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Next To Normal Reviews
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| 46 |
Not an upper ! Review by: Gerry, Sep 23, 2009 |
| This play is clever, novel, and well executed but by the last scene you could hear lots of sniffles, and a few sobs and noses being blown in the audience. .....wrenching, yes .... uplifting, no. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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| 47 |
Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone Review by: BroadwayBriBri, Sep 13, 2009 |
This unconventional musical certainly met my expectations! I saw the 9/12 matinee performance. It featured ALL of the original cast members - so glad that there were no understudies because the cast is so talented. I bought the soundtrack to this show about two months ago. I tend to do this before I go to see a show because my own familiarity with the music helps me to enjoy it more.
I wanted to see this show for a few reasons. First,... read more, I have seen two members of my immediate family struggle with Bipolar Disorder for the past twenty years. The medication trials, the hospitalizations, the ECTs, the HIGHS and the LOWS - the hoping, the coping, and the utter frustration...and sometimes hopelessness. It is an emotional roller coaster that no one can truly appreciate unless they live it. Although stories about mental illness are never one in the same, there were certain moments in this show that touched my heart because they mirrored things that I have seen in my own life.
The second reason that I wanted to see this show is because Alice Ripley won the Tony award for best lead actress. She was in my first musical, Side Show, and also played Fantine in Les Miserables when I saw it. I have to say that her acting was great. She was very invested in the emotion of Diana Goodman. The only complaint that I have of her is that she sings flat a lot of the time. I attended this show with my good friend who is a choral conductor, and he initially thought that she was having voice issues. There was one note at the end of "So Anyway I'm Leaving" that was all over the place. This, however, is heavily outweighed by her committment to the character and how believable she is.
A note about Aron Tveit, who plays Gabe. He recently returned to the production after a brief absence. WOW. I'm glad he did. He is not only a vision on stage, but his voice is effortless and he has an incredible upper range. Complete command of the stage...and very sexy:-)
The father and daughter were also very good and have incredible voices. They deserved the Tony nominations they received for these performances.
The Booth Theater is small, so most seats are great, except for the ones on the far left and right, as you may miss some of the action if you sit in these spots. The set is a minimalist steel structure studded with light bulbs and the facade of a house. It works for the show and allows the acting and singing to be the true stars.
I was just talking to my neighbors about this show, and they seemed disinterested. They are used to traditional, flashy, singing and dancing musicals. This is not one of them. It does feature an array of different musical types (rock, classical, bluegrass) and spectacular lighting, but this show requires an open mind and some thought. Don't see this if you are expecting "jazz hands" and feather boas. It is a special piece of work and it takes a special person to appreciate it. If you can put some thought into it, this musical will touch you...with or without your own personal experiences of mental illness or family dysfunction. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Adults
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| 48 |
Next to Fantastic! Review by: Thomas , Sep 7, 2009 |
| Next to Normal has without a doubt the most impressive acting I have ever seen. Yes Alice Ripley completely deserved her Tony but so did the entire cast. The score is fantastic, I was worried that "Contemporary Rock" score would mean that all the songs would sound the same but no, the show actually goes through several styles of music and does not get boring at all. The set is extremely simple, but very creative, as is the lighting and staging.... read more. This show has alot of language, the f-word and many others are used all through-out the show. I would also mention that this is not a traditional "feel-good" musical with big dance routines, glittery costumes, ect. Rather this is a very serious and intense drama set to music. If this is your first time to experience broadway, I would reccomend Wicked or Mary Poppins (both of which I love!). However, if you'd like to see a more simple, raw, edgy and intense production, Next to Normal is down right incredible. I really can't say enough about the cast of this show, I do not know how they can go through such a range of emotions each and every night... absolutely fantastic. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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I saw this show with:
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Business Assoc., Adults
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| 49 |
Astounding performances Review by: broadwayfan, Sep 6, 2009 |
| What an amazing experience!! This show depicts the destructive role that mental illness plays in families. Alice Ripley delivers an astounding, carefully nuanced performance that is simply astounding. The entire cast was wonderful. I highly recommend this mature musical, actually a play with music, for all who want to see more than dancing mermaids or nannies. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Tourists, Adults
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Next to Normal -> to say it was brilliant and phenomenal is an understatement. it is a special event. Review by: Rob O from Toronto, Aug 28, 2009 |
I only learned of Next to Normal from watching their performance at the Tonys. So I read most of the reviews on here, everyone saying it is intense, you feel all emotions etc. I was skeptical. I see a lot of shows in NYC, London, and Toronto. I have to say, i was blown away. I did not expect that raw emotion. It's a cast of what, 5 people or so, a stationary set, and i was entertained non-stop. I brought my sister-in-law, and we were both crying ... read more our eyes out, both first and second act. Is it worth seeing. 100000%. Is it a good show? Yes, but moreso, it is a very very special show. This is something you will see, always remember and be glad you were a part of it. It is hard to explain, just as it was weird for me to understand the reviews on here! Anyhow, best seats are not first 4 rows, too close.
I hope this show eventually goes on tour, and comes to Toronto! Brilliant Brilliant show! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Business Assoc., Seniors
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| 51 |
just amazing. so moving and unforgettable Review by: C, Aug 25, 2009 |
| This was a show that I will think about for a while. The singing is so amazing and the stage is beautiful. Very moving and touching your heart. The entire cast sings amazing. I was scared it will be too depressing but it is just a great show |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Recommended for:
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| 52 |
Must See! Review by: Nick, Aug 21, 2009 |
| Superb Show. The music, acting, set, everything was excellent. I loved this show. Must SEE! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Romantic Date, Business Assoc., Tourists
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| 53 |
Original; Provacative; Very heavy Review by: , Aug 19, 2009 |
| "Next to Normal" is very provacative and heavy. The performances were amazing, especially Alice Ripley's performance. You would totally understand why she won the Tony Award!! The music is hard to get out of your head and it sticks with you for a long time (I saw it about a month ago and I'm still singing the songs). The story is touching, intense, sad, and original. The performances make up for the somewhat dull set appearance. Recommended? ... read more Yeah!!!! GO SEE IT!!! But it's not for first-time theatre goers who are expecting a blown-out extravagant production with music and dancing. |
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| 54 |
A "Crazy" Idea Review by: brooklynboy, Aug 15, 2009 |
| I absolutely do not understand why bipolar disorder is considered a suitable topic for a musical. I interact with enough bipolar people all week, just being in New York. Why would I want to see them singing about it on stage? So how did the concept conference go for this one?: "How about 'Diabetes-The Musical?'" "Nah, not catchy enough". "Well then, how about 'Malignant Tumor-A New Musical'"? "No-doesn't have zing". "Ok, ... read more then-how about 'Bipolar-The Musical'"? "Now THAT'S good-but we need to come up with a new name for the show......" The worst idea for musicalization since "Titanic". |
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| 55 |
Bipolar Disorder; serious and sensitive portrayal Review by: DMGMD, Aug 12, 2009 |
I'm a psychiartist and was extremely impressed with this show. I "saw" many of my patients on stage and it shed light on how I may be perceived by my patients and their families. Though I certainly didn't agree with all the treatment approaches in this show, I know they are done.
I thought the acting was wonderful and the music was very effective. It was an extremely moving show with lots of raw emtoions (as well ... read more as numbness). Next to Normal will not appeal to everyone but it is definitely an accurate portrayal of a patient with a severe Bipolar Disorder. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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| 56 |
Everything About It Is Great.... Review by: Ken, Aug 9, 2009 |
I consider myself a Broadway expert and I REALLY liked this show. Beyond the fact that the music and performances are top notch, it is SO refreshing to FINALLY see a Broadway show that is not a fluff and/or a jukebox show. I mean, yes, "Rock of Ages" can be fun, but you can't really respect the show since they just used songs that people already know. I respect "Next to Normal" a ton since I feel that it caters to people who go to theatre for ... read more something more than stupid comedy.
I also respect the fact that this show offers inexpensive seats in the last row of the theatre. Thank you to these producers for realzing that some people love theatre yet can't spend a fortune on it.
I have already seen "Next to Normal" twice and would see it again in a minute. I suggest everyone sees it since this type of theatre SHOULD be supported! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Recommended for:
Anyone
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| 57 |
Not dysfunctional enough! Review by: Dee, Aug 8, 2009 |
| While the group I was with enjoyed the show very much, it didn't do anything for me. I didn't like the director's choice to make the entire family virtually emotionless. The acting and singing were okay (the son stood out), but it was hard to believe they were an actual family..really hard. They were too normal to be dysfuncitonal! I thought it would be more like the show Intervention. The music was not bad, though a little loud at times and ... read more pretty much the same throughout. I wouldn't say not to see it, especially because it's adored by so many people, but it personally didn't leave me with anything..and I was truly hoping to be able to relate to it. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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Large Group
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| 58 |
Wanted to Love it, But only Liked it Review by: MLSinNYC, Aug 7, 2009 |
| I couldn't wait to see this show especially after reading the reviews and seeing it win the Tony for best music. Growing up in NY I have seen many, many shows and thought this one just might land in the top three. I was disappointed. While the storyline is thought provoking and intense, the songs were forgettable and there were too many. This is the first show I have seen in a long time, where there wasn't a single song I wanted to download ... read more or hear again. This is not because I am a Broadway purist who dislikes rock music in the theater, I loved Rent, Rock of Ages and Spring Awakening. The acting was superb, especially the female leads. I would recommend this show for the story and the acting only, but I can't say that it is worth the full price of a ticket. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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A Light in the Dark Review by: Monorail91, Aug 6, 2009 |
I was honestly a bit nervous before I saw this show. I really enjoyed the performance on the Tony Awards, but it didn't win the Best Musical award, so it couldn't be that great, right?
I have never been more wrong in my life. "Next to Normal" is hands down one of the best shows I have ever seen in my life. The story, songs, and acting are all stellar. I saw the show weeks ago and I can't stop thinking about it. It is the most ... read more thought-provoking show I have seen in years, and by far the best musical since "Spring Awakening" first hit the stage almost three years ago. I've never cried in a show before, and I cried in this one - three times. An unforgettable show that I can't wait to see again.
When I say I recommend this show for "anyone", I mean everyone about 13 or older. There is bad language, sexual and drug references, but nothing explicit. This is a show that will mean something different to everyone who sees it, but I am sure that everyone in your party will enjoy it immensely.
With ticket prices as high as they are, it is hard to find a "sure thing" show to invest in - "Next to Normal" is that musical. Everybody should see this show. It will change your life. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Family
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Recommended for:
Adults, Anyone
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| 60 |
Truly an incredible show...Alice Ripley: Amazing Review by: agerber1, Aug 4, 2009 |
| One word: AMAZZZINNNG!! I have seen a lot of shows but this is one of my top 3 favorites! Everybody needs to see this show! Alice Ripley is truly a genious at what she does. Her acting is phenomenal and does not slip up one bit. The whole cast is amazing and I was fortunate to see the entire cast w/o any u/s. See the show now! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Family
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Tourists, Adults
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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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