Next To Normal is an intimate exploration of family and loss. At its heart is Diana Goodman, a suburban wife and mother living with bipolar disorder and haunted by her past. Donmar Artistic Director Michael Longhurst directs this powerful rock musical about a far‑from‑average family.
The creative elements here are impossible to enthuse about: lightweight characters, flimsy music, forgettable costumes. The house they occupy looks like a student flat designed by a bored computer. And yet, the crowd loved it.
The cast’s energy and talent is showcased and driven by an accomplished modern score, delivered by a 6-piece band who occupy 3 distinct panels above the main playing area. Final mention must go to the sleek, stylish and technically effective set design delivered by Chloe Lamford, redolent of her previous work, most notably her impressive Phaedra at the National Theatre Lyttelton last year.
2008 | Off-Broadway |
Original Off-Broadway Production Off-Broadway |
2009 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
2010 | US Tour |
1st National Tour US Tour |
2010 | US Tour |
2nd National Tour US Tour |
2013 |
Weston Playhouse Production |
|
2020 | Washington, DC (Regional) |
Kennedy Center Broadway Center Stage Production Washington, DC (Regional) |
2024 | West End |
West End |
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