Musical Spotlight: Next to Normal by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey (2009)
DescriptionWell, I have just now discovered that The Pulitzer Prize website includes a one-sentence summary of each show to explain the content/reason for its victory. Here is the description for Next to Normal: "A powerful rock musical that grapples with mental illness in a suburban family and expands the scope of subject matter for musicals."
That is all true, but I will expand a tad. The show centers around Diana Goodman's bout with bipolar 1 disorder. She is haunted by the ghost of her son, Gabe. Her husband, Dan, supports Diana as best he can and struggles to come to terms with their son's death. Diana's daughter, Natalie, is constantly aggravated by her deceased brother's ability to pervade her life--she tries to cope with her piano-playing; her cries for attention are often unheard, although she gains the interest of pot-loving Henry (there is really no other way to say it). Diana attempts to take control of her mental health through visiting her doctor. Eventually, electroshock therapy is administered after Diana attempts suicide.
Due to the ECT, Diana's memory has been altered and she pursues a happier, healthier life while navigating back to remember her painful history. I will avoid spoiling the ending!!
Candid Reaction
- I remember watching the Tony performance of "You Don't Know/I Am the One" and being astounded by the passion shown. I wasn't sure what to make of my interest in the show.
- I listened to this album while on the treadmill at Planet Fitness and I had to resist sobbing. The show is heartbreaking. Honestly, I would be scared to see the show because I think I would just be a puddle by the end of it.
- I hate The Sound of Music, but I appreciated the allusion in "My Psychopharmacologist and I."
- Alice Ripley > Everyone
- I feel so much sympathy for each character! Who can you feel the worst for?
1. Mental Health
Never before had mental illness been at the forefront of a plotline in musical theater in the US. The show wasn't "simply" about a mental illness, though. It addressed grief, suicide, drug use, and ethics in modern day psychological treatment. Next to Normal urged America to consider how mental health should look in the United States. The writers were able to create dialogue on a touchy subject without preaching or simply sentimentalizing the story.
2. All Major Characters
The audience can examine the whole cast nearly equally due to the small number of characters. Each character plays an essential role in the story. Yes, there are characters that are classified as "Featured" or can be considered "Flat"/"Stock," but all of the individuals reflect true humans. As I previously mentioned, sympathy is evoked for each character. The effects of mental illness on families are complex. It is quite incredible to think that two writers can give such an accurate snapshot of a real issue within 2.5 hours-- a snapshot that makes you laugh and cry.
Classroom Implications
The song "I Miss the Mountains" could be useful for teaching metaphor. The language throughout the show is not PG, so it would be difficult to incorporate text analysis in class.
Never before had mental illness been at the forefront of a plotline in musical theater in the US. The show wasn't "simply" about a mental illness, though. It addressed grief, suicide, drug use, and ethics in modern day psychological treatment. Next to Normal urged America to consider how mental health should look in the United States. The writers were able to create dialogue on a touchy subject without preaching or simply sentimentalizing the story.
2. All Major Characters
The audience can examine the whole cast nearly equally due to the small number of characters. Each character plays an essential role in the story. Yes, there are characters that are classified as "Featured" or can be considered "Flat"/"Stock," but all of the individuals reflect true humans. As I previously mentioned, sympathy is evoked for each character. The effects of mental illness on families are complex. It is quite incredible to think that two writers can give such an accurate snapshot of a real issue within 2.5 hours-- a snapshot that makes you laugh and cry.
Classroom Implications
The song "I Miss the Mountains" could be useful for teaching metaphor. The language throughout the show is not PG, so it would be difficult to incorporate text analysis in class.
Personal Takeaway
Everyone grieves differently. Everyone needs love.
Ranking
TBD
Ranking
TBD
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