5th Ave Theatre presents Next to Normal, lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt. 3 Tony Awards in 2009. A depressive mother, loving husband, neglected daughter. In the end, the mother leaves the supporting family, trying to deal with the illness herself. Not sure what it's trying to preach, other than showing the heavy toll of depression.
Melodic music, good acting, good directing. A bit too loud, as always. Modern 3-level movable stage set. I don't understand how Alice Ripley won Tony. Her voice is not up to it, very coarse. When she talks, it sounds nice. But when she sings, I couldn't make out the words, and my ears hurt. All other singers are fine.
