRAY
WICKED
THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA
GREY GARDENS
THE SCOTTSBOROUGH BOYS

and heads and tails above them all,
BILLY ELLIOTT