Lighting Design by Mark Hankla and Sound Design by Jay Austin were perfectly conceived and executed and added tremendously to the brilliance of the piece. They truly rocked the musical styles of the difficult 37-song score that ranges from country to classical to rock. They include Charles Casimiro (bass), Isabella Palacpac (cello), Blake Hansen (violin/synthesizer), Christian Peragine (drums), and Tim Maynard (guitar). The musicians for this production under the direction of the gifted maestro, Sarah Fay (Piano/Conductor) are all marvelous. His character’s ambiguous nature keeps us questioning how effective a clinician he actually is. His turn as a the rockstar therapist of Diana’s hallucinations add some lighter moments. Madden played by the terrific Bill Warncke is the epitome of collected calm, always reasonable and objective. His beautifully rendered “Perfect For You” was a highlight of the show.Dr. I especially loved her rendition of “Superboy and The Invisible Girl.”As Henry, the weed-smoking slacker boyfriend, Marc Costanzo gives a sympathetic portrayal of both a follower in Natalie’s wake, yet someone who manages to show some courage when most needed. She embodies Natalie’s vulnerability, and she can certainly belt out a song. “I’m Alive” is especially powerful.As Natalie, who vies for her mother’s attention and, failing over and over, Hannah Rapaglia is fantastic. His demonic-like second act reprise of the number. Rob Bassett delivers and commands the stage with a dangerous and volatile energy. His beautiful voice brought a tearful poignancy to “He’s Not Here.”Gabe, the enabler of his mother’s most destructive behavior, is at once angry, rebellious, hurt and defiant. While aptly navigating the erratic 16 year marriage to Diana with empathy, He also actively faces the chaos she brings into every moment. Diana’s husband, Dan, as brilliantly played by Chris Fay, shows us the many nuances of despair. Her powerful physicality and facial expressions reflect the sadness and pain. She delivers a courageous, bold performance that gives us a glimpse of the unbalanced and chaotic universe of someone suffering from bi-polar disorder and depression. They performed with humanity and profound sincerity.ĭiana is played by the extraordinarily talented Marylin Olsen. Not one word of the text was lost, and it seemed that the audience was listening intently to every word. The members of the cast are all very impressive singers with wonderfully clear diction. As the actors navigate the numerous platforms throughout the theatre, the level of intimacy and direct connection it establishes, seems to transport the audience inside the mind of these characters. The wonderfully simple set, also designed by Matt Austin and Jessica Chesbro, offers all sorts of exciting possibilities. The movement is choreographed meticulously and the action moves at brisk pace while indulging all the emotionally charged interactions. The inspired staging brings the characters in among the audience. The show is beautifully and skillfully directed by Matt Austin and Jessica Chesbro. This production is a new, fresh and surprising immersive theatrical event. Most people can relate to one or more of these perspectives, The terrific cast creates empathy from the very start of the show and compels the audience into the uncomfortable position of watching the downward spiral of a woman who could easily be one of them. We meet a family dealing with mental illness from several perspectives: those suffering from it, those with relatives suffering from it and those who fear they may suffer from it in the future. Thought-provoking themes such as family, loyalty, sanity, and relationships are explored. Book & Lyrics are by Brian Yorkey.Ī play about depression may not seem like an uplifting night at the theatre, but The Theatre Barn’s compelling production delivers a dose of laughs, dramatic tension, and up-tempo songs. It was nominated for 11 Tony awards in 2009, it won three (including one for Armonk native and Byram Hills High School graduate, Tom Kitt who wrote the music). The show won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The award-winning rock musical centers on a mother struggling with bipolar disorder and the effects that her illness has on her family. Next to Normal has been called one of the best musicals of the 21st century.
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