Next To Normal has always been known as the show about the "crazy mom." Having lost out on 2009's Tony Award for Best Musical to Billy Elliot, N2N became that much more empowered by its audience. Up until July of 2010, Diana Goodman was played by stage veteran Alice Ripley, in a Tony winning performance. Ripley is currently playing Diana on a nationwide tour and announced her departure in May. The role of Dan Goodman, her husband, was played alternately by J. Robert Spencer and Brian D'Arcy James, both whom brought spectacular clarity and vulnerability to the role. Diana and Dan's daughter Natalie was played from its origin by Jennifer Damiano. Ms. Damiano leaves N2N to star in Spiderman: The Musical, opening this winter.
Next To Normal is a story by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey centered around Diana, a bi-polar depressive with delusional episodes, and the toll her illness has taken on her and her family. A stunning soundtrack with a perfectly built set for this particular piece allows us inside the mind of Diana. Except, this musical goes one step further. It lets us inside the mind of Dan, Natalie, Henry (Natalie's love interest), and even the various doctors that treat her. A story of struggle, devotion, treatment and above all family garnered Next To Normal the 2010 Pulitzer Prize in Drama.
Diana and Dan Goodman are now played by real-life husband and wife Marin Mazzie and Jason Danieley. The role of Natalie is played by Meghann Fahy. The first thought upon hearing the change in casting is who could possibly replace Alice Ripley? The answer is no one. Ms. Mazzie does a wonderful job portraying Diana and having her mania brought center stage, as opposed to Ripley's internal struggle. For a few moments, it's tough to settle into the new Diana. Granted, Ms. Ripley originated Diana from paper and has been with the show through every workshop and production, so there is an ease in favoring her in a comparison. At moments, I felt Ms. Mazzie was singing the words instead of striving to give them meaning and at other times, I felt her choices were remarkably and wonderfully thought out, as they contrasted the old Diana. Of course, the new cast needs to settle their kinks. As Ben Brantley from the Times said, the show is still there. Ms. Mazzie is beautiful to watch, haunting at times even but one still feels she, as Diana is, still searching for something she hasn't found yet.
Mr. Danieley plays Dan with a great rugged nature. Unlike Mr. Spencer or Mr. D'Arcy James, this Dan feels a bit more masculine in the way he shows us his emotions. Not entirely negative is this display, yet Dan's softer songs such as "I've Been" and "I'm The One (reprise), don't satisfy the breakdown of this mask Mr. Danieley has put up. Dan is a favorite among many who see the play because of his generosity and devotion. Those attributes are still there, only with a harder edge.
The dynamic between the couple, bringing real life to stage or vice versa, seems to fit the balance quite well. You will never see a more moving version of Diana's "So Anyway", as when you share the intensity from each of their eyes. The final pause when the song is over renders you heartbroken, as it should. The sobs in the theatre, throughout the whole production, affirmed N2N still retains its power.
Ms. Fahy, a strikingly beautiful and talented young actress, gives Natalie a bit of space. Not too much different from Ms. Damiano's performance, Ms. Fahy encaptures the rage, angst and worry of a teenager embarrassed of her mother's illness. A little bit lacking in comedic is Ms. Fahy's performance, but instead we find the pleasure of an added element of a young girl on the verge. Will she turn out like her mother? In the end, does she think that's a horrible thing after all? Most impressively enacted is her performance that opens the second act in the song "Wish I Were Here." It's at this moment as Ms. Fahey is swinging on poles and feeling what loss of control is that the actress truly shines.
N2N, being the story and musical it is, can stand on any one's feet. A brilliantly told story of mental illness in today's age seen from differing points of views will make you leave the theatre sobbing, enthralled and maybe even a bit more compassionate when using the word "crazy."
Next To Normal continues to play performances at The Booth Theatre in NYC on 45th Street. Tickets can be purchased at telecharge.com
