Photos by Maggie Hall
“Next to Normal.” – Book and Lyrics by Brian Yorkey. Music by Tom Kitt. Directed and choreographed by Pascale Florestal. Voice and music directed by Katie Bickford. Scenic design by Erik D. Diaz. Costume design by Kiara Escalera. Lighting design by Michael Clark Wanson. Sound design by James Cannon. Stage Managed by Deirdre Benson. Presented by Central Square Theater & the Front Porch Arts Collective at Central Square Theater, 484 Mass. Ave through through June 30th, 2024
By Helen Ganley
Father rushes off to work, and mother is in the kitchen preparing lunches while daughter and son get ready for school. Peering into this world, one might see an archetypal family busy with the ups and downs of suburban life. Looks, however, can be deceiving. Central Square Theater & Front Porch Arts Collective’s production of “Next to Normal” illuminates the hidden depths of a seemingly perfect life.
“Next to Normal” is a rock musical by Brian Yorkey (book and lyrics) and Tom Kitt (music), which premiered Off-Broadway in 2008, before moving to Broadway’s Booth Theatre a year later. The show explores the Goodman family’s struggles with mental illness, focusing on Diana’s bipolar disorder and its impact on her family. It won three Tony Awards in 2009, including Best Original Score, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2010. This production’s entirely non-white cast offers an additional lens in interpreting social definitions of “normality.”
As Diana, Sherée Marcelle is the center of a whirlwind of emotions. She maneuvers easily between heartfelt operatic tones in “I Miss the Mountains” and rage-filled riffs in “Do You Know.” Marcelle shines not only with her singing but her exceptional acting. She lives every scene as Diana, exuding emotion in every moment, her body language conveying her agitation, fear, panic, and sadness.
Although the show revolves around Diana, each actor has a gravitational pull that has the audience latched onto every note, word, and action. Dan, played by Anthony Pires, Jr., is desperate to reclaim the girl he knew 19 years ago. Pires’s wide-eyed manic energy in “It’s Gonna Be Good” reverberates. He’s a man falling apart at the seams. Diego Cintón and Cortlandt Barrett portray siblings Gabe and Natalie separated by, amongst other things, parental favoritism. Cintón controls the stage, sweeping across every corner of the set, his impishness and desperation channeled powerfully through his even tenor in “I’m Alive.” While Cintón rules over his loft, Barrett simply occupies her first-floor bedroom. Her voice is heartfelt in “Everything Else,” her preoccupation with perfection masking her dismay at parental ignorance. Opposite Barrett is Dashawn McClinton as Henry, a doting and supportive boyfriend. Together, the duo’s harmonies in “Perfect for You” echo their relationship, her voice soaring to new heights while he effortlessly supports her.
As the monotone Dr. Fine and the steadfast Dr. Madden is Ricardo “Ricky” Holguin, who transitions from a head-banging rockstar to a grounding presence in “Make Up Your Mind/Catch Me I’m Falling.” In the lighter moments of the show, Holguin’s comic facial expressions incite raucous laughter.
Supporting the exceptional cast was an unfaltering and talented crew. Musical director Katie Bickford heads the five-piece band that provides unwavering support to the actor’s strong voices. Erik D. Diaz’s scenic design floats memories of childhood above the stage, creating a dollhouse for the audience to peer into throughout the show. Each “room” has little furniture but creates easy access for Pascale Florestal’s natural and comfortable blocking and choreography. Kiara Escalera’s costuming is meticulous, each piece carefully selected, from SZA t-shirts to a beautiful blue gown.
This production challenges viewers, in the words of Florestal, to “question the ‘normal,’ question things that are called ‘standard’ or ‘typical.’” The show is truly a must-see of the Boston theater scene and will have you on the edge of your seat.
For tickets and information, visit https://www.centralsquaretheater.org/shows/next-to-normal/
