NEXT TO NORMAL coming to London | why the UK premiere at the Donmar Warehouse in 2023 is so exciting

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OHMYGOD HEY!
So this week has brought the hugely exciting news that the Pullitzer prize winning musical NEXT TO NORMAL is finally coming to London.
The show, which opened on Broadway over a decade ago and originally starred Alice Ripley, talks about mental health and medication with a dynamic rock score.
In today's video I'm telling you everything we know so far about the show's 2013 debut at the Donmar Warehouse and maybe even sharing some casting rumours and thoughts...
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[@odilejones9129]

Wow it’s been nearly 15 years?? I always thought this was one ripe for revivals and a film adaptation it’s one of the most powerful musical I’ve ever seen. And given how the conversation around mental health has evolved this will be so relevant.

[@taratravia9464]

Next to Normal is the musical that made me ugly cry worse than Falsettos. I’m a psychologist focused on complex trauma and this musical hit SO hard. I went into it knowing nothing and literally sobbed silently throughout the whole thing. It’s just beautifully, respectfully, and truthfully wrought with incredible music. Excited for you and London.

[@dmlavallee]

I saw the late great Marin Mazzie as Diana on Broadway in July 2010. Her husband Jason Danieley played opposite as Dan. They were phenomenally cast (and very kind at the stage door). This show is special, whether or not you know the plot, it will impact you significantly. I consider it one of the most impactful theatrical experiences of my life so far. The Donmar Warehouse is just the company for this show, excited to see their take. 😊

[@WinterSoldier0315]

I am in love with this show. Saw it 12 (!!) times on Broadway, the US Tour in DC, and the Kennedy Center DC revival with Rachel Bay Jones. I was at the Booth the night they announced the Pulitzer win, and for La Ripley's final Broadway performance. I still remember seeing Alice's tears hit the stage during "I Dreamed A Dance/There's A World". And Aaron Tveit in a white tux, creepy and achingly handsome at the same time. And his voice!! This show completely changed my life. I may have to cross the pond for this. I am grateful that I was able to thank both Michael Greif and Tom Kitt for this wonderful piece of theater.

[@leesauer6695]

Hi MickeyJo, First, THANK YOU for not spoiling the big plot issues. I, fortunately, did not know about them when I first saw the show, and it's a very different experience seeing it after you know about it. Next, while I completely agree with you about what a brilliant and stunning theatrical experience this show is, I should caution that some of the things that make it so excellent and groundbreaking can be triggering. I was showing the video of You Don't Know/I Am the One from the Tony awards, he had a meltdown on me. He's a therapist and has gone through too many real life moments like that, and he just couldn't endure watching it. With that understanding, one thing you didn't mention is that, despite how harrowing and intense the show is, it's also very funny. Diana has a wry sense of humor about her condition(s) and I never fail to laugh at the riff on "My Favorite Things" in "My Psychopharmacologist and I". All that said, I'm intensely jealous that I won't be able to see what the Donmar will do with this incredible and difficult show (absent a move to Broadway), and I look forward to hearing everything about it from you. Re the casting, I am incredibly biased by being fortunate enough to see the original Broadway cast, and have great trouble imagining anyone but the amazing Alice Ripley in it (in the same way I can't imagine anyone other than Victoria Clark as Margaret Johnson in The Light in the Piazza). I readily admit it's my failure of imagination, but it's also a genuinely great actress creating an iconic role. Thank you for your fabulous videos. They are truly marvelous!

[@mattmclaren3067]

...I mean, I can't blame you. Your hair is always gorgeous.

[@estebanfuertes1993]

The Spanish language production in Argentina has been running over ten years! There are cast albums in Italian, German, Spanish and Norwegian. The latter showcases a beautiful interpretation of Diana, as does the Buenos Aires cast.

[@luxy8703]

🙏 you always cheer me up listening to your take on what’s going on in theatre world which I am missing so much at the mo!

[@benhenry69]

N2N is my absolutely favorite show. Not that I need a reason to come back to London - but hopefully we will be able to get to London to see it!! SO EXCITED!! Over the years, I've seen it 3 times on Broadway and 11 times off-Broadway - I have no doubt the London version will be QUITE different from the one we saw in Piscataway, NJ! :-)

[@mwmheps]

So excited for this!!! Can't wait to see it

[@josephsecker402]

It’s always enjoyable! Thank You!

[@Alixthecollector]

Super happy for you! It's one of my favorite shows and I've seen it a couple times and I can't wait to see how it goes over there for you guys!

[@henryfarnamiv]

Please tell me it’s going to be Willemijn! We’d pre-purchase tickets for every night of the run!

[@helzbelle13]

Can’t wait for this one! I’ve wanted to see it for years!! As soon as you posted this, I thought of Kerry Ellis!

[@DeidiJeevas]

I saw the production of Next to Normal this last summer with Alice Ripley in Barcelona and she was amazing. I was surprised that you didn't mention it in the video, specially concidering the cast! It was a shorter version, with only the songs, and a diverse cast with Andy Señor Jr. and Adam Pascal as the Doctor via zoom. The kids were played by two brits and the guy that played Gabriel was amazing (i think he was called Lewis Edgar). The only non native english speaker was the actor who played Henry so they have a casting pool there if they want.

[@kristentheologus-KTechnogal]

I'm so happy you mentioned the late great Marin Mazzie! I actually did summer stock with Marin at the beginning of her career. Still devastated that we lost such a great talent and lovely person.

[@amyseaman9449]

Okay, I've been stuck at work all day and finally got a chance to put a coherent comment on here. I can't express how freaking stoked I am for this. This is my favourite musical ever and I've never gotten to see it on stage (I am sustained by the cast album and *cough*bootlegs*cough*). Thank you for making this video! Amazing to know other stagey folks are excited too!!!! I genuinely got goosebumps thinking about the reveal, being in a live theatre audience and....how to do this without spoilers....the moment after "It's gonna be good" happening... I CANT. I will be dragging everyone I know with me to see this show. I agree with everything you said about Diana, but I think Dan might be my favourite character (maybe?). I think to play opposite Diana and be the right mix of tortured/loyal/despairing/hopeful is no easy task. There are so many moments to look forward to!!!! Here's one of mine: "Half the time afraid that you really would"

[@williamstevens6512]

I saw Alice on the US tour and she was incredible

[@danisaur6487]

So while I'm excited about next to normal coming to London, this video also Informed me that the band's visit is here! I had no idea and I managed to get two of the few remaining tickets left for it - thank you!!

[@tylerh2488]

I’m here for Rachel Tucker as Diana can you imagine the vocals!

[@ElizabethNicoleSchwartz]

I've never seen Next To Normal but when I was in choir in high school we did a medley of songs from it. 😌

[@karolinahnatyszyn321]

I've seen this show twice in Warsaw, I loved it! I'll have to fly to London to see it in English for a change, I really hope I manage to do that in that limited time frame.

[@EMM_84]

I got to see this show in Toronto when it was there and loved it. The audience reaction is like nothing I've ever seen before. I heard people having great conversations and hugging one another during the intermission. Its definitely in my top 5 shows. I'm happy that more people will get to see it. I remember there being something about the ending that confused me but I'd have to see it again to know if it was actually the show or just me.

[@missidaswann]

Can't wait to see it!! 😍👏

[@ruhrgold73]

Next to Normal is a fantastic show!!!! Loved it!!

[@twelvebooksaday8640]

Aftershocks is one I am so excited to hear live!

[@Frx0289]

I'm so excited

[@sandram2012]

Saw the German production of Next to Normal 🎶 For me the perfect cast would be: Kerry Ellis (Diana), Natalie McQueen (Natalie), Sam Tutty (Gabe) and Norman Bowman (Dan) ❤️🎶

[@beltingtokra]

I would love to see Alice Fearn as Diana, not sure if that was who you were thinking of, but she is phenomenal and fits the ex-elphaba bill 😁 Waddingham would also make me very happy, I was on the same set as her a few years ago (in the club, I was an extra) and didn't even realise there was so much going on 😭 Omg Kerry Ellis would be superb too, so many talented people out there.

[@p1erced262]

I’m thinking you’re talking about Rachel Tucker. She’s been in come from away and wicked on both sides of the Atlantic

[@PS-DLMA]

Yep - and the Sting musical on Broadway

[@TCMNoah]

Rosalie Craig as Diana and Hadley Fraser as Dan.

[@TCMNoah]

I saw N2N pre-Broadway at Arena Stage in DC, saw it on Broadway, the US tour and the revival at the Kennedy Center with Rachel Bay Jones. The show is mind-blowing and heartbreaking. Make sure you get your tickets the minute they become available x

[@heneedsloveoooh]

HADLEY WOULD BE SO FUCKING COOL AS DAN OMFG

[@Ambwosia]

it's about damn time next to normal's coming to the "west end"! i haven't a clue in the world for who is who for casting, i'm just excited! next to normal has been my favorite musical since their tony's performance, it's gonna be (good) so nice to see new life breathed into it!

[@elle-says]

Absolutely my favorite musical. I've only seen community productions - they've been amazing. But seeing it professionally would be amazing.

[@leslie.bluquoise]

You make Great Content.

[@josephlaufer4154]

MickeyJo . . . thank you, be excited, I was lucky to see in NYC - it's pure ! The plight of the family I identified with. [we lost Angela Landsberry - homage please] Hugs for U jojo

[@jacquesdurand2085]

I was the Dr's. Fine and Madden in a local production in the SE USA. Life. Changing. The I Am repr8se had me tearing up every single performance.

[@scaratthedisco]

I've seen it as a region show in Baltimore and in the staged reading at the Kennedy Center in DC! SUCH a good show.

[@emms232]

I was involved in the Prague production of Next To Normal and I'm super excited for it finally coming to London. Regarding the casting I'm thinking about pretty much anyone frm the DEH West End cast, but regarding the options that you've mentioned Rosalie Craig, Louise Dearman or Alice Fearn would be amazing in the role of Diana. In the role of Gabe I would very much love to see Haydn Cox whom I had a chance to see as Connor in DEH and he is sorely underrated and would be able to hit it out of the park, or David Breeds would also be great. And regarding the rest of the roles Lucy Anderson or Hiba Elchike as Natalie, Sam Tutty or Alex James Ellison as Henry, Hadley Fraser as Dan and Mark Peachey or James Winter as Dr. Madden/Fine.

[@patrickgomes2213]

Woot! As a former Gabe, I approve.

[@andrewstorm8240]

Finally!!

[@annacalstone610]

Left field but someone who I think could sing the role would be Jennifer Tierney. Saw her cover Beverly in come from away and was blown away by her voice

[@WonderfullyBookish]

oh my god I can't believe this is happening 😭 I've been so desperate for this show to come to the UK since I discovered it 10 years ago. I don't even care who will be in the cast! Also 100% agree that I hope to feel the shock in the audience from people who don't know anything about the story 👀

[@absolutelytravulous]

I was wondering if maybe Summer Strallen might be a possible Diana, she can certainly sing and has plenty of acting credits to her name

[@sarathompson-hall8027]

In the 2019 version in Toronto they had an interracial couple with Ma-Anne Dionoso playing Diana, who had previously played Kim in Miss Saigon here and in the West End. They also had a female doctor played by Louise Pitre. It was great and very different than the first version I saw which had a much less diverse cast

[@marcuspd7502]

Sounds like Willemijn Verkaik is up for Diana. Ryan Anderson would make a great Gabe.

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

Unless that's the person I realised it sounded like I was describing accidentally 🙃

[@moreslimetutorials9043]

unlikely, but possibly! from what i've heard her contract for rebecca in vienna ends in june so it's not completely implausible...i do think it's more likely going to be an uk actress though.

[@andrewstorm8240]

Maz M would be good

[@marcuspd7502]

@@MickeyJoTheatre Ruthie Henshall?

[@martijnboer941]

Josie Walker as Diana. She is an great singer we have heard in Everybody’s talking about Jamie and a great actrice we have seen also in ETAJ and Ocean at the end of the lane.

[@douggordy]

I saw the touring production in SF in 2011, with only Alice Ripley from the original Bway cast. She was, of course, phenomenal - but the show itself left me kind of cold. Haven't listened to the score since, but let me rectify that NOW!!

[@majesticflamingos]

I have mixed feelings about N2N's portrayal of mental health treatment but it's still one of my favorite shows! I got to see the original broadway production and I'm glad that so many new people will get to see this show now. Excited for you all!

[@christophercobb249]

I have very mixed feelings about it. I have a family member who experiences similar mental health challenges to the character of Diana in the show. I even did dramaturgy for a production of the show. I still think it is problematic, because I think it portrays Diana in a light that at times feels sensationalized and fetishizing me mental illness. However, I think the music is excellent. I think if the show had stayed in its original form as a biting satire of the mental health infrastructure of the US, when it was called Feeling Electric, I would like it more. I'm just not sure whether it is possible to effectively portray bipolar disorder on stage. I do applaud the show's efforts. I will acknowledge that my proximity emotionally to the content of the show influences my feelings about it. If, as a person with a deeply personal connection to the material because I lived through much of it, I come away from the show feeling mainly re-traumatized and thinking "yeah this was my life, people with bipolar disorder are not zoo animals for your entertainment"? I'm not sure if the show really works, in that case.

[@christophercobb249]

Fetishizing *mental illness* ... grrr, I hate autocorrect!

[@jeniboyns]

How about Billy Nevers for Gabe? Timing wise it would fit perfectly for when & Juliet finishes and we know he can sing it!

[@jeniboyns]

Adding to this, Obioma Ugoala as Dan.

[@AthynVixen]

I'd always heard people rave over this musical and dreamcasting one of my faves. People have been yelling about Michael Esper as Dan for YEARS! The fact that I wouldn't have to pay transatlantic flights to see him makes me agree.I'd love to see Rachel Tucker do it.. i think she has both the singing and acting chops. OOH why didn't I think of Sophie Louise Dann? I really should have as I was a MASSIVE stan of Bend It Like Beckham. ,Looked it up and I have many many questions about it and its premise. My first thought was why on earth was a musical written about this subject matter? Any answers?

[@philipdobinson8275]

Ted Lasso is filmed in the UK not the USA - so Hannah Waddingham maybe able to fit in the short run

[@millonuria]

If Kerry Ellis were on this, I'd immediately booking plane tickets to go see the show lol On another note: I love your channel! it has reignited my love for musical theatre and given me the need to fly to London as much as I can in the next following year hahahah

[@scswp6945]

Not sure that Kerry Ellis is a good enough actress, to be honest.

[@millonuria]

@@scswp6945 I respect your opinion 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@eloisebishop2779]

I absolutely adore Kerry and agree that she would be fab. I’ve seen her in anything goes and she was WONDERFUL

[@scswp6945]

@@eloisebishop2779 I, too, saw her in Anything Goes and she was very good in the role. I’m sure she could sing the role of Diana very strongly, but Reno Sweeney is playing broad and cheeky slapstick comedy. Playing a serious dramatic role like Diana in ‘Next to Normal’ is a whole different skill set, I think, and I’m not sure she could pull it off acting-wise.

[@Edinburgh74]

Kerry ellis - im in between - she's got a great voice and can sing the role but I've been underwhelmed by her tv acting style on stage - always seems to be holding back - you can't with this part

[@elizabeth5985]

I saw it in Los Angeles and yes it is amazing and the music makes me break down and sob -- but MickeyJo is right, if you don't want spoilers, don't listen to the cast recording. Can you get Barrett Wilbert Weed to come over and play the daughter? I know she's older now but she can still play younger and how amazing would that be? Her voice on Superboy and the Invisible Girl? Yes please.

[@seaskiguy]

N2N is really great theatre and I'm thrilled London is (finally) getting a production. I have a special affinity to this show since it was originally developed at the Village Theatre in Issaquah, WA under the title FEELING ELECTRIC. (Brian Yorkey was raised in Issaquah and eventually became an Associate Artistic Director.) The role of Diana is incredibly demanding, and just about ruined Alice Ripley's voice. Following the national US tour, Seattle had a great regional production starring the remarkable Beth Devries in the role of Diana. (She said it changed her life.) I'm glad it's going to be produced in an intimate space - it suits the subject matter. You really lose a lot in a large proscenium space. Can't wait to follow this production. :)

[@aideencooney1685]

Danielle Hope said that her dream role is Natalie in next to normal, at the time she was playing Dorothy in London. Let's hope she finally gets her wish!!! ❤

[@dan_mt8763]

I would love to see Lucy Munden (Ariel in the recent Footloose tour) as Natalie!! Think she would be fantastic at the vulnerability

[@IsabelleHorler]

I saw her play this role tonight!! She was brilliant

[@lrm223]

I'm happy for all the folks who have been waiting to see this show in the UK. I saw it in L.A. with Alice Ripley and it left me really underwhelmed.

[@abbyrosehammond]

THE FIRST THING I SAID WAS OMG AND OMGGGG

[@neilagangitlog]

OMG IT'S GETTING REVIVED! 😱

[@corinneferrarolam5101]

I would love to see Katrina Lenk, Amber Gray, or Stephanie J. Block in this role.

[@heneedsloveoooh]

YESSSS SJB WOULD BE SO GOOOOD

[@ragtmt15]

Kerri Ellis? Rachel Tucker?? I hope they add Costco . Does that exist in the UK??

[@laurenwatt6793]

When this was announced my mind INSTANTLY went to Lauren Jones (Bonnie and Clyde) as Natalie - think she'd be great and she defo looks young enough to be believable

[@michaela3910]

I'm guessing it is Kerry Ellis for Diana

[@bendrp28]

I hope they get Carmen Cusack

[@braindeadgoldfish]

I really wish this show wasn't so inextricably linked to Alice Ripley. 🙁I know that she is not the show, and vice versa, but N2N has just felt kinda icky to me since the stories about Ripley grooming teen girls came out. This used to be my all time favorite show. I'm still working out how to feel about it. Plus, I really look at it differently after having ECT treatments than I did before ECT.

[@johnquigley775]

Um you have seen that several of those girls recanted their statements

[@WinterSoldier0315]

So sad that these baseless allegations have had an impact on the impression of this great show. Nothing remotely resembling grooming was proven.

[@braindeadgoldfish]

@@johnquigley775 No. I haven't. I did just look more into it and see that nothing was proven, and that it may have been a misunderstanding on the part of the girls. Though, I didn't see any recantations. Honestly, I've been trying to avoid thinking about all this (sticking my head in the proverbial sand is not a great choice, I know) because I've had such a deep love for this show for a decade, and didn't want it to be further tainted by accusations or evidence against Alice. Thank you for helping me feel a little better about the situation.

[@braindeadgoldfish]

@@WinterSoldier0315 If none of the allegations are true, than I totally agree. I do understand that there's a potential for the teens who allege grooming to have misunderstood the situation, be that from immaturity inherent to being a teenager, being starstruck, mental illness, or a combination thereof. I know that Alice denied the alligations and that nothing was proven, I want nothing more than for them to be baseless. I just recognize that there's a power imbalance between a Tony winning Broadway actress and the young women making the accusations. I want nothing more than to all of this to be untrue. I absolutely adore this show, I just feel like this situation makes me uncomfortable with loving N2N as much as I used to. 🙁 That's a personal thing.

[@amyseaman9449]

AHHHHHHHHHHHH

[@Frx0289]

Oooh just a thought jordan luke gage for gabe

[@DerekMckean]

Even though I'm American, I know of the Domar Warehouse because of the raw production of The Threepenny Opera that is on CD. And I mean RAW as F with like lines like "Life's a B*tc* and then you die!" The Domar Warehouse did not censor when translating the German to English like the Broadway versions. Definition of raw: crude or coarse in frankness, unapologetic of its assertions .

[@Edinburgh74]

had the privilege to see the original Broadway cast* and it is An amazing show in 2009 just after it won it's Tonys. (*Aaron Tveit was on leave, doing the pre-broadway 'Catch me if you can' - so we got the wonderful Kyle Dean Massey in his place). Alice Ripley totally inhabited Diana (even during the curtain call, which was a bit disconcerting!) and the rest of the cast were great. Tough shoes to fill!. Personally, I first thought of Jenna Russell but I don't know how well she'd handle the score? Kerry Ellis? - no, I have always been underwhelmed by her acting, despite having a wonderful voice. Louise Dearman sounds an inspired choice but with the likes of Rachel Tucker etc seems a bit too young. I thought about Toni Collette would be an inspired Diana has the right qualities for the role. Gavin Spokes had a lovely voice in Company and could be a very good Dan.

[@SteveFeatherstone]

Can we consider Anna Jane Casey for Diana too.

[@misfittoys5873]

I'd love to see them go age blind with Imelda Staunton and Phillip Quast reuniting after Follies.

[@omrihaze3000]

They're probably just gonna cast Jordan Luke Gage for Gabe by defaul,, aren't they?

[@carmen3989]

I’d love to see Sam Tutty or Marcus Harman as Gabe. Maybe Alice Fearn as Diana?

[@TCMNoah]

Marcus would make a great Henry as well.

[@sirieve]

What actually IS your most fave musical of all times that you’ve seen? Never heard you say that!

[@fionamorton3490]

Didn’t Mickey Jo that Into the Woods is his favourite musical - I don’t know whether it’s also his favourite live performance of a show …

[@sirieve]

I don't know 😍

[@shezbo]

We stan Caissie Levy

[@anthonyL1995]

There is some regional production that keeps advertising to me on IG that's not even in my state. I think that has much better artwork than this one. I think Hannah would be amazing in the role but I genuinely think she would be great in anything. My introduction to her might have been through an unofficial recording of A Little Night Music but I've been a huge fan ever since. If Kerry Ellis is in the role though that would be great. Hopefully a cast recording surfaces. I saw a clip of her as Reno lately and she still has it. Not that I'm shocked that she does. Just haven't really seen much of her in theatre in a while it seems. I think Next to Normal is a show that on the surface has some great songs and great moments but definitely could use some script doctoring. There are definitely some problematic parts to the show. But it is a great star vehicle for a female over a certain age. Just ask the little girls who think that they were in relationships with Ripley... Emphasis on thinks...

[@butacabrown]

I think it's gonna be Rachel Tucker.

[@BellePullman]

I'm confused, cos when you were not naming the actress, I thought "Kerry Ellis, right?" but no? "The Name" - exciting, led west end musicals, been in a bunch of current shows - elsewhere. Or Jenna Russell, Hannah Waddingham, Louise Dearman, Kerry Ellis, Rebecca Lock, Carrie Hope Fletcher... nah... Mazz Murray has just started a new year at Mamma Mia if I understand correctly. Rachel Tucker, Sophie Louise Dann, Shona White... Listing here so we can come back when the news does break!

[@psilva17]

Willemijn Verkaik is the first name I thought of. She’d be an AMAZING Diana!!

[@BellePullman]

@@psilva17 i mean i absolutely adore her in anything - including her frankly confusing casting in "Women on the verge..." and she fits the given description but is she a NAME for London like that? I'm now thinking it'd be an American?

[@psilva17]

@@BellePullman True! I’m in America and I would die to see her anything! Lol

[@annabotham2401]

i was thinking kerry ellis or alice fearn

[@misfittoys5873]

Jenna Russell is got to be in negotiations for Diana right?

[@misfittoys5873]

Commented before I watched. I'd love to see Lea Salonga or Tamsin Carroll as Diana.

[@APSFPolecFans]

Anybody BUT Kerry Ellis, please

[@ElvisTranscriber2]

5:08 6:01

[@andrerwhaag2734]

If they go for a diverse cast I would like to see Miriam-Teak Lee in the show. I think she is very much like Carrie. Almost a little to old for Natalie, but far too young for Diana. Also any of The West Ends original Six queens. That would be something I think would at least meeting, possibly surpassing, the vocals needed. Those women have stamina. I think that is something needed for N2N. Both female roles are very demanding. I am over in America, so I only know what I can find on KZbin as far as acting skills.

[@JerkyPuck]

I’d LOVE to see Caroline O’Conner play Diana. I think she’s probably too old but I don’t care.

[@MelissaSider]

Declan Bennett needs to stay at Moulin Rouge on Broadway😩😩

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

Oh gosh I forgot he was doing that! Broadway is very lucky!

[@MelissaSider]

@@MickeyJoTheatre we’re so lucky!! I’ve seen the show 26 times and at least 10 times with Declan. He has given the Duke so much more dimension it’s unreal. Side note, I’m a huge fan! I watch all your videos to keep up to date on WestEnd news. I’m a big Broadway girly.

[@jparadisetheatre]

Mazz Murray, please

[@jparadisetheatre]

and Jac Yarrow

[@tkdally]

Jenna Russell for Diana

[@cgpschool5378]

CAISSIE LEVY

[@Locke350]

She’s got the role now.

[@fairamir1]

I love Normal and Tom Kitt.....but I love the score to " If/Then" much better. Billy Elliot should have won...one of the greatest musicals of all time.

[@ZamTx1]

Not much of a fan of the show, other than the stoner boyfriend. I truly hope they've reimagined the last five minutes of the show. Without spoiling, the last scene with the father absolutely undermines the preceding two hours of Diana's struggles.

[@ZamTx1]

SPOILER: What happens in the last scene? Dad "sees" the same son (same actor, same teen-aged son) after two hours of mom getting drugs and therapy and electroshock for her "hallucinations". Based on their own writing and staging, why is Diana the only "mentally ill" person? The creatives undermined their own material with this poor and sloppy choice.

[@majesticflamingos]

@@ZamTx1 Wait since when was Diana committed to an asylum? Not in the original broadway version. Has something changed?

[@ZamTx1]

@@majesticflamingos thanks for the note. Faulty memory on my part, having been so frustrated by the show up to that point. Correcting my comment.

[@neilagangitlog]

@@ZamTx1 I didn't really interpret that scene as Dan literally having a hallucination. It felt more like him actually acknowledging his grief for his son and accepting that Gabe's death also had an immense impact on him, not just Diana. Throughout the show Dan insists on just forgetting about Gabe because he thinks that will solve his problems. When he says "why didn't you go with her" I think means that since he's suppressed his grief to the point that he thinks that it's only Diana's problem, and now that Diana's away, then he shouldn't have to think about Gabe anymore. But obviously this isn't true. Diana leaving pushed him to confront emotions that he's ignored partly because he wanted to focus on helping Diana, and partly because there's fear.

[@thefoolsjournal]

Sigh. I do with this show got more critical attention. Aside from its problematic depiction of mental illness (which, yes, makes *some* folx feel seen, the story is relentlessly misogynistic.