“Exquisite” is perhaps the best way to describe the incredible rock musical “Next to Normal,” playing at the Benedum Center through Sunday on its national tour.
That's “exquisite” as in marked by flawless craftsmanship, elaborate and with a delicate balance.
The subject matter can be extremely difficult to take, but almost everyone knows someone who has struggled with mental illness or the loss of a child.
That two someones — Brian Yorkey through the book and lyrics and Tom Kitt through the music — could transform that struggle into a full-blown musical is incredible.
The music is highly complex. There's a limited, closely intertwined cast of six whose voices sometimes blend, often overlay and frequently soar in solos to explain the story of a family in crisis. There really isn't a single weak line in the cast or their vocal performances.
Alice Ripley reprises her Broadway role as mom/wife Diana Goodman, for which she won a Tony Award as Best Actress in 2009.
She's a tormented soul, having undergone 16 years of assorted treatments for a mental illness that surfaced after the death of her son Gabe when he was only 8 months old.
Diana's steadfast partner in life is her husband Dan, portrayed by Asa Somers. His patience, love and perseverance are incredible as he takes Diana from one doctor to another, willing to try any combination of medications or even electroshock therapy in hopes they can return to a simpler time when they were young and in love. Somers' concern comes across as genuine as he captures the essence of Dan.
In devoting himself to Diana, Dan pushes aside his own grief and needs, and they fester inwardly for years.
Emma Hunton is their intelligent, talented, foul-mouthed daughter Natalie. While it's clear her dad loves her, the relationship with Diana is stormy, with the mother so lost in the past and under the influence of her illness that she unintentionally ignores her daughter.
The song “Superboy and the Invisible Girl” highlights her talents.
Hunton belts out her anguish and lashes out at everyone, including Preston Sadleir as Natalie's supportive boyfriend Henry. He sticks with her despite herself, bringing some sense of normalcy to this tormented family.
Jeremy Kushnier is delightful, portraying Dr. Madden and Dr. Fine, two therapists who attempt to treat Diana. Whether a serious practitioner who patiently listens to Diana describe all the side effects of the latest drug combination or turned into a rock star shouting questions or a diagnosis, Kushnier shines.
When Diana says symptoms have progressed from nausea and numbness in her feet to numbness all over, he proclaims, “Patient stable.”
Later, as Diana's second doctor when her frustration level rises almost to a breaking point, he gently reminds that she has a chronic illness.
Curt Hansen is sometimes cat-like in his stealth and at other times absolutely sinister as Gabe, now 18.
The situation with Gabe can be confusing to anyone who has not seen the musical before and is a real challenge for an actor. He seems like a quite lively teen, interacting with his doting mom.
But pay attention, because that's the only member of his family he interacts with. It becomes apparent as the show progresses that Gabe exists only in his mother's tormented mind. Yet as his father reminds Diana that their son died many years ago in “He's Not Here,” Hansen protests, “I'm Alive.”
Hansen's timing is impeccable as he hovers, almost touching the other characters at times, yet quickly pulling away at the very last moment. He seems to effortlessly bound from one part of the set to another, challenging the audience to keep up with him.
What makes “Next to Normal” so different is the whole story plays out in song. The dialogue occurs through intricate songs, and paying attention to the lyrics is critical for understanding.
The subject matter is of an adult nature, yet there are comic moments, too, that in no way make light of the seriousness of mental illness. And that's a very delicate subject to balance.
The adjustable set, designed by Mark Wendland, is perfect to accommodate the shifting events and places. Diana is at home, she's at her therapist's, or Natalie is at home, school or out and about the town as she experiments with some of the drugs that have proven so ineffective for her mother.
It's also the repository, on multi levels, of the excellent musicians whose brilliant execution adds so much to the tone of the show.
Don't know how the actors can sustain such a high level of energy and singing on an ongoing basis. Each show has to be physically and emotionally draining, especially for Ripley.
Members of the audience were on their feet even before the final notes died down on opening night Tuesday. Yet the show is not for everyone. Those who are offended with the frequent use of the “f” word might wonder, with all the writing and music talents, if that was really necessary.
Those battling their own mental illness, or those familiar with the condition through a family member or friend, could find “Next to Normal” enlightening or disturbing. Tickets still are available by calling 412-456-6666.
