Venue: ARA Darling Quarter Theatre (Sydney NSW), Nov 22 – 25, 2023
Book and Lyrics: Brian Yorkey
Music: Tom Kitt
Director: Marie-Jo Orbase, Eezu Tan
Cast: Jacen Bennett, Liam Faulkner-Dimond, Sebastian Nelson, Chaya Ocampo, Claire Perry, Marcus Rivera
Images by Hugo Photography & Film
Theatre review
Diana experiences serious mental health challenges; suffering from bipolar disorder, along with depression and anxiety issues, she tries different treatment options, hoping for a cure that could solve her problems decisively. In the musical Next to Normal by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey, we take an honest look at a phenomenon that is pervasive yet stigmatised, to help facilitate discussions about how we, as individuals and as communities, navigate psychological well-being.
It is a cleverly structured work, with excellent humour and a sensitive tenderness, culminating in a surprisingly subversive conclusion, that connects with both intelligence and amusement. Directed by Marie-Jo Orbase and Eezu Tan, the production is full of sincerity, and although lacking in polish, tells the story with a vibrant gusto. Sound engineering in the production is particularly impressive, standing out as the staging’s most professional element.
Performer Claire Perry demonstrates great commitment for the role of Diana, and sings the part with admirable precision. The entire cast delivers a good standard of musicality, as well as passion and energy, for a show that provokes valuable thought and discussion.
There are many ways we can choose to deal with our mental health, as long as we know not to neglect its care. We are bruised and battered from simply existing, and what happens in the mind is endlessly complex and delicate. There are no easy solutions, and certainly nothing that could work the same for every person, but to pay it close attention, to understand that it requires constant nurturing and tending to, is crucial to us thriving.
Suzy Goes See 