My thoughts on NEXT TO NORMAL (Long, possible spoilers)

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 6:37pm

Theater doesn't come any odder than NEXT TO NORMAL, Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey's tremendously accomplished new rock musical currently presented at Second Stage Theatre. Because N2N is so good (with occasional periods of greatness), the various flaws (all of which seem to stem from Michael Grief's schizophrenic direction) are virtually ignorable. N2N is, quite possibly, the best musical I've seen since The Producers in 2001.

Diana Goodman (Alice Ripley) is a suburban housewife suffering from paralyzing depression, all of which stems from the death of her 18-month old son Gabe (Aaron Tveit), who has haunted her for the past 16 years. Her husband, Dan (Brian d'Arcy James), has all but lost hope, and their neglected 16 year old daughter, Natalie (Jennifer Damaino) is one step away from heading down Diana's path. When Dr. Madden (Asa Sommers) annouces that he'd like to try electroshock therapy, they can't help but go along with it.

It's heavy subject matter for a musical. During intermission, the theater was buzzing with "it's fantastic but how could they turn it into a musical?". Kitt and Yorkey's electrifying rock score (95% solid) somehow makes the whole thing work. In fact, watching the show, you can't help but wonder how nobody wrote a musical about it sooner. Kitt and Yorkey have done something which has, thus far, never happened - they created an authentically sounding rock score which doesn't sacrifice lyrical integrity for sound quality.

With N2N, Alice Ripley transforms herself from a fine, if never truly outstanding performer, to a true ACTRESS. Demonstrating how actions truly do speak louder than words, Ripley's transfixed, vacant eyes are more expressive than any piece of dialogue could ever be. Her performance also provides the best example of a role which should require a matinee-alternate. On stage for 95% of the show, Diana is so demanding that it's no wonder why Ripley sounds hoarse at some points. Still, I haven't been so blown away by a performance since Christine Ebersole's in Grey Gardens almost two years ago.

The rest of the cast is quite fine (though none truly reach Ripley's level). Ripley and Brian d'Arcy James have wonderful chemistry. The same can be said for Jennifer Damiano and Adam Chanler-Berat (who plays her boyfriend). (As an aside, Damiano is the spitting image of Ripley.) Aaron Tveit is very strong as Gabe, and gets, perhaps, the best song in the score ("I'm Alive!"). Asa Sommers fades into the background as Dr. Madden, but, even so, is very strong.

Unfortunately, the biggest problem is Grief's manic staging. Mark Wendland's three-level set doesn't help, either. Grief has staged scenes on each level, often with two going on at the same time. The result is that you have no idea where to look first. And the result of the three-level set is a serious case of craned-neck disease, especially if you're sitting in one of the front rows. I see no reason why the show couldn't be performed on a one-level stage.

N2N is an intimate show, and it seems as though Grief has totally destroyed the "point" in trying to make it bigger and more commercial. It's almost as though Kitt and Yorkey went in and said to Grief "hey, our show has a message, let's get it through!" and he responded saying "nobody wants to see a show about depression and drug addiction" (ironic, no?) "so let's make it as big and commercial as possible." I don't think it works. Perhaps a better director would make it truer to an originally intended form, if there was one.

And now, a question of the ending. Not "hey, what the hell is going on?," but something I've read here. In one of the threads, it was said that the whole show, apparently, takes place in Dan's memory after he's had a nervous breakdown. If that was true, than it was completely changed, since there's no indication of that now.

N2N leagues better than Spring Awakening, which is a tremendous plus. I give Second Stage a tremendous amount of credit for putting it on, considering that all indications point to N2N being a downtown show - perhaps a NYTW or Atlantic Theater production.

I don't know how long it would last on Broadway (it's definitely an Off-Broadway show), but if Xanadu can do well, so can this. I just have one thing to say...if it does transfer to Broadway this season, it would certainly throw a kink in the plans of a lot of other shows. And Alice Ripley could end up giving Patti LuPone a run for her money.

[ljay889]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 6:43pm

Another rock musical? *sigh*

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 6:47pm

And now, a question of the ending. Not "hey, what the hell is going on?," but something I've read here. In one of the threads, it was said that the whole show, apparently, takes place in Dan's memory after he's had a nervous breakdown. If that was true, than it was completely changed, since there's no indication of that now.

... who said that? Because... no.

I was at a talkback recently and Tom and Brian talked about how it used to be a show about drugs and depression and ECT. But they were saying that that's not the true heart of what it's ABOUT anymore -- it's evolved into a show about a family, and how those things can break relationships, often beyond repair. And frankly, I don't think that's one of the show's faults. I think focusing it there as opposed to making it a lesson in psychopharmacology makes it very, very moving.

The show could, in theory, be done on a one-level stage in a space where the technical aspects allow for quick set changes (to get from the house to the doctor's office, to different rooms, etc). I'm not sure that's the case for 2ST, but that's just a guess based on the fact that I don't think I've ever seen anything there that had within-act set changes. But, I kinda dig the set, so, whatever.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 6:50pm

Yes, I just noticed (going through the other N2N thread) that the ending I'm referring to was apparently one of the original, when it was still called "Feeling Electric," endings. And of course, I confused various ideas. My bad.


ETA - forgot to mention: the overwhelming consensus (at least where I was sitting) was that the first act went on a bit too long. I don't know if they'll change it or not, but I will say it was good to see Grief, Rapp, and team busily taking notes throughout the performance and intermission. Updated On: 1/26/08 at 06:50 PM

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 6:52pm

I saw it when it was Feeling Electric, too, and I don't remember ever thinking that was the structure at all. Either that was the ending pre-2005 NYMF production, or the person just saw things way differently than I did. It's also possible that I'm just remembering wrong and missing some details in memory.

Updated On: 1/26/08 at 06:52 PM

[alliez92092]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 7:22pm

Regarding the ending, when the show was Feeling Electric there were various point in the show where Dr. Madden would say things like, "Patient 272 (don't remember the exact number) D Brown. Reports depression anxiety (not specific)." Throughout the piece you thought that he was talking about Diana, but in the end it is revealed that the story is Dan's and he was the patient. I did like that, but with them cutting Dan's attempted suicide it makes more sense to look at him as a man who never got himself the simple help he needed because he was so busy with the problems of his life. I like the way they end it with, "Open file on Dan Goodman. Just wants to talk." I don't think it's necessary for Dan to be "crazy" in order to get the story across.

Thanks for your review Yankeefan. I always like hearing what you have to say, and this made me even more excited to see it, if that's even possibly.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 10:27pm

I guess I must have been living under a rock when the first few editions of the show were around.

[jaystarr]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 10:49pm

Thanks for a thorough review. I guess I will be visiting 2ST soon.

J*

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 11:05pm

This sounds wonderful at last an original musical ( i am hoping it is!)
Does anyone know if there is a chance of a cast recording for this?

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 11:10pm

One would certainly hope there's an album somewhere down the line. The score is too good to fall by the wayside.

And if it doesn't transfer across the street to Broadway, one would hope the stock rights are fasttracked. This could be the new "big" community show.

[RoseStopnikCooks]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 11:12pm

Cast recording is 95% likely to happen with Sh-K-Boom. Alice Ripley said after a performance the cast has already signed record contracts. And considering Kitt's connections to Sh-K-Boom (HIGH FIDELITY and his own band's album) along with the fact that Sherie Renee Scott did a workshop of the show, Sh-K-Boom seems the likely candidate.

[jake6970]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 11:23pm

This show would work very well in regional and community theatres. However, I really think it deserves a life on Broadway first. Here's hoping it transfers.

[burntplains]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 11:39pm

I saw the show this past Friday night... I have to say Alice Ripley is a true gift to the theater community. I thought the show was so different and raw (in the best possible way).

Though I loved this show, I can't see a Broadway transfer unless the show is seriously tweaked. One thing I didn't like was Alice's Costco song.. I understand the reason for it is so she has somewhere to fall apart.. But, I think they could a figure another way for her to be discovered and her downfall to begin.

I honestly think this show has tons of potential and I wish there were more clever shows like this.

P.S. Joel Grey and his wife attended the show Friday night...

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 11:50pm

I don't see it on Broadway either, but I'm not the best judge. I loved Costco. It's a great patter song.

[burntplains]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 11:52pm

Yankee... When did you see the show?

[joniray]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 11:53pm

I think the Broadway transfer will depend on the reviews.

I'm surprised that some people who like this show don't think it belongs on Broadway. Is it really any less of a Broadway show than Spring Awakening or Grey Gardens?

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 11:55pm

Yankee, thanks a bunch for your thoughtful review!
Glad you enjoyed the show!
I'll do my best to pass on your positive notes to Jenn!

Best,
- Mike

[jake6970]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 11:56pm

Than Spring Awakening? Yes. Than Grey Gardens? No.

[jordangirl]

Posted: 1/27/08 at 12:00am

I saw it last night (Friday night) and loved it. Going back tomorrow night. :) Tonight, it was Come Back, Little Sheba and I was struck by the similar underlying themes between the two shows. It's not exact, but I definitely picked up parallel themes (not saying N2N isn't original...it is) between the two. Very interesting...

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 1/27/08 at 12:05am

Burnt - this afternoon.
Mike - I didn't know you know her.
Joni - I didn't think Spring Awakening or Grey Gardens belonged on Broadway either.

N2N is a downtown, edgy show. Stick it in a 200 seat house, and it'll play for a long time. Stick it in a 1000 seat house and risk the same fate as Grey Gardens.

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 1/27/08 at 12:08am

Oh yeah, we go back a while, actually.
Having performed together (on-and-off) for the last 2-3 years (regionally-speaking) Colleague and friend - I'm so, so proud of her work.

Updated On: 1/27/08 at 12:08 AM

[burntplains]

Posted: 1/27/08 at 12:09am

JONIRAY...

Yes, it's better than Spring Awakening but please.. let's not compare GG to this show. Though it may be a fantastic and clever show.. I honestly don't think it's ready. It doesn't have that "Broadway Appeal" right now. In it's current state it's an off-broadway type of show..

[burntplains]

Posted: 1/27/08 at 12:11am

and nobody ever said it doesn't belong on Broadway.. Just that it needs fixing and changes. But hell, I'm no expert!

[joniray]

Posted: 1/27/08 at 1:18am

With the way Off-Broadway economics are now, a musical with a six-person cast (plus understudies) and six musicians would never be able to pay the bills in an Off-Broadway house. The only feasible way for it to run beyond its limited run at Second Stage is to transfer to Broadway.
Updated On: 1/27/08 at 01:18 AM

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 1/27/08 at 1:19am

I think the whole "Broadway" question is lame. There have been so many shows - especially in the past few seasons - that have disproved that theory. I honestly didn't think a tiny show like The Drowsy Chaperone could fill the Marquis theatre, but it did.