Next To Normal Reciew 5/1/10 2pm

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Next To Normal Reciew 5/1/10 2pm

Posted: 5/1/10 at 7:13pm

This was my 5th time seeing the show. This is one of my favorite shows an I love seeing it every few months, especially with new cast members. The only understudy I've seen in the past was Michael Berry as the Doctors. I thought he was good but that Louis was miles better.

My main reason for going today was to see Bobby as Dan one last time before he leave in a few weeks. Of course, Bobby was out and Michael Berry was on for Dan. Adam was also out, so Brian Crumm was on Henry. I've always thought Adam was great. Great voice, acting, and especially his chemistry with Jen. Brian was better. I didn't think it was possible to be much better than Adam but Brian was amazing. Great voice and he has great chemistry with the cast. Also, very nice at the stage door.

Michael Berry as Dan. My main complaint: his voice fits parts of the show. He's great in Light and I am the one but struggled so much in the music box scene and bunch of other scenes. Maybe I'm so used to Bobby, but I think Bobby is way way better than Michael.

Jen as Natalie. I've always though she was great. However, every time I see the show she sounds sick and sounds like shes rushing through everything.

Kyle Dean Massey as Gabe. I saw Aaron and Kyle previously and thought both were amazing but that Aaron was a bit better. Kyle improved so much and is probably one of the best up on that stage (behind Alice and Bobby)

Louis Hobson as the Doctors.He's always great. He has an awsome voice and is a great actor. He told me at the stage door that he is contracted until the end of the yea so thats good.

One thing I need to point out. As I was leaving the stage door and walking towards Kodama Sushi and Hair with a friend I saw Jen leaves the theater through a "secret" exit. She didn't stage door. Also, Adam was right with her. He wasn't in the show so I dont know what the deal was.
Also, walking by Hair my friend and I saw Josh Lamon, Briana Carlson Goodman, and Megan Reinking (She's in NY from London). Was interesting..

I plan on seeing N2N soon with Brian d'Arcy James as Dan and I would love to see Brian Crumm's Gabe!

Next To Normal Reciew 5/1/10 2pm

Posted: 5/1/10 at 7:26pm

I agree with you on Michael-there is something missing in his Dan that Bobby brings to the role. That being said he is still very good.

I think there are many reasons that an actor is out of a show. They may not be sick, but may be having a vocal issue. Something may have happened after Adam got to the theatre. Also, maybe Brian is going to be taking over and he going to step in more. You can't read into things like that. Karen Olivo was seen out with her husband during her long absence at WSS-you just never know the reason and can't jump to any conclusions. It really is none of our business. Thus, the reason some actors need a secret exit.

I also love Meg Fahey as Natalie-shes reads like a real teen and is very good in the role. Jen reads like a college student in both her looks and her acting choices. I prefer Meg in the role.

"The sexual energy between the mother and son really concerns me!"-random woman behind me at Next to Normal "I want to meet him after and bang him!"-random woman who exposed her breasts at Rock of Ages, referring to James Carpinello

Next To Normal Reciew 5/1/10 2pm

Posted: 5/1/10 at 7:39pm

Was there too. I agree with your thoughts on Brian--liked him much more than Adam. Overheard him say at the stage door that Adam was sick but will be back tonight.

Definitely like Meghann more than Jenn as well.

Next To Normal Reciew 5/1/10 2pm

Posted: 5/1/10 at 7:44pm

Meghann and Brian (as Henry) are fabulous. Both could easily play these roles full time.

Updated On: 5/1/10 at 07:44 PM

Next To Normal Reciew 5/1/10 2pm

Posted: 5/1/10 at 8:24pm

I love Bobby, but in many ways, for my money, Michael Berry is a better Dan. His big, cavernous voice far outshines Bobby's, particularly in I've Been and You Don't Know/I Am The One. His interpretation of Dan is different from Bobby- Michael's Dan holds everything together until the final scene (similar to the way Brian D'Arcy James plays it, incidentally), whereas Bobby is more emotional throughout. Each is a valid interpretation, just depends on what you're looking for.

For what it's worth, Bobby's attendance has been atrocious recently, and Michael has been on a lot.

Next To Normal Reciew 5/1/10 2pm

Posted: 5/1/10 at 9:22pm

See, I don't like Michael Berry at all. I saw him go on with Jessica Phillips. It was a bad night. His voice is too operatic-sounding, and Jessics Phillips just doesn't do it right at all.

That said, did Ripley go on? I'm seeing the show tomorrow and I've already missed her twice.

I know you. I know you. I know you.

Next To Normal Reciew 5/1/10 2pm

Posted: 5/1/10 at 9:25pm

Yeah Alice was on.

Next To Normal Reciew 5/1/10 2pm

Posted: 5/1/10 at 10:21pm

It's just so interesting. I really love Jessica's performance but it is very different from Alice. I saw Alice a few times prior to Jessica so I really love what she does with the role.
On the flip side, I have a friend who saw Jessica first and loved her and he simply can't tolerate Ripley in the part. He thinks Ripley is way over the top and thinks her diction is atrocious. He thinks Jessica delivers a more grounded, realistic performance I think a lot rests on who you see first and how their performance imprints on you. I think Ripley is just stunning in the role-total perfection and my friend thinks she comes off as histrionic.

Next To Normal Reciew 5/1/10 2pm

Posted: 5/1/10 at 10:22pm

He's leaving soon...maybe he's using up his sick days!

I really loved Bobby in the role, but I never saw anyone else play it since the days at 2nd stage with BDJ....and I'm excited to (hopefully) get to see him again!

If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it? These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.

#10

Next To Normal Reciew 5/1/10 2pm

Posted: 5/1/10 at 10:30pm

See, I don't like Michael Berry at all. I saw him go on with Jessica Phillips. It was a bad night. His voice is too operatic-sounding, and Jessics Phillips just doesn't do it right at all.

Funnily enough, when I saw Jessica and Michael together, I thought they were dynamite. Their chemistry was amazing.

#11

Next To Normal Reciew 5/1/10 2pm

Posted: 5/1/10 at 11:16pm

I totally agree. Jessica and Michael are AMAZING alone, but together? It's like watching a fire. It's totally amazing.

Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower. ~Hans Christian Anderson

#12

Next To Normal Reciew 5/1/10 2pm

Posted: 5/2/10 at 12:29pm

Re: "Jen's Secret Exit" Are there underground tunnels that connect different theatres together?

#13

Next To Normal Reciew 5/1/10 2pm

Posted: 5/2/10 at 1:27pm

I'm not sure what the original poster meant about the secret exit, but I've seen Jenn leave the theatre from the 45th street doors (the ones with the faces on them) before. It's not really a secret, but it's an alternative to the stage door.

When I saw FINIAN'S in October, I walked through Shubert Alley after the show and then down 45th street and saw her sitting on the steps in front of those doors applying chapstick. It was funny walking by all of the fan girls in the alley who didn't know that she was right around the corner.

To steven: It's nice to hear that the show is still doing well. I'm hoping to revisit for a fourth time within the next few months to see d'Arcy James as Dan. Can't wait!

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