By Kimberly Harper, WPRO Arts and Entertainment Contributor
When the most critical thing to say about a local performance is “the sound could be a little better balanced,” it’s a show that isn’t to be missed. The Wilbury Theater Group has a hit with its production of Tom Kitt’s and Brian Yorkey’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning “Next to Normal,” which officially opened on Memorial Day and runs through June 13.
“Next to Normal” is the story of a family in crisis. A major tragedy has left mother Diana (brilliantly portrayed by Moira Costigan-Carraher) in a state of breakdown. Her husband Dan (James Fernandes) is desperately trying to help bring back the vivacious, happy woman he married, his hopes raised and dashed time and time again. And their teenage daughter Natalie (Julia Bartoletti), who is as socially awkward as she is brilliant, wants nothing more than her parents’ notice, but is trapped living in the shadow of her older brother. The story takes an unflinching look at mental illness, from talk therapy to electroshock treatment and does not shy away from difficult truths along the way.
The intense plot is does not make for light consumption, but the actors have an even greater challenge in the music. Aside from the difficult subject matter, all six roles require an extensive vocal range and belting ability, and director Wendy Overly cast an extremely talented group of actors.
Costigan-Carraher is the star of the show and handles the demands of her role exceptionally well. Though the character’s actions can be extreme at times, she never fails to make you empathize with Diana. The same can be said for Fernandes, whose character at first blush seems insensitive until you realize the depth of the madness he faces every day. His attempts to reach his ever-distant wife are heartbreaking.
Bartoletti is impressive as the apathetic teenage daughter and Andrew Iacovelli is dynamic while playing the mysterious older brother, sometimes literally bouncing off the set as he sings. The ending of the play is realistic, if not particularly happy, and if the first act didn’t bring you to tears, the second act will probably seal the deal. Actors Jeff Church and Jesse Dufault round out the cast with their respective portrayals of Diana’s medical team and Henry, Natalie’s compassionate and quirky boyfriend.
Technically the show is solid, with the exception of some sound issues that made some of the actors’ singing hard to understand. That’s a shame because the lyrics are just as beautiful as the music, but it’s hardly reason to skip the show. The set is stark but well-appointed, making use of some scaffolding and a few wheeled-on set pieces to differentiate spaces. Lighting designer Gerritt Turner also does a good job setting the moods of the show, particularly during “I Dreamed a Dance/There’s a World”, two haunting numbers between Diana and her son. Without question, this is a show not to be missed.
“Next to Normal” is performed at The Wilbury Theater at 393 Broad St., Providence, and runs through June 13. Tickets range from $15 (students) to $20 (seniors) and $25 (general admission). Purchase tickets at www.thewilburygroup.org.
