"I'm Alive"

Ever have the sensation you were going crazy? Well, the main character of Next to Normal is there with you. Next to Normal is a Broadway show that debuted in April 2009. It tells the story of Diana Goodman who is a woman living with bipolar disorder. Along with her husband and daughter, she tries to cope with the memory of her dead son and live a normal life. This compelling show is littered with an amazing score of music and leaves the viewer yearning for more. The songs include favorites such as "Superboy and the Invisible Girl", "I'm Alive", "I am the One", and "You Don't Know".

This beautiful rock opera is directed by Michael Greif, the same man who directed the musical Rent. Many of the elements found in Rent are seen in Next to Normal, especially the dancing. Nonetheless, Greif has sent another exuberant musical to the streets of Broadway. This musical contains an all star cast including: Alice Ripley as Diana Goodman, Aaron Tveit as Gabriel Goodman, J. Robert Spencer as Dan Goodman, and Jennifer Damiano as Natalie Goodman.

Compared to other musicals, Next to Normal discusses a very touch subject, bipolar disorder. It is not unexpected, though, because Greif covered the topic of AIDS in his last musical. Next to Normal also has a very intricate set of a two story house onstage which sets the tone and expresses the musical to its full potential. It is definitely a show to see and hopefully you will get the chance to see it soon.

Thanks for the read. Hope to see you back stage again soon!

Exit Stage Left,

Leading Man Jase