Wilbury Group’s “Next to Normal” Is Powerful 

The Wilbury Group has produced a powerhouse performance of the 2009 Tony Award and 2010 Pulitzer Prize winning musical Next to Normal, now playing at the Southside Cultural Arts Center in Providence. Next to Normal is a rock musical, yes, but this is not Grease. No, ladies and gentlemen, this is modern, grown-up musical theater piece with complex harmonies, mixed meters, and contemporary, realistic themes. It is art for our time, and this production is a must-see. It’s sad, yet funny and touching as well.

The music by Tom Kitt, and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey are brilliant. Why make the subject of mental health into a musical? It is actually a clever method of communicating the harsh realities of both the disease and its devastating effects in a way that soothes us, yet hits us in the heart at the same time. Next to Normal can be challenging, but the rollercoaster experience is well worth the ride. A tremendous amount of preparation and work have gone into this production. The vocal harmonies in the final song about hope are simply spine-tingling.

Theaters in Rhode Island are fortunate to have access to a deep pool of talented, experienced actors. Rhode Island is also blessed with an enormous number of highly trained and talented musicians. The problem is often getting the best of both worlds to work well together. Congratulations to director Wendy Overly and music director Juan Rodriguez for working their talented people into a communion of creativity. Too often strong individual performers dominate a show, making for more of a Clash of the Titans atmosphere.

Thanks also to Josh Short, artistic director of the Wilbury Theatre Group for the courage and determination to produce such a high-level, complex show, and for the patience to find and cast the best people in all roles, including the musicians. All singers and players are top-notch. As a professional musician in one of my past lifetimes, it is rare for me to feel that the sound of a show lives up to my expectations. This one does. Proper credit is also due to an often unsung hero in the theater – the sound designer/engineer. This person, Terry Shea for this show, must balance many technical aspects including acoustics, power source, equipment, performers and quirks of an old building.

Moira Costigan-Carraher absolutely owns the part of Diana, the sad, depressed and alternately manic mom and wife trying desperately to get her life together. James Fernandes as her supportive, long-suffering husband, Dan, seems underplayed at first, but that is because he is the one stable personality on stage. If you live in a house full of drama, the one stable person sometimes seems dull. Julia Bartoletti, as the daughter Natalie, gives a very strong yet nuanced performance as the neglected child, seeking out what her own life should be. Andrew Iacovelli is the lost son, Gabe. Iacovelli takes over the stage when he appears. He lifts us up in the first act with his joyous, boundless energy. It is wonderful to see Iacovelli let it all out with his performance. His rendition of “I’m Alive” is amazing. Iacovelli has often played repressed or subservient characters. This is a refreshing change.

Jeff Church, a well-known, versatile actor hams it up as Dr. Fine, the pill-happy pusher, invoking the Three Stooges – Calling Dr. Fine, Dr. Howard, Dr. Fine. Then Church becomes the polished, refined, mesmerizing rock-god of psychiatry. Jesse Dufault is a lucky find — he delivers a fine acting performance as Henry, the daughter’s boyfriend, but also adds to the musical by playing lead guitar.

Are there imperfections? Of course; sometimes the instrumental overpowers the vocals. Diction is not always clear. There is an awful lot of running on and off stage, which doesn’t always fit the mood. The keyboard player needs a page-turner, and the theater needs a lift to its second floor location. It would also be helpful to have information in the program for mental health hotlines or local organization to encourage those in need to seek help.

Go for the story, go for the music, go for the humanity, but go. Next to Normal plays through June 13. For more information or tickets call 401.400.7100 or visit thewilburygroup.org.