Friday night I saw one of the most moving performances I’ve ever seen in my life – the new original musical Next to Normal. There is nothing normal about this show (in a good way). I am dumbfounded by Alice Ripley's performance of Diana, the bi-polar mother who is far from normal. I had chills within the first five minutes and believe this show will emotionally grip anyone who watches it. It is depressing material, but the performance and music is powerful and touches the soul. I cried throughout. This is a show that everyone can relate to on some level - fear of loss, wishing for a magic wand to take away sickness, pain or anger, I'm sure the list would go on.
After the show the mood was somber, our thoughts preoccupied with the show. We waited to see all the actors in a "normal" state with smiles on their faces. They told us they laugh and make jokes back stage to keep it light. The music is well written and orchestrated. I enjoyed the unique harmonies in many of the songs as well. We were in the front row (general rush seats, we started sitting out at 6.30 am). J. Robert Spencer plays the father and his performance is dynamic as well. I saw him in Jersey Boys and I’m happy to see his career flourishing. This past week I also saw Exit the King, West Side Story and Blithe Spirit.
I didn’t like Exit the King and was disappointed in Susan Sarandon's performance. I didn't feel she tried to anything with her sarcastic role, and she was not interesting. Geoffrey Rush's performance was the best part of the show and worthy of his Tony nomination. I did not like the writing or premise of the show and it faulted explanation. It think it would be much improved with a funny narrator, rather than the same personality traits and plot line from the being to end.
West Side Story was great but not fantastic. I agree with the critics that the Spanish is inconsistent. However, I love the Spanish addition to the revival as it automatically added an intense cultural authenticity. I also felt the cast performance seemed over all young and inexperienced. I am not a fan of Karen Oliva. I was unimpressed with her one-dimensional performance as Vanessa in In The Heights. Tony nominated for her role as Anita I expected a lot more, but her performance was blaw. Anita needs more grit and sass...Karen's portrayal seemed fake. She's got to have more talent than her ability to flip her hair and put her hand on her hip. We ran into half the cast on the subway platform on the way home and got their signatures.
Blithe Spirit is a cute show and pleasantly entertaining. It was amazing to see Angela Lansbury live on stage at such an old age. I thought they could have done a bit more to play up the comical nature of the play and continue the murder plot for a more mysterious draw. Overall, I enjoyed the show and really enjoyed the cast - complete with Ruppert Everett, Christine Ebersole (Tony for Grey Gardens) and Jayne Atkinson (who played Karen Hayes in my favorite TV show 24).
