Anyone see the musical - Next to Normal

[ddi741]

My husband and I have a package to one of the local theatres.   We have one show left to choose.

We are deciding between A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum and Next  to Normal.
I have seen AFTH previously at another theatre and enjoy the show but he is slightly intrigued by Next to Normal.  It sounds like one of those shows that will either be really good or really bad.

This is the description

"Next to Normal  is a rock musical with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt. Its story concerns a mother who struggles with worsening bipolar   disorder and the effect that her illness has on her family. The musical also addresses such issues as grieving a loss, suicide, drug abuse, ethics in modern psychiatry, and suburban life.

This show makes a direct grab for the heart — or wrings it out thoroughly. This brave, breathtaking musical, focuses squarely on the pain that cripples the members of a suburban family, and never for a minute does it let you escape the anguish at the core of their lives.

“Next to Normal” does not, in other words, qualify as your standard feel-good musical. Instead this portrait of a manic-depressive mother and the people she loves and damages is something much more: a feel-everything musical, which asks you to discover the liberation in knowing where it hurts."

Honestly it really doesn't sound like something I'd enjoy but I got to choose one show that I know he had no interest in so I am trying to keep an open mind.

Has anyone seen it?  Thoughts?

[Deleted]

I worked on it this summer. I adore it. It is a wonderful story, great music, very moving and thoughtful.. I liked how the music helps enhance the delicate balance of her mental state. I would definitely choose it over Forum, unless in the mood for bawdy, feel good, leave the theatre singing happy.

It reminded me of The Last Five

[Deleted]

I saw it with my mom. I think we enjoyed ourselves enough but I didn't love it. I'm not a huge fan of musicals in general though. Given that you've already seen the other show and your husband seems interested in this one, I'd say go for it.

[kershnic]

I saw it on Broadway and loved it. I am also generally a fan of the rock/modern musical genre, and am very interested by mental illness, so that's no surprise.

[ddi741]

Thanks. I may have to bite the bullet on this one and hopefully be pleasantly surprised.

[bronxgirl]

I've seen it twice. It's an amazing show and very well done. Definitely see it.

[quickstepstar]

I saw it on Broadway. It was great!

[Muddled]

I would do Next to Normal. You may want to bring some tissues- although, now that I think about it, I don't remember anyone else around me crying.