Next to Normal - The Show that Changed My Life

[@j3ckie681]

The setup for superboy and the invisible girl was so BRILLIANT. He's on top of the bed behind her, a metaphor for how he will always be a shadow looming over her.

[@Natalie-ku9hl]

sweet OH DANG OMG

[@rohanjohn1819]

Oh my gosh. The blueprints are on the set because they're architects..

[@lukeplushiesupremacy5945]

Rohan John I've always thought it was linked to Diana's manic episodes, like she one day decided to measure all the angles around the house and draw on the walls. Also notice that Gabe's room is completely untouched by the writings.

[@FellDownToRhinoTown]

43:08

[@daemonoferror557]

And the superman poster in Gabe's room bc he's "super boy" crYING-

[@glittergal1015]

The actress that played Natalie was phenomenal. Her acting ability was off the charts!

[@chancepalmer9103]

I honestly am heart broken for the father, he is just trying to keep his family together and it isn't working. What a strong man. He fights even when it seems like fighting is useless Edit - dammit, now the women he loves can't remember her own daughter and yet he still chooses to rebuild his relationship with her. The devotion this man has is beautiful Edit - now he is just all alone. All of his time spent was wasted. I am broken inside Edit - "hi Dad".......dammit I am dying Edit - beautiful ending, I really hope the dad gets what he has been fighting for for years. Great musical. I am truly dead inside yet filled with so much emotion lol Edit - bye

[@bellarose9971]

It was a beautiful touch, showing the family rebuilding together at the end.

[@MagpieEyeBeads]

This play seriously mirrors my home life. My dad is in the same place. His name is Dan too, and my mother has rhe same mental illnesses as Diana and has attempted suicide 4 times now. He witnessed it once. She has manic episodes. The intro always gets me. "Sometimes I wonder how I take it. And if other families live the way we do. Do they love each other? Or do they just fake it? And do other daughters feel like i feel too? Cause some days I think I'm dying. But I'm really only trying to get through." It feels like they looked into my brain. Admittedly, I've also turned to weed. I recently found out I have ADHD , my mother accuses me of faking it. There's so much garbage happening. So Much mirrored in this play. I hold this play so close to me. We are fearing my mother will walk out on us too. She melted down her meds recently in her last big episode. She told dad to keep holding her hand because she would be gone in two minutes. She thought she was dying.

[@ally.gg04]

I am the one reprise made me cry. I was not expecting them to actually go into the nursery, or the hug on the ground, or Dan clinging to the cradle after Gabe left. Absolutely stunning, the whole show was👏👏👏

[@Lottielmt]

Wow Amazing Production. I loved the girl who played Natalie so much emotion

[@riverprice4248]

Kinda hard to hear but was the most clear theatrical performance I’ve ever seen on KZbin plus, not shaking!

[@riverprice4248]

Also amazing production! Glad I found a good one b/c I am doing Super boy and the Invisible girl In a musical theatre program so I needed to know the story, Thanks!!!

[@bellarose9971]

This Gabe seems much more Ghost-like than the others. Like, he definitely still portrays the family's brokenness, but he seems like more of a spirit than just a hallucination.

[@thomasplummer8103]

As Steven Crane said in the first episode of "The Haunting of Hill House," 'A ghost can be a lot of things. A memory, a daydream, a secret. Grief, anger, guilt. But, in my experience, most times they're just what we want to see' It never been entirely clear how much of Gabriel was in their heads, and how much was just their minds in any production I have seen. This is the first time that it came across that he might actually be hurting and trying to help the family. Diana by pushing her to leavea situation which is actually keeping her from healing, Dan by making him face and actually deal with his grief for his son and For Diana, who he admits in "how can I ever Forget" that he lost both Gabe and Diana when Gabriel died, and Natalie, pushing her to stop trying to fill his space, and just be herself. On the other hand, it could still just as easily be manifestations of each of their pain. For Natalie, He is the rival she can never beat. Fpr Dan, he is both the illness that is tearing Diana apart, and the grief he never let himself feel because he was too busy trying to be strong and hold everything together while Diana fell apart. And Diana, who was medicated and treated for everything but the actual grief, he was both the dream of what might have been, and the escape from the destructrive cycle she was trapped in between Dan, who was so quick to try and fix things she didn't have a chance to deal with her own feelings, and from the Doctors, who were quicker to try medication and surgery than to understand and help her with her real problems. This is not to say the Doctors were bad people or monsters-the show makes it clear that they are trying to do the best they can the best they know how, with flawed tools. In the end, the ECT worked-it gave her the clarity, and freedom from medication to take a good, real look at her life, and identify what was broken. but no treatment of medication or ECT was going to fix things until she found a way to deal with her grief and her self loathing, because they were only treating the symptoms And while she may need to be on Medication, it needed to be in addition to dealing with her problems and greif, not instead of doing so. And this is much longer and more rambling rant than responding to your post really merited, it's just all tied up oin thoughts I have been having about ht e musical for years.

[@tannerhoran8618]

Thomas Plummer 10/10 100% agree

[@katbozues]

Ok...I'm an obsessed N2N snob who was fortunate enough to see Alice Ripley in this...this was AMAZING...very impressed with the staging, and like someone else said, the reveals...really clever set...loved the fact that the family photo(s) changed once Gabe's death was revealed...incredible band...the lighting was very effective.."I am" reprise got to me and so did the end at his grave....just really, really well done all around. Bravo!

[@LadyFreyaRose]

I like this ending so much better than the Broadway ending. It seems more hopeful, and like the family finally has closure.

[@mintywaffle4970]

Does anyone else feel like they need to clap when everyone else claps? XD

[@CharlotteGarber304]

Galaxy Bagel exactly, they are so good. I didn't want to look like an idiot at my friend's house when I watched it, but I would've totally clapped

[@ccorourke8116]

The people who played Gabe and the dad were amazing actors

[@thomasplummer8103]

I think this might be the best Dan I have seen. And this Gabriel was right up there, but I also think the staging really helped here. with he smaller, more intimate set, he really felt like he was looming over them or hovering at the edge of most scenes.

[@elphbwckd212]

Gabe's vocals were seriously lacking. The acting made up for it, though.

[@mysteryqueen16]

The actor who played Dan is one of my friends. We went to college together. He was my director at one point. Such a talent man.

[@everglow1767]

gave 노래실력이 제일 별로고 연기가 너무 과장됐는데..

[@82FGDT]

Why doesn't this have more views and likes???

[@gomimi4226]

ur right.

[@tannerhoran8618]

you bless my heart

[@feodorawicked5014]

@@weirdo337 Judging from the quality, I'd say this video wasnt taken on a phone. Thus, it has to be a camera of sorts, and due to the lack of shaking, probably has a stand or something. Since it would be extremely hard to sneak in a camera with a stand, I actually doubt this is just from a random person who went to the show. It's more likely that they had permission to record and post it online, which is what many theaters are beginning to do with their shows. Considering the fact that this person also gave exact information about the performance in the description, if they had recorded it without permission, it would be extremely easy to find it and get this video taken down. That is, if the theater wanted it removed. Thus, it's more likely that this person was either hired to record, or is apart of the tech team and was given the role to record. Good quality videos like this tend to be intentionally shared by the theater in order to get more publicity and awareness.

[@Jcontardo]

It's not 7am and I didn't just finish watching this. Cough. I got so much more than I bargained for, this production just completely blew me away, so many tears, so much emotion. Brava!

[@whyismyaccountblue]

Can the guy who played Gabe, casually please play the role of my boyfriend?

[@tannerhoran8618]

Why is my Account Blue only if we can tell people we met on KZbin, In the comments.

[@whyismyaccountblue]

Tanner Horan Fantastic- XD But I’m auditioning to play Natalie in next to Normal very soon, so that’s awkward... Anyway! Fantastic job! I love your voice! And your acting is superb!

[@kerahbundy5705]

THE WAY THEY CHANGED I AM THE ONE REPRISE FUCKING KILLED ME OML I AM IN TEARS THIS AMAZING! AND THEN THEY ACTUALLY MEMORIALIZED GABE AT THE END AND HE WAS HAPPY OMG! SO MUCH GOODNESS! THANK YOU TO WHO EVER DIRECTED THIS PRODUCTION!!! 💖💖💖

[@rickreation0]

Seeing this five years later but I appreciate it!

[@viy2959]

I loved that so much too!

[@RockerChicktv1]

The way I judge this show is if I can watch I am the one reprise and bawl without watching the rest of the show (I do it for rent to) this production gave me freaking chills. The way Gabe lays with Dan on the floor and Gabe holds out his arms and Dan goes for the crib just hurt me. Great job

[@RockerChicktv1]

I did go back and watch The Who production after and it was great

[@elphbwckd212]

Really? I hated that part. It was so crooner and awkward looking. I've seen better in community productions.

[@viy2959]

I always skip to those parts too...

[@salvadorelastname9095]

You did an excellent job as Dr. Madden!!! He's my favorite character, and his section in Light is one of my favorite parts of the show- and I think this is the best rendition of that part I've heard! Your voices harmonize so well 💛

[@holtharmonics]

@@salvadorelastname9095 ah thank you so much. “The price of love is loss, but still we pay. We love anyway.” Favorite line.

[@hayde158]

The son is my favourite character Edit: Because mood Edit 2: When he said “Mom?” MY HEART BROKE I CANT Edit 3: I’m crying....I frickin can’t my eyes are now oceans Edit 4: GABRIEL I CANT OMFG APPARENTLY THIS MUSICAL CREATOR HATES PEOPLE Edit 5: This is my new favourite musical

[@whyismyaccountblue]

I’ve been watching this religiously to prepare for my next to normal audition! I will now be playing Natalie :)))) Thank you for this amazing show you all put on!!

[@ziemalone7969]

“Hi dad” I’m cryingggggggg 😭😭😭

[@bloodwormHound]

The guy playing Henry is very pretty

[@gretep]

The actress who played Natalie is absolutely amazing. Love her voice

[@daxrossel5705]

PHENOMENAL!!!! That I am the one reprise ripped my heart out so much

[@hollielenton3664]

I’ve never seen this musical, and this being the first version I see of next to normal, I’m very amused! This is almost professional , so good x

[@dianalopez2219]

I didnt expect this to be so good i think its my new fave

[@omniverseagent3741]

I've alwaysed loved film adaptations of muscals, but I'm so glad I watched this show!! It's honestlly one of my new favorite musicals! Im just sad to see it wasn't made into a film though. It would have been amazing

[@jamesbearvr]

If they ever do make a movie version. Mike Flanagan HAS to direct it. I know Mike Flanagan does a lot of Horror Films and Suspense but his Style and way that he approaches subject matter- HE will be the most AMAZING choice. Just look at his works and style specially the movie Before I Wake, holy crap! Imagine how Mike Flanagan will interpret the Character of Gabe he can truly make him loving and menacing at the same time. He plays so well with time structure as well in Oculus too and it would be very cool to see a visual interpretation of '"Wish I where Here" on screen or "I'm Alive".

[@sakura7348]

This one actually feels super different with the Broadway version even though they are literally the same lyrics. I also found this cast is great and the way they perform makes more sense to me comparing to that of in the Broadway version. It is also nice to see people play in the background. Seeing the electronic guitar and the drum make it feel more like a rock musical to me.

[@naraynrasheed9676]

This is amazing. Actors who played natalie and the father is super awesome.

[@stcrmycat]

is NO ONE gonna talk about the "trump is a disaster" part???

[@emeraldcity7150]

When is that?

[@hyacinthe4478]

Whennn

[@mycurrenthyperfixtation9178]

18:26

[@prankerman2905]

Henry’s not wrong about that

[@hypocry2745]

I started crying about a quarter of the way through and I haven’t stopped it’s too good!!!

[@cjames0723]

This was beyond pleasantly surprising. Dan and Natalie were especially excellent.

[@zipzapkpop]

Did the actor for Henry forget the lyrics at Perfect for You for a bit? In the "I might be lazy..." part lol it threw me off so much. If that is so then the actress playing Natalie did well in supporting him. She moves really natural on stage like she was so immersed in the character damn what a good actress

[@hayde158]

zipzapkpop what time?

[@juliastaat]

I think it was just a character choice.

[@madeleine.exists9207]

This is really high quality; I watched a recording not so long ago that was so bad I couldn't see what was going on half the time. And these actors are so, so talented! Thank y'all so much!

[@forwardaerial9122]

Madeleine D. Love the profile pic. I see you are a woman of culture as well

[@ivanasolis8868]

Love your profile pic. Bare:a pop opera is my favorite show

[@ivanasolis8868]

Crossfire Gaming Glad you understand

[@noellebagel6645]

When Natalie said “Who am I?” I couldn’t help but think “i am a girl who loves my island and a girl who loves the sea. It caaaaalls meeeeee”

[@TrogdortheAnimator]

Best part is "I'm Alive", at 41:10

[@ChexNyx]

Trogdor The Animator There isn’t a “I’m Alive” at 40:10.

[@elphbwckd212]

Really? He drops so many notes it's embarrassing

[@narcoleptic_owl]

What they did with I Am The One Reprise and the rest of the finale TRULY cements this as better than Broadway in my eyes. This was the first version of the show I saw, and after seeing a few different versions, this is still easily my favorite. Thank you to this entire production for changing my life

[@theartsynerd3979]

This is fricken amazing

[@soaring-comet]

okay this might be my favourite version of i am the one (reprise) it got me so close to crying i did not expect him to go into the nursery, and the way they hugged on the ground and then dan leaned on the crib and just couldn’t seem to let go of it that got me emotional man good job edit: also i really liked the doctor lol

[@pixiequeen7148]

What an amazing production

[@KidShowLife]

Wow My Mom Did This Show With The Imagination Theater And Natalie Sounded Just Like The Imagination Theater Natalie!

[@itsalladream5559]

Absolutely amazing!

[@pyran2597]

This is the version I was looking for =) I like the take on Gabe for this one so much, he’s so animated.

[@ahandley05]

When I first watched this I thought Gabe was real lol

[@viy2959]

It's spoiled for a lot of people but I think you are supposed to until the reveal. (And even then there is some ambiguity about him. I think he is metaphor for the family's trauma but thinking of him as a ghost isn't necessarily wrong.)

[@brighidcampbell491]

You guys this was better than the Broadway version. Holy shit the acting, the direction, the lighting... all of you clearly understood this show deeply and had a passion for expressing its message. Absolutely beautiful.

[@punk3900]

excellent performance, made my cry...

[@RaymondSheetsJr]

Well, this was absolutely incredible. Really enjoyed the voices, acting, and overall feel. Wow.

[@renno2679]

Damn how do they sound so accurate to the original?

[@QueenMJade89]

1:58:00 I am the one reprise is a guaranteed tear jerker.

[@HimynameisJermHicks]

The sound is so beautiful it brings me back to Theatre when I was in school man that was fun. I've really been wanting to get back into it and create my own original stuff.

[@jack1theatregeek]

This show hits very close to home. I propped and co stage managed a production when I was 18. Sobbing wreck is an understatement.

[@OtakunoShojo]

38:23 my favorite bit, oh my god

[@evieluvon5965]

Omg was not expecting that lol

[@theabyss310]

Gabe has to be my favorite. His actor played the part so well! Another fantastic thing, I am the one reprise killed me. It was absolutely heart wrenching and beautiful! I love this musical.

[@nerdcastproductions5778]

Fine production indeed!

[@afterallthistimealways1783]

Thanks so much for posting this!! I'll watch a small production pro shot over a Bway bootleg anyway and this is magnificent!!

[@verbumsap]

Amazing production! I wish there is a chance I can get the original DVD files to keep the quality of it for my personal library!!.. Again, great production! A big hug from Perú!

[@102Turbofeet]

Amazing. Harmonies could use some work, but show was phenomenal.

[@allwellallgood5947]

Great Production!

[@viy2959]

This was fantastic

[@walterreiter8780]

Amazing production.

[@devinpeel969]

The ducking PLOT TWIST, I was NOT expecting that, I didn’t think I would cry during this, I’m in TEARS

[@ForeverWaiting7]

Omg I cried soooo much while I was watching this!!!! THE FUCKING FEELS!!!!! THEY GET U LIKE A 50’s BATMAN CARTOON....”POW!! ZAP!!! BLAM-000!!! KA-POW!!!” 💙💥😭🤧😭💥💙 Very well done!!!! 🙌🙌🙌🙌💊💖💝🎭💝💖💊 xoxo Everyone, you are Never Alone 💞💞💞💞💞

[@evieluvon5965]

2:00:31 the invisible ninjas are cutting onions again, and I've got to say this is by far my favorite cast!

[@whateverIFeelLike]

I listened to the song "I'm alive over 2 years ago. With no context I thought it was a super cheery song. Holy shit with context it's so dark

[@madpomegranate]

this has no business being as good as it is

[@TheAmityElf]

5:06 Clever.

[@davis8326]

superboy and the invisible girl was a little rough

[@mike-m123]

As a pianist I find it funny how in all productions of Next to Normal I've seen on KZbin, even the Broadway ones, all of the Natalies can't play the keyboard during Everything Else, and if their keyboards were turned on, it'd sound like they're just smashing the keys over and over 🤣

[@basilcormier5876]

Is it just me or does the orchestra overpower the singers

[@nothingxx3632]

Christine cormier I think so too

[@redactedredacted5955]

It could've been the recording, but I think you may be right

[@annabeaver8148]

A lot of times that happens with recordings, some parts are picked up better on the audio recording equipment than others

[@mycurrenthyperfixtation9178]

Am I the only one who gets strong dear even hansen vibes from this

[@gretep]

DEH was inspired by N2N, so yes

[@vtruescot]

I miss the mountains is a song close to my heart , my meds have changed me so much , i used to sing and whistle all the time now my moods are so flat . I miss the excitement i used to feel like all the time and my sex drive so much better.

[@romezele]

i don’t understand the family portraits. why is there a family photo of all of them when Gabe is very much dead,,???

[@michelephipps9736]

Did it start getting choppy for anyone else?

[@ivanasolis8868]

I really liked the guy who played the doctor and the guy who played Gabe

[@firefox1039]

anyone else worried about gab when he kept getting pushed down??

[@TheFrekledGinge]

25:07 did the tech leave the writing on the set?

[@ivanasolis8868]

Dirtboi Racing I think it's part of the set

[@feodorawicked5014]

It probably has to do with them being Architects. Also, due to Diana's episodes, it would make sense if she went through the house marking everything in place, like an architect would do, because if you pay attention, the son's room was left alone. Thus, the markings would've appeared after his death.

[@lidmurmur2506]

OMG the singing skill of Gabe is like me myself🤣

[@benjisaac]

This is Not how I imagined Henry lol the soundtrack doesn’t give the stoner vibe away

[@youdontbelonghre]

11:01

[@FellDownToRhinoTown]

1:42:03

[@sanyag5838]

holy shit, this was soooo depressing

[@MrRedstardude]

Shawnee Kennington looks very similar to my aunty, except my aunty is older and fatter.

[@samanthawinstead4999]

Ok but why am I seeing connor, Evan, and Zoey.

[@klajoonas1196]

I can’t be the only one who thinks Henry looks and sounds like Connor Murphy

[@everglow1767]

동선이랑 연출이 너무 산만하다... 단층 무대에서 하니까

[@sonictheforkliftoperator2670]

I'm just gonna say it a lot of these vocals are not working. I feel like the songs are too powerful for these actors to sing. Father did great, daughters 50/50, mom has violent vibrato, son just straight up isn't hitting notes.

[@holtharmonics]

what about me I played the doctor

[@forwardaerial9122]

You speak like someone who doesn’t know the show, I’m not making any judgments, but you might not know every note in this show. Also Diana is supposed to have an unstable voice, imo it adds to the character, though of course you’re entitled to your opinion

[@Nick-mu2ee]

@@forwardaerial9122 no he’s 110% right lol vocals aren’t that good especially from gabe lol

[@alexkrycek3359]

I had to tap out of this 30 minutes in. The vocals across the board just aren't good enough. I'm sorry. I appreciate the effort everyone put in.

[@kylereynolds7628]

This is a MESS.

[@김호진-f8p]

12:01