By JOSEPHINE NORRIS, Photo Editor.
Diana Goodman seems to be an ordinary woman. Between raising teenagers without killing them and keeping her husband happy, Diana’s struggles seem the same as any middle age wife and mother. She wants to “make it through another day,” to borrow lines from the opening number.
In reality, Diana is struggling with more than caring for her children and husband. She has struggled with bipolar disorder and delusions for the past 16 years. Her illness has affected everyone around her, but her kids and devoted husband help her to search for an effective treatment. However, pills, psychotherapy and electroshock therapy aren’t working.
The musical follows a family who “haven’t had a normal day in years,” through the up and downs of living with someone who has a mental illness.
Diana’s illness is taking a toll on her daughter, Natalie, as she finds love and deals with the fear of ending up like her unstable mother. It’s also taking a toll on her husband, Dan, who just wants the woman he met 19 years ago to reappear and replace the current delusional incarnation of Diana.
It was clear that the cast of this show is unbelievably talented as you listen to their voices rise and swell in each song. Not only are they talented vocalists, but also great actors. They bring authenticity to the characters.
The set design is great. Designed to look like the interior of the Goodman home, the stage and simple elevated platforms were perfect for the staging of the show. I loved the elevated platforms especially since the cyclorama behind them is illuminated by vibrant colors from the lights. These lights helped to further communicate the mood and emotions of the scene.
The pit is hidden offstage for the show and yet still sounds amazing under the direction of Loren Krantz. Also, props to Blake Mazur for sound design. The soundscape sounded was incredible and the music before the show and during intermission continues to help set the feeling of the show and pull the audience in the world of the musical.
Mental illness is somewhat of a taboo subject, which is surprising since, according to a study conducted by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in 2013, nearly one in five American adults experience some form of mental illness.
Pit and Balcony has done a brave thing by tackling this musical. It is not only a very tough subject matter but also vocally challenging throughout the whole of the rock-opera score. But, Pit and Balcony does not disappoint with this Tony and Pulitzer prizewinner. It names a serious issue in society and as Diana’s son sings, “until you name me, you can’t tame me.” Until this illness is named and made known it can’t be tamed or treated.
This is a work of theater that will get people thinking and talking about mental illness, which is a key step in removing the stigma surrounding it. This musical is also important because it offers a glimpse into what it is like to struggle with mental illness and how absolutely frustrating it is for them to find treatment that works.
You don’t have to have a loved one struggling with mental illness to relate to the overall message of wanting a life that’s “close enough to normal to get by.” And the reassurance of “when our long night is done, there will be light,” is a message for anyone.
This is an absolutely amazing show that should not be missed!
Due to mature content matter such as drugs and language, this show is best for high school and up.
“Next to Normal” runs May 8-10 and May 15-17 at Pit and Balcony Theater, 805 North Hamilton Street, Saginaw, Mich. Tickets are available online at pitandbalconytheatre.com or by calling the box office at 989-754-6587.