REVIEW: Next to Normal re-run

"The memories will wane ,the aftershocks remain.

You wonder which is worse, the symptom or the cure." - Aftershocks, Next to Normal

It was yet another emotional roller coaster ride for the people who were able to catch Atlantis Productions' Next to Normal re-run last October 7 to 16. For limited 10 shows, the cast managed to once again, make the audience weep and sob as they leave the theater.

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.

As I entered the theater and saw the set (the house of the Goodmans), the experience I had before, watching the show 3 times during its first run, kept playing on my mind. I've been hooked to Next to Normal ever since. It really is a powerful piece of a material. It's the 'feel-everything' musical, as some may say. The musical brought me the same impact as to what Rent did to my core. Not to be exaggerated.

A couple of minutes after 8, the band took their places, conducted by their uber talented musical director Ceejay Javier, the house lights went off, and the ride has started.

The ever most gorgeous and talented first lady of the Philippine Theater Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo really did an awesome darn job on her take as Diana Goodman. During their first run, Menchu showed that she can be compared to Alice Ripley and Marin Mazzie (the Dianas on Broadway), both vocally and acting-wise. Now, she has proven that she shouldn't be compared to them or to any other actresses, for Menchu is Menchu. Deal with it. (Her version of I Miss The Mountains is a tear jerker.)

Playing Diana's husband Dan is rockstar Jett Pangan, who's always laying all his cards on the table. He makes sure that he'll bring the house down. He has this voice, along with his superb acting, that'll send chills down your spine. It'll really blow your mind to see Jett perform, on a theater stage that is. Jett the performer is miles away behind Jett the theater actor. 

Felix Rivera's take as Gabe improved, compared to his take during the first run. There is no doubt when it comes to his vocal range. He's not called the Golden Boy of Philippine Theater for nothing. But I don't know, the showstopper 'I'm Alive' he somehow struggled with. Though he was able to hit the notes perfectly, there's something missing. Maybe some spice that is needed to strengthen his attack on the song. I just don't know what. But on the other scenes/songs, he did them all like breeze.

Off to the most adorable actress ever, the Golden Girl of Philippine Theater - Bea Garcia. My, what talent this girl has! She played Natalie Goodman, the girl who's one fuck up from disaster. Tears just won't stop flowing from Bea's eyes. It's like she has a reservoir of tears somewhere! For the re-run, she somehow had a hard time hitting those notes. Her voice was a little bit hoarse. Of course, why wouldn't it be? She's doing The Little Mermaid rehearsals (Atlantis Productions' next show offering) in the morning, and Next to Normal shows right after. So stop wondering why she's called the Golden Girl. She deserves it.

Markki Stroem is a big revelation to everybody. He plays Henry, the ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) stoner boyfriend of Natalie. Who would've thought this Pilipinas Got Talent contestant has another trick up his sleeves? There is a big difference with musical theater acting with just plain acting. And Markki can go a long way in the theater industry.

If you're watching the show for the first time, you'll be surprised with the talent Markki has. But if you've seen it during it's first run and watching it again for the re-run, you'll be disappointed. He's a good choice for Henry, and the fact that he himself has ADD is a plus. Though,  as I've noticed, Markki didn't come as strong as he was before. I can't help but to think that he's slacking off because it'll not be a long run. I'm hoping that if he's gonna get booked for another musical, he'll do better. There's always room for improvement.

Jake Macapagal's take on Dr. Madden amazed me. He's way better than he was before. A rockstar indeed! He may have messed up a few lines in some instances, but he managed to cope up with it and he has delivered them with clarity.

Phenomenal set designing by Lex Marcos and the lights were just fantastic. It added a few pints of drama on this moving piece of material.

To sum everything up, I can say Bobby Garcia really made a perfect casting for Next to Normal Manila. I don't think there's gonna be another re-run (or re-re-run) but if there's gonna be one, I hope the same casting will reprise their roles. 

I have watched the show 3 times during its first run and 2 times on the recent re-run. And the show has really moved me in a way. Now that it's all over, I guess the OBCR will be playing on loop from now on.


So thank you Next to Normal Manila, for giving us light. Goodbye N2N!

Photos from Playbill.com