By Katrina “Kat” Reynold
NEXT TO NORMAL presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati through October 11th (extended). I attended the Opening Night performance.
In celebration of its 40th Season (way to go, ETC!), Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati presents a re-mount of one of its most popular productions: NEXT TO NORMAL with music by Tom Kitt and book & lyrics by Brian Yorkey. The 2010 Pulitzer Prize winner for Drama is the story of a family and how they navigate everyday – and not-so-everyday – troubles. Director D. Lynn Meyers (along with Assistant Directors Emily England and Becca Schall) give us a rock opera about mental health and its casualties at its finest.
Ms. Meyers truly encompasses everything a director should be: her vision goes above and beyond what most of us civilians could comprehend. In a show of this magnitude, it is safe to say that the production elements themselves are also important characters. It should come as no surprise that ETC delivers on all fronts. (I’m waiting for my partner in crime to tire of the fact that I will not shut up about an ETC set every single time I enter their theatre.) Scenic Designer Brian c. Mehring clearly understood the assignment with his appropriately stark and sleek blueprint of a set. Its design is solid (thanks to Carpenters Jeremiah Plessinger and Nathan Neorr) and its aesthetics (thanks to Scenic Charge Artist Rae Mack Kuhn) complement the lighting effects (executed flawlessly by Light Board Operator Allyson van Haaren and Spot Light Operators Krishangi Allin and Maximus Winski).
The set (and cast!) of NEXT TO NORMAL. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.
Music Director Steve Goers wields his magic once more in this strong ensemble piece. Mr. Goers has an enviable musicality and has been able to produce a simply stunning cacophony of emotionally-driven voices. (Particular shout-out to a seamless harmonic symphony in Act II’s “Song of Forgetting”.) His keyboard is supported by the following adept musicians: Aaron Almashy on guitar, William Mullen on drums, and Matt Wiles on bass.
This cast of six performing artists is an embarrassment of riches for lucky audiences. At the helm is Jessica Hendy as Diana, a woman struggling with a bi-polar diagnosis and the challenges of life as a wife and mother. Ms. Hendy has a clear, effortless voice rife with a deep emotional understanding of the material she is performing. Taking on the role of Diana’s husband Dan is Charlie Clark. Mr. Clark tackles probably the toughest character arc in the show and does so with incredible instincts and flawless portrayal.
My personal pick for stand-out performance is Julianne Ferguson in the role of Natalie. This talented CCM student commands the stage as the overachieving daughter who is just trying to find her place in life. Ms. Ferguson’s vocal talent is beyond her years: excellent control and filled with thoughtfulness. This will no doubt be one of many professional appearances for this up-and-coming artist.
Julianne Ferguson as Natalie and Charlie Clark as Dan. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.
Rounding out the ensemble are Carter Minor with an endearing turn as Henry; Jameson Zoller whose performance as Gabe is energetic and emphatic; and Rory Sheridan coming in like a hurricane as both Dr. Madden and Dr. Fine (and he is fine). Cheers to a superb ensemble!
Everyone can find something or someone in this story with whom they can empathize. Whether you’ve seen it before or this would be your first time, NEXT TO NORMAL is absolutely one of those shows you should make a priority. You will cry your heart out and then you will thank the performers for making it happen.
Click here for more information about the production.
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 