Next to Normal

The word normal is synonymous with average, but The Wilbury Theatre Group's "Next to Normal," Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey's award-winning rock musical about a housewife's uphill battle with mental illness, is anything but average. Upon leaving the theater after having experienced this mesmerizing production, masterfully directed by Wendy Overly, audience members undoubtedly feel different.

During its Broadway run in 2009, "Next to Normal" won three Tony Awards, including Best Score. In a rare feat for a musical, the show was later awarded the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

The subject matter, structure and contemporary score are all invaluable assets of the production. The dark, mostly barren stage, with a scaffold centerpiece, purposefully resembles the shell of an empty home, while the black and grey color scheme invasively reflects the sullen mood on stage. Each musical number is accompanied by sharp, biting song lyrics that move the story along and help paint a picture of the household and each of its inhabitants.

Moira Costigan-Carraher is extraordinary as Diana, the wife and mother whose feelings of overwhelming grief and loss put her marriage and family at risk of destruction.

Those living under Diana's roof and within her nightmare are her husband, Dan (an eloquent and incorrigibly earnest James Fernandes), whose unconditional love for his wife ultimately backfires, and their two children.

Nonconformist Natalie (a phenomenal Julia Bartoletti in a role she was born to play) is an overachieving bookworm yet exists only in the shadow of her whimsical brother, Gabe (Andrew Iacovelli, playful and poignant), until she seeks solace in a budding relationship with stoner classmate, Henry (a sincere, adorably attentive David O'Connell).

The only other company Diana keeps is with her headshrinkers -- Dr. Fine (Jeff Church, artful and amusing), who does little else but adjust her prescriptions, until Dr. Madden (Church) persuades her to undergo electro-shock therapy.

Despite the somber overtone and tragic timeline of events, the script has its share of laughs and especially pokes fun at our over-medicated culture without being preachy. Costigan-Carraher's haunting portrayal is next to perfect and her stage counterparts are equally exceptional, complementing her and each other beautifully.

"Next to Normal" is profound, captivating and not to be missed, with a riveting soundtrack and unforgettable performances.

"Next to Normal" runs through June 13 at The Wilbury Theatre Group, 393 Broad Street in Providence. For information or tickets, call 401-400-7100 or visit www.thewilburygroup.org.