"Next to Normal" : A Review

Every community theatre aspires to being equal to the professionals.

It's rare when a production succeeds - but you can see a good example of exactly that when you watch Next to Normal, which runs today at 5 p.m. and next weekend at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning musical tells the story of a family facing a tremendous challenge: Mom is losing her mind.

Each family member tries to cope in their own way. The father (Dan) tries to be a rock, the daughter (Natalie) is an over-achiever and a pessimist, and the son (Gabe) stands by his mother. And the mother (Diana) tries to find a cure, through drugs, treatment - any means necessary.

That's the framework for the story, which is told through a series of terrific rock songs. There are funny songs (I especially like Diana's visit to a "rock star" psychologist), heartbreaking ones (bring a hanky, folks), and celebratory anthems.

The show succeeds thanks to an extremely talented cast.

Emily Capece is riveting as Diana, the mother who has moments both manic and incisive. She's a force to be reckoned with, belting out songs, struggling with sanity and fighting for her family. It's a masterful performance, impressive and heartbreaking.

Ryan Hardiman plays Dan, the father trying to maintain the family. In a cast of strong singers, Ryan's powerful voice leads the pack, and he gets many chances to use it to great effect. His character also bears much of the pain, and he conveys it with great skill.

Matthew Bryant plays Gabe, the son at the heart of much of the family's pain. He turns in an amazing performance, bounding around the stage and sparking some of the show's most intense moments. He's also an excellent singer and carries one of the show's best anthems.

Madeline Southall plays daughter Natalie, and she's the heart of the show, bearing the pain of the family's struggles, trying to make her own way in the world. It's tough to play a pessimistic character and still make that character likable, but she manages it with great skill. Her character is also working on a budding romance with Henry, played with great sympathy (and empathy) by Scott Jarrell. Both are excellent singers and terrific actors.

Playing the dual role of Dr. Fine and Dr. Madden, Tim Whitener gets several opportunities to shine, belting out songs and providing some of the show's best light moments.

Add to the All-Star cast a terrific band, conducted by John Marshall, a fantastic set - simple but extremely effective - and top-notch tech work (the tech guys never get enough credit, but their work was flawless), and you have a fantastic show.

It's an excellent musical, worthy of its awards and performed at a level any professional production would aspire to.

Don't miss it!