Next to Normal

Musical theatre fans are often lauded as spirit finger, glitter loving, show tune belting freaks. There are “normal” people who experience life. And then there are people, who stand next to normal folk, who experience life and then sing and dance about it. I am in the latter category. And damn proud of it too. And as it turns out I am far from alone in the universe when it comes to making this statement. For hours of musical listening fun, deconstructions of divas belting out showtunes, and “daily shoutouts,” visit www.sethrudestky.com. For the latest in Broadway news visit www.playbill.com and click on Seth’s hi-larious blog/podcast Onstage and Backstage. And for weekly news/interviews/tidbits on what is happening on the West End, visit MusicalTalk and subscribe to their podcast. 

Despite their fluffly reputation, many musicals tell the stories of serious issues - from racism and the nature of war in “South Pacific”, American politics in “Assassins”, AIDS in “RENT”,  and most recently depression in “Next to Normal”. And in exciting sort-of-recent news, one of my favourite recent Broadway musicals, “Next to Normal”, won this year’s Pulitzer Prize for Best Drama. “Next to Normal” tells the story of Diana, a suburban mother, and her battle with depression. The music style ranges from rock to country to pastiche, and articulately describes the experience of depression, the medical merry-go-round of “curing” it, and the drama of depression within modern suburban life. It’s a gusty, unafraid musical that is full of energy and emotion. As Ben Brantley states in his positive review of the show, “Nor do musicals have to bubble with cheer to transport an audience as this one does”. Highly recommended listening (and viewing if you’re in NYC!). And then if you really need some good quality spirit finger glitter loving show tune belting fluff, you should like, totally check out Legally Blonde The Musical.