next to normal

next to normal is briskly directed by Matthew Wilson, who has led his cast to flesh out every nuance of meaning and certainly to give everything to their performances. 

Hitch gives an absolutely heart-wrenching performance as Diana.  WFIT's next to normal takes audience members on a cathartic, emotional rollercoaster, that lets them walk out of the theater having experienced something larger than themselves. 

 All of the actors have excellent voices but are particularly adept at acting the songs with a combination of anguish, anger, disillusionment, pain, hope, longing and confusion. 

The book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt provide powerful material, but it is the insightful and empathetic direction of Matthew Wilson, coupled with an undeniably multi-talented cast, that sets this particular production by Cincinnati Landmark Productions at the Warsaw Federal Incline Theater on another level altogether. This show takes you deep into the hearts and minds of every character, showcasing the profound impact that mental illness can have not only on the individual, but to all those involved (including the audience). Wilson’s brutal honesty and compassion on an issue that is becoming heartbreakingly prevalent in our society ensures that this production of next to normal is anything but normal and so much more. 

A great joy in life is to go see friends perform in shows and to revel in their talents and admire their work! I saw next to normal at the Warsaw Federal, which I loved! Congrats to all involved on a wonderful work and thank you for providing a great night out at the theater. As a side note, I wooed at the curtain call tonight, which is something I have never done before. Of course, I've seen work that warranted it before, I've just never been one to shout woo!!! I was super awkward about it, but these people deserved it, and so ... I wooed!

Such a beautiful show. The entire cast was amazing. The best show I have seen in a long time.