Review: 'Next to Normal' by Castle Craig Players

Dedicated to family and friends that battle bipolar disorder

Meriden, CT - Castle Craig Players, that has been providing live entertainment in the heart of downtown Meriden since 1992, is presenting a striking production of the rock musical NEXT TO NORMAL. N2N contains inspiring music written by Tom Kitt with the often heartbreaking book and lyrics written by Brian Yorkey.

Oliver Kochol (ALMOST, MAINE) and Ian Galligan (GYPSY) directed this dream cast. Music director Jackie Harris-Stone made sure that the voices as well as the band made the most of the score that I love. The musicians never overpowered the live vocals without mics. Ms. Harris Stone conducted the small band behind the set and played the keyboard. Jeremy Galloway was on guitar, Joshua Jackson played bass and David Wilson covered the percussion.

Susan Kulp nailed the bipolar character of Diana, whose mental illness has such a dramatic effect on her family members. Ms. Kulp last appeared on this stage as Joanne in COMPANY; she also was wonderful in THE IRISH AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY at the Warner. In May she will appear as Dr. Martha Livingston in AGNES OF GOD at Square One Theatre in Stratford. Tom Denihan did just as well in the role of her devoted husband Dan; Mr. Denihan reprises the role that he played with the Warner Stage Company, where he also played Billy in ONCE THE MUSICAL.

I was delighted to see that Moses Beckett would be covering the roles of Dr. Fine/Dr. Madden in this show; it was an honor to catch his CCP debut. This talented young actor always nails his roles with his amazing singing voice and his performance as the two doctors was impeccable. Mr. Beckett

I love watching Jennifer Del Sole play any role, no matter how small; it was such a treat to see her embodiment of Natalie, the daughter of the couple. She sang everything beautifully and delivered the teenager’s snarky comments with just the right amount of snark. Ms. Del Sole is old enough to hold an MA in Educational Psychology & Special Education and to be a special ed teacher in Southington. She has appeared in a long list of theatre credits, including THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES, AVENUE Q, CABARET, YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN.

Stephen Koehler was perfectly cast in the role of the couple’s son Gabe in his Castle Craig debut. Mr. Koehler is a recent graduate of James Madison University with a BA in mathematics and a minor in theater. I look forward to seeing this talented young actor in any upcoming roles.. Just as impressive was the performance of Michael Kennedy in the role of Natalie’s wanna be boyfriend Henry; Mr. Kennedy is a graduate of the University of New Haven’s Theatre Arts program and an alumni of the Broadway Theatre Project.

Other credits include Katie Kirtland as the production stage manager and Stephen Koehler as the dance captain. Melanie Del Sole, who co-founded CCP with her father Warren, served as the producer.

The lighting design by Dusty Rader expertly complemented the various scenes and almost became part of them, with constantly changing hues backlighting the set to match the mood. It was a very impressive take on the typical N2N set. Mr. Galligan designed the perfect set for the space.

I am the one who knows you
I am the one who cares
I am the one who's always been there
I am the one who's helped you
And if you think that I just don't give a damn
Then you just don't know who I am

N2N can be hard to take for audience members that have a loved one dealing with mental illness and its treatment as in “Who’s Crazy / My Psychopharmacologist and I”. It also deals with the themes of trauma, loss, and the meaning of family so the tone can be heavy, yet there are some comedic touches to lighten the two acts. I have seen several productions and I always look forward to experiencing the musical again. There is some strong language and the subject matter is not appropriate for young children.

NEXT TO NORMAL runs at the newly renovated Almira F. Stephan Memorial Playhouse
59 W. Main Street in Meriden through March 21. Cabaret seating is limited so don’t wait to secure your tickets.

One of every five people will experience mental health issues in any given year. If you or someone you love is suffering dial 211 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK. The free and confidential lifeline is open 24 hours a day.

Thompson Chocolate is the CCP season sponsor and Kim Pita Peaces and Froogle Furniture Bedding are the production sponsors.

Nancy Sasso Janis, writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, posts well over 100 reviews each year. In 2016, her membership in the Connecticut Critics Circle began and her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted not only in the Naugatuck Patch but also on the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theatre Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the NEW CCC Facebook page.
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