Quote of the Day: Diana: We tried to give you a normal life…I see now I have no idea what that is.

Natalie: I don’t need a life that’s normal. That’s way too far away… But something next to normal would be okay.

Lines between mother and daughter in the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Next to Normal, on stage at the Duluth Playhouse through March 31, 2024, directed & choreographed by Wes Drummond. Music by Tom Kitt. Book and Lyrics by Brian Yorkey. Next to Normal debuted on Broadway in the spring of 2009, has toured extensively, and is now available to regional theaters. This was the first time I saw this heart-wrenching, beautiful show, and what a cast to introduce me to these characters and this emotional story!

Cast of Next to Normal at the Duluth Playhouse, thru 3/31/24. Photo: Terry Cartie Norton

Jen Burleigh-Bentz stars in this production as the mother, Diana, who suffers from Bipolar Disorder. Her life and her family are all affected by her mental illness and cope with it, and their own demons, in their own way. Jen has been on Broadway, toured with various shows, and I’ve seen her on stage at several of the Twin Cities theaters, so it was a thrill to see her again in Duluth.  She portrayed Diana with such heart, giving her a sympathetic spirit and a soul-crushing emotional ride. Jen’s range as a singer and actor really shine in this production.

Thomas Bevan plays Dan Goodman, Diana’s husband. He also has extensive credits from the film adaptation of The Last Five Years, to a Broadway National Tour, and various Twin Cities theaters. As soon as he started singing, I recognized his voice and was drawn into the character he’s portraying. His acting and vocals are a lovely match with Jen’s. 

SJ Olson, Daylen Moore, and Jake S. Nelson in Next to Normal at Duluth Playhouse, thru 3/31/24. Photo: Terry Cartie Norton

Daylen Moore plays Natalie Goodman, Dan & Diana’s daughter. She has spent her life in the shadow of her brother, wondering where she really belongs in this family, wishing to be seen and heard for herself. She also has pain and brokenness that she doesn’t know what to do with. When she meets Henry (SJ Olson) she starts to see herself through his eyes, to feel, and to really look at her family. 

Jake S. Nelson plays Dan & Diana’s son. He has an unusual role to play, but he is central to their family’s pain. Jake does an amazing job of playing this complex character, through his actions, his movements, and his presence. Antony Ferguson plays the two doctors who try to help Diana. This six person cast does an amazing job of bringing this intimate story to life. They are all exceptionally talented actors, and many times I was so drawn into their story that I believed they were a real family up there, trying to make sense of their world, their pain, and their relationships. 

Beth Brophy is the Music Director for this production. I honestly thought they had a much larger band playing in the pit, but from the musician list in the program, only six musicians played this gorgeous score. Kyle Picha on piano, Emily Ramsey on Violin/Synthesizer, Toko Nakajima on cello, Gregg Ciurleo on basses, Curt Clay on guitars, and Kurt Savela on Drums/Percussion. They were amazing. 

Jen Burleigh-Bentz and Thomas Bevan in Next to Normal at the Duluth Playhouse, thru 3/31/24. Photo: Terry Cartie Norton

The set design, by Curtis Phillips, is an outline of a house, upstairs and downstairs, with minimal pieces, and a few “outside the house” scenes represented by pieces they moved in and out. The lighting, designed by Jeff Brown, outlined the house, or created mood and backdrop, changing often. I especially liked the final scene where it got bright and the cast sings about hope and light. Costumes by Caitlin Quinn, Sound design by Nick Gosen.

This was my first visit to the Duluth Playhouse, and it won’t be my last! Now that I know where to stay, park, and find the theater, I’ll be quicker to say yes. Also, my oldest son recently moved to the Duluth area and this was a nice excuse to go visit him. We both enjoyed the show. You can see Next to Normal at the Duluth Playhouse through March 31, 2024. Bring a friend or family member. This is one you’ll want to discuss long after you leave the theater.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: Do you know someone who suffers from a mental illness? How is it affecting their life, yours, and the people are them? Do you have words of comfort for anyone going through something like this?