Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley's ''Stars in the House'' hosted last night's ''Next to Normal'' reunion, and it's the most memorable and moving one I've seen. Even before it began, I guessed ''It's Gonna Be Good.'' But the lovefest among its cast was so incredible, and it was fun to see them react to one another. Alice Ripley, J. Robert Spencer, Aaron Tveit, Jennifer Damiano, Adam Chanler-Berat and Louis Hobson revealed how they got involved with the show; shared stories of backstage antics, and offered insights about their portrayal of family dynamics and mental health.
Tom Kitt, its Tony-winning composer, popped up as a surprise guest. And the close-knit cast gave their share of shoutouts to Brian Yorkey, Michael Greif, Brian D'Arcy James, Michael Berry, Marin Mazzie, Jason Danieley, Kyle Dean Massey, Meghann Fahy and more.
As devoted fans donated during the podcast, they included touching testimonials of how ''Next to Normal'' deeply affected them. One fan told Tveit: ''Aaron, N2N changed my life. You changed my life. I came out transgender 6 years ago and named myself [Aaron] after you.'' Spencer added that he knew of a man who had lost his wife to cancer; that man came to see ''Next to Normal'' 40 times and claimed it helped heal his heart.
In the show, Diana sings ''I Miss the Mountains.'' I miss this special show and this cast. But what a reunion. ''How could I forget?''
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLK_bXZjT_4
Updated On: 9/16/20 at 04:23 AM