I only saw the show at Second Stage. I was absolutely appalled by the recklessness with which these authors handled such serious issues as mental illness. The heroine of the show decides to go off her medications treating her bipolar disorder (that was somehow caused by a traumatic event - which isn't the way bipolar disorder is caused) because she needs to find the way to feel better in her "soul," - which, the way the book writers present, is all she needs.
The show gives the message that when you have a serious neurological condition that can only be treated with medication, you can throw your medication away, and find peace within yourself and somehow be better.
There was also an electro-convulsive therapy scene that was treated like a mad scientist rock 'n' roll number.
The show that I saw at Second Stage was completely misguided, uninformed, and offensive. I look forward to giving the revamped version a second chance, in hopes that the great acting can be matched with a smart book. We shall see.
"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
