a visit to next to normal- 3/20

After seeing next to normal twice in May of last year (then moving to the west coast), I went back today because after almost a year, I still think of this beautiful show often and listen to the songs. I took my mom, a first time viewer of the show.

Jessica Phillips and Michael Berry were on as Diana and Dan. Jessica was riveting as Diana- she was completely in the moment the entire show and her portrayal of a woman in crisis was heartbreaking. Her crystal clear voice was beautiful and expressive. I could not get enough of her singing, and was brought to tears by her delivery of "Maybe."

Michael Berry was wonderful too as Dan. His voice was strong and he seemed confident and really dug deep. He was devastating in the last scene of the show. He sounded great on all the songs, especially "A Light in the Dark."

Kyle Dean Massey as Gabe was very good. Kyle was very intense in "I Am the One" reprise and really moving!

Jennifer Damiano was intense and in the moment, but sounded a little hoarse. She is so talented and I'm always amazed at how much she gives to the audience. Adam Chanler-Berat and Louis Hobson were great and in top form. Overall, the show is in great shape and the understudies blew me away!

Updated On: 3/21/10 at 12:01 AM

Sarah Uriarte Berry, though she's not in the playbill. Her name is on the cast board in the lobby. She also filled in as standby (and went on once) when Jessica Phillips took a vacation in February.

Updated On: 3/21/10 at 04:51 PM

I saw Jessica Phillips in the role when I was in New York at the end of January and I thought she was fantastic in the role. I've never seen Alice in it with the exception of youtube roles, but the four of us who went were very pleased with Jessica in the role. Definitely worth it!

I have never seen Next To Normal, but I think it's one of those shows where if you see an understudy, you won't be disappointed.

Having finally seen Phillips as Diana, I'll echo the praise. She was sublime in the role; an intelligent, well-judged, and heartbreaking performance. Her effortless vocals were a dream.

I was especially impressed with her quieter acting moments (i.e. "Mountains, "How Could I Ever Forget?," and "Maybe"); expertly and exquisitely delivered.

Does anyone know if J Robert Spencer is on vacation? I saw Next to Normal at the end of February and again last night (3/23) and Berry was on as Dan both times. (I love Berry as Dan too.)

Vacation or not. It seems like Michael Berry goes on quite often. Whats the deal?