Award-winning musical conveys an important message, but is let down by its staging.

Hayes Theatre, Sydney
January 14, 2015

Broadway musicals are usually only concerned with glitz and glamour, and happily-ever-after. Not Next to Normal. This is the story of an ordinary family coping with the pressures of everyday life. At the family’s head, Diana Goodman is battling with bipolar disorder. The symptoms of Diana’s illness make a real and lasting impact on her capacity as mother and wife – there is no simple solution or fairy tale ending.

In 2010, a year after Next to Normal opened on Broadway, the musical was recognised with a Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Some five years later, it maintains its pertinence amid increased discussion about mental illness. Next to Normal is far from a superficial song and dance routine, it humanises issues of illness, death and drug abuse, and provides a positive contribution to the ongoing dialogue.

The book, written by Brian Yorkey (of If/Then fame), is generally compelling and serves the intent of the work without unnecessary polish. However, these foundations begin to collapse in Act II when the story loses momentum and strength. The...