For those of you who know, themes of mental health and grief are often not the easiest to portray in a show whereby we’re dealing with sensitive topics. However, in the case of the Donmar Warehouse’s new production (currently playing until 7 October) directed by Michael Longhurst, it’s a steady build up of a monster that ruptures the entire Goodman family; prepare for an engrossing evening at the theatre where you will laugh, cry and feel so much empathy for each family member as they navigate the central character’s turmoil.
Caissie Levy’s turn in Next to Normal as Diana Goodman, along with the starlets that are Jack Wolfe and Eleanor Worthington (who play her children Gabe and Natalie), is one of sheer triumph. There’s a study that has occurred by all of the aforementioned actors that delve into the character that goes beyond a skin-deep portrayal.
Levy’s previous roles (which include: Elphaba in Wicked, Elsa in Frozen, Sheila in Hair and Molly in Ghost) have inspired a generation of musical theatre actors who look up to this triple-threat and a powerhouse in the world of musical theatre. It’s simply a pleasure that I wish every person can have, watching Levy at her best and playing a multi-layered and complex character with confidence and pizzaz. The moments of tenderness offered in her characterisation of the mother haunted by her past prove to be really affecting. Additionally, she is supported by a tremendous and hardworking cast, whose efforts to display a dysfunctional family in utter turmoil as they navigate the ill mental health of the matriarch make this gripping viewing.
Jaimie Parker (who plays Diana’s husband) and Trevor Dion Nicholas (as both Dr. Madden and Dr. Fine) slot well into the people who interact with Levy’s feisty and fraught Diana: the husband haunted by their domestic past.
Meanwhile, Jack Ofrecio plays the bad influence to her daughter Natalie; the is delivered in a sweet, and refreshing portrayal given the teen’s unruly behaviour.
The set, designed by Chloe Lamford, transforms the small Donmar space with a scandinavia-inspired home where most of the drama unfolds (or should I say, revolves). The video projections, often simply pills floating against a background, do add to the drama; they are, however, most effective when Diana is suffering in what can only be described as a panic episode, and it’s the glowing circle that pulsates effectively to show the fracturing of the mind.
We will findly look back on this production in a decade’s time, to see both Wolfe and Worthington-Cox’s trajectory to stardom beyond the realms of musical theatre. Whilst the lyrics aren’t the most inspiring (at times, the rhyming of grieve and repreieve simply seem futile), the book is one that is timeless. Even with subtle changes that reflect society (such as X instead of Twitter), Longhurst’s direction seamlessly brings the musical to the here and now. It feels real, viscerally captivating one’s attention and utterly convincing as a piece.
And of course, Levy’s ability to flitter between Broadway and West End shows – those that herald a well-deserved mass following – is what we need more of her in the UK and for her to bring her quality of the craft. This is evident when we hear the heart-wrenching ‘I Miss The Mountain’ and ‘You Don’t Know’. I do also want to mention the stand out moments that include Jack Wolfe’s ‘I’m Alive’ and ‘Superboy and the Invisible Girl’ (with Eleanor Worthington-Cox).
To put it simply, this is the hottest show of the Autumn (I do hope for an extension, or better still a West End transfer), and this iteration of Next to Normal will be remembered for its sheer effectiveness in translating a book from the 2000s to today with a stellar cast and creating an experience that makes the viewer feel whilst also being able to think about the piece for several weeks after.
Until 7 October 2023 only (Do check the Donmar Warehouse site daily for returns, the run is completely SOLD OUT)
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**Refresh every day to find returns/daily releases
N.B. I bought tickets for this show, and was not invited. I paid £45.00 per ticket, though I’m told Standing seats are also sometimes available at £10.00.