Next to Normal- The new wave of musicals

      Next to Normal is a unique musical which I fear will not stay unique for long. As a faster paced musical with a lot of plot twists it deviates from the standard musical fair. It's not a musical that has a strong opening number involved the entire cast, a down point in the middle, and an upbeat ending. This musical makes use of six cast members, four of which are major, two supporting. It is one of the darker musicals along the lines of Assassins, Carousel, and West Side Story.

     I saw a performance of it during my trip to New York. I must say it is one of the best musicals I have ever seen. Alice Ripley was a fierce Diana and I believe that she could be crazy. Kyle Dean Massey makes a good Gabe with his carefree attitude. I sadly didn't see the actual Dan, but if he's half as good as his understudy he must be one kick-butt singer.

Excerpt from Broadway.com's description of  Next to Normal

"This new musical centers on what appears to be a typical American family: Dad’s an architect; Mom rushes to pack lunches and pour cereal; their daughter and son are bright, wise-cracking teens. And yet their lives are anything but normal"

 In my opinion, Next to Normal   Is the first wave in a flood of a new style of musical. I fast paced Rock'n'roll style of musical without novelty songs. A darker more modern musical that has to do with the issues facing people today, not just the "I'm in love with the rival gang leaders sister," Musical. NO! It's a musical which shoves todays issues in your face and forces you to question if not change the way you though about it before