Next To Normal WEST END - News & Discussion Thread — Page 3

(double post)

I just saw this Saturday night during my trip to London and it gave me all the feels. I never had the opportunity to see the original Broadway production so I really don't have anything to compare to (other than the OBC), but I thought this was an outstanding production. The cast across the board was perfection. I feel like the creative team did a good job in maintaining the intimate feel of the show even with it now being on the West End.

I believe the show is still in previews for a little longer, the show's video designer sat next to me the second half of the show taking notes, but this show seemed more than ready to me. Someone mentioned earlier about how the cast can bring that emotion every night and I can totally see where they are coming from, these actors are living these characters that have so much pain and are giving so much each night. Only Jack Wolfe (Gabe) came out after the show (I was so thrilled to meet him!), considering how draining this show probably is for the actors, I wouldn't be surprised if the stage door cast exits are less regular than maybe some other shows.

Their performance from West End Live is up on YouTube and definitely worth checking out. It at least gives you a taste of how amazing this cast sounds, but you need to see the full show to really appreciate this production.

And I personally love the logo/key art but that's just me lol

Going to press night tonight!

Any news on a cast recording from this production?

I cannot agree more that we need a full cast recording! The acoustic versions they recorded are great but they lack the energy of the full band. I cannot wait to see this in September!

The show is the most beautiful thing in London right now. And ****ing across the road from where Judy Garland had her concerts. This is the next Broadway revival. I just can’t see it any other way.

Any possibility of this extending 2 weeks? I am going to be in London the first week of October. Sad to miss it again. I just missed it last year at the donmar.

I know it was invite only so it’s maybe unlikely but did anybody here see the cover run of this today? Would love to know how the cast got on.

BroadwayNYC2 said: "It’s a great production of a highly overrated show (I get I’m the minority), but it’s a rare example of Act II being incredibly superior to the first. Next To Normal is a frustrating endeavor for me because no matter how hard a director tries, it’s a 2000s period piece. Until a show rectifies that, I’m not sure I need to see it again."

How, pray tell, is this a period piece?

I saw the original Broadway production when I was 15 and now, half a lifetime and 10 years of a behavioral health career later, I don’t think anything about this show makes it a period piece - especially considering how the field of mental health and illness is still very similar to how it is portrayed in the show. Even some of the references to treatments have been updated, including one to TCMS.

I also saw the show tonight and was absolutely blown away. This HAS to be the next Broadway revival and this might be Caissie Levy’s strongest case for a long overdue Tony Award. I also usually know at what point in the show I start to feel my feelings pretty hard (usually the end of Act I), and tonight, I was down for the count by “I Miss The Mountains”. It was just electric, magnetic, powerful, and my only regret is that I don’t have the time to see it again while I’m here.

BroadwayNYC2 said: "It’s a great production of a highly overrated show (I get I’m the minority), but it’s a rare example of Act II being incredibly superior to the first. Next To Normal is a frustrating endeavor for me because no matter how hard a director tries, it’s a 2000s period piece. Until a show rectifies that, I’m not sure I need to see it again."


Huh?

Jordan Catalano said: "They did a great job updating this production so it doesn’t look like its from aaaaalllllllllll the way back in 2008. Theytook out the scene where Diana goes to the hospital in the horse and buggy and Gabe is no longer a Victorian era ghost wearing chains. Natalie is a high school student now instead of working in the factory and Dr. Madden is now a real doctor who doesn’t try to cure Diana by using a vibrator."


No respect for the text.



(I’m crying)

Yes 2000 and whatever ain’t too far ago (are the 2000s not a period?), but I’ve found the show has aged poorly and feels incredibly tied to its premiere date. But, I get many adore this show so I’m clearly the minority, but it’s going to take more than a renovated kitchen in this production to disassociate it from 2008