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Next To Normal Reviews
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| 31 |
Know something about the show before you go see it. Review by: Justin, Jan 18, 2010 |
I am completely hooked by this show. I think the music is very smart and performed well by this cast. I have seen this show now 5 times and it really doesn't get old. I can understand where some people can be taken back by the subject matter, but my only thought on that is if you don't know anything about the show, why are you going to see it? That is what I felt by the people sitting next to me. They actually said that they only ... read more bought the tickets because it was highly reviewed, and they knew nothing about it. That doesn't make any sense to me. They stayed through the entire show, but didn't like it. They felt it was way too serious, and they said that they only stayed because of the amount they paid (clearly they didn't know about this site!) They were in awe when I told them this was my 5th time.
If you are looking for a show that is a happy-go-lucky show with the old Broadway style songs, then this show is not for you. But if you like something with a little edge and a little substance, then give this show a try. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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| 32 |
An Emotional Rollarcoaster, would see it again in a heartbeat =] Review by: invisiblegirl, Jan 17, 2010 |
| Next To Normal is an emotional powerhouse with an amazing score and terrific actors. I have seen this show three times and cry every time. The actors were so phenomenal and the music was so inspiring. Next to Normal is my favorite musical of all time, and I have seen 20 shows. Anyone who ever gets a chance to see this show should go, you will not regret it. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Family
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Business Assoc., Tourists
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| 33 |
Review by: Stefany Benson, Jan 16, 2010 |
| Go to the Larry Scott review and just dupe it here. This show was a travesty. Sophomoric, derivative bathos sung at 10,000 decibels by ridiculously cast performers. Obviously the central couple got divorced because he was gay regardless of any other reason. Every tune was the same, every rhyme for every lyric was learned in kindergarten. Pullease! This one was pathetic, not just because the subject matter was a downer but because it had ... read more wooden performances, unimaginative scenery and formulaic, ear shattering music. The author is probably bi-polar himself but what's the excuse for Tony voters? |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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| 34 |
This show will move even a stone! Not to be missed! Review by: leawoodcats, Jan 3, 2010 |
| I couldn't imagine how you could make a musical about so serious a topic as bipolar disorder. But trust me, this is one of the most powerful Broadway shows of recent memory, and I have seen nearly everything. The acting was superb, and I found Alice Ripley amazingly effective in her leading Tony-winning performance. All of the supporting actors were also excellent, and it is easy to see Aaron Tveit, who plays the role of Gabe, as a ... read more future mega-star. The music was strong, and integral to the story. Be prepared to cry, as this will touch the most stoic of characters. This is a superbly creative work that will remain with you long after leaving the theater. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Seniors, Tourists
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| 35 |
Depressing - make light of a serious disease Review by: rene, Jan 1, 2010 |
| My spouse and I and our two sons (teen and adult) did not like this play. It was a depressing story and made light of a serious disorder. The singing was fair - it was hard to hear the voices of some of the actors - the music at times was quite loud and seem not to flow - the timing seemed off. The actors did not engage us - they appeared to be going through the motions. I would not recommend this play - don't seem to understand the rave ... read more reviews. |
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Don't go
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| 36 |
One of the best shows I've ever seen! Review by: invisiblegirl, Dec 23, 2009 |
| This show was INCREDIBLE! I have never been so emotionally involved in a show. However, I agree with the rest of the reviewers--don't see this show if you're looking for a happy, dancy, campy show. next to nromal IS NOT that. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Abnormally Amazing!!! Review by: high school director, Dec 6, 2009 |
Next To Normal is no where near the other shows on Broadway. Actually I think it is the Best thing on Broadway at this time. The acting, singing and staging are incredible. The story is amazing. The chemistry between the cast members is felt by the audience. The actors do REACH you to the point that you will shed a tear or two. The whole production encompasses you and you are engulfed in the story as the story proceeds.
I am hoping to ... read more get to see it again....maybe I will take my brother and his family......Definitely a MUST see!!!! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Large Group
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| 38 |
Must see Review by: Hannah, Dec 4, 2009 |
Next to Normal is one of the best musicals I've seen this year.Very moving and the subject matter really hit home.
My girlfriends loved it. The actors and actresses were
terrific. If you want to see Broadway at its best don't
miss this great musical |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Large Group
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Recommended for:
Tourists, Adults
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| 39 |
don't miss this Review by: SA Fan, Nov 22, 2009 |
| We saw 3 shows while in town. Billy, Jersey Boys and Next to normal. Next to Normal was my fav. If you like the rent and Spring awakening feel you'll love this show. Music is amazing and cast is top shelf. This show gets my highest rec. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Tourists, Adults
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| 40 |
Review by: Selruz, Nov 15, 2009 |
| Outstanding in every way, Next to Normal is the best Broadway show I've seen in years. I was deeply moved by the performances and am still thinking about the show months later. It opened my eyes to the possibilities of musical theater's ability to tackle tough subjects in a meaningful way. |
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must see!
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Seniors, Tourists, Adults
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| 41 |
SEATING TIP! A MUST READ! Review by: Chase, Nov 9, 2009 |
| It was great to see a show that wasn't so dated. The songs were energizing and moving. The set was beautiful and topic is so common nowadays. ABSOLUTELY DO NOT SIT IN THE FIRST 5 ROWS! I sat orchestra center, but I envied the mezz the whole time due to how the show is performed. I would highly reccomend this play for all over 15. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Business Assoc., Seniors
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Amazing, Hopeful Show Review by: Karl, Nov 8, 2009 |
| This was an amazing score Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkeys score is stuck in my head and you should bring a tissue you will cry. All the actors were amazing and made this fast maced musical even better. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Alone
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Business Assoc., Seniors
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| 43 |
Amazing! Review by: Leah, Oct 10, 2009 |
| I saw Next To Normal at the end of September with two other friends. We were completely taken in by it. Honestly, there wasn't one aspect of this show that we were disappointed with from the very beginning of it. Alice Ripley yes, may not have the most pleasant voice however, Diana has been through a lot in her life and i think alice's voice kind of shows that. J. Robert Spencer's acting was UNBELIEVABLE. The emotion he put into Dan was unlike ... read more anything i've ever seen (and i've seen several broadway shows, tours, and local productions) before. Aaron Tveit was flawless. He stayed in character even in moments when he wasn't profiled on stage. Jennifer Damiano has such a talent for a teenage girl that I wish I had. Adam Chanler-Berat is adorable and has a very unique voice while Louis Hobbes does a very good job as well. The set was not the most complicated but I thought it was very artistically done. The music and lyrics are the most beautiful I have ever heard performed. I also really liked how one song would lead right into another so there was minimal clapping causing the emotions to stick throughout the whole show. I really don't understand how ANYONE could not like this show. You can tell how much passion is just put into the show night after night. I loved it so much I decided to see it again in a couple weeks instead of driving in to see West Side Story. Yes, the story is not the happiest but it's moving the ending does have hope. go see it. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Large Group
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Recommended for:
Anyone
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| 44 |
Next to Normal is "the one" .. no doubt, no question, this is a big HIT Review by: Averick, Oct 7, 2009 |
I read the reviews on here, and so decided to see this show, though it was hard to convince my friends to go along based on me telling them that apparently it's a sad story.
It's not actually, it's a moving story. This show is a phenomenal piece of musical theatre. I'll be so clear, I was engaged throughout the whole show and not bored one time. The music was just so catchy and hip, and the audience LOVED this show. People were talking about ... read more it during intermission and even at the end.
This is something truly cool and as much as I'm a huge Phantom Fan and love Wicked etc, .. this show blows those shows to pieces. May not have the fancy set, but doesn't need it. This is a MUST SEE. Not a 'go if you have a chance' .. Wow. I'm still reeling from this (mind you it was only an hour ago that i was in the theatre).. just WOW. I can't wait to return back to see this show the next trip to NYC.
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Business Assoc.
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| 45 |
They Should Pay YOU to Attend This Show Review by: LarryScott, Sep 28, 2009 |
I have been happily (well, most of the time) attending Broadway and off-Broadway plays since the 1950s. Judging from my stack of collected Playbills, I estimate having seen about seventy musicals over the years, some more than once. I was born and raised in NYC, and consider myself reasonably cultured, and certainly open to new, contemporary and compelling theater.
THAT SAID, I would like to review Next to Normal very succinctly: ... read more This was without a doubt the worst travesty to muck up a Broadway stage that I have ever seen. Leaving the theater dumbfounded and angry, I was almost compelled to run to the local police precinct to report a robbery (of the price I paid for tickets). Let me also mention that I went to this play with a group of six equally cultured and experienced theatergoers, and the feeling was unanimous. We were all astonished by the fact that anyone in his right mind could find any saving graces among the plethora of this show's failures.
Some topics simply don't merit being a musical unless the quality of the music, lyrics, performances, staging, choreography and direction can present the story in an ultimately pleasing and entertaining manner. "Rent," of course, accomplished this with flying colors. There was hope, excitement, emotion and all the wonderful performances of its youthful cast that made it such a great show. NTN had none of those qualities. What is did have was formless, forgetful and formulaic music, forced and oftentimes ridiculous lyrics, screeching instead of singing, wooden (and I'm being kind here) acting, staging apparently created by someone who specializes in either marching bands or storefront mannequin displays, and most of all, a story that reeks of hopelessness, despair, tragedy, pain and suffering, all presented somehow without affect or passion. Yes, it's a fun night out to watch the end of Act One with mommy on a gurney awaiting shock therapy amidst something pretending to be music and lyrics.
I had long thought that another Broadway travesty, "Mourning Pictures," another sparkling songfest about a woman dying of cancer, ranked as the worst of my theater experiences, but by one or two points, Next to Normal has usurped that role.
I need to reiterate that the topic alone is not the sole cause for my negative review. This is simply an endeavor that does not work, and certainly isn't supported by enough talent or creativity to fill up a Broadway stage. The storyline in musical theater can indeed be tragic; great operas have been doing this for centuries, and more recently, Broadway theater as well. This bomb, however, is simply tragic, period, and I don’t mean its storyline alone.
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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I saw this show with:
Large Group
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| * Review is an opinion of a BroadwayBox user and not that of BroadwayBox.com and BroadwayBox, Inc. |
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