Next to Normal is my most favorite production I have seen at Drury Lane, after 25 years of being a subscriber. There have been refreshing changes in the season offerings at Drury, away from Agatha Christy and obscure 'who-dun-its'. The cast of Next to Normal received an immediate standing ovation by all in the audience the night I was there. I'm not an educated theater critic, but I know what I like, and I found Next to Normal to be perfectly cast, with powerful singing, thought provoking lyrics ranging from humorous to soul searching, and full of twists and turns. For me, this is undoubtedly one of the very best productions to play at Drury Lane.

I do not know how anyone would have anything negative to say about this show! We saw it with the original cast and its spectacular and incredibly moving! Highly recommend to theatre fans or theatre first timers!

Saw it on Broadway, then opening night of the US Tour in Los Angeles, as well as San Diego... This musical is POWERFUL!! Although Alice Ripley was not that great live, the rest of the cast pulled her through it. Marin played it MUCH better on Broadway, but the show is still my 2nd favorite musical of all time! It will leave you drained of tears and allows you to stir up emotions that are hiding deep inside you. Truly a fantastic piece of art!!! MUST SEE!!!!! The soundtrack is wonderful as well.

I have seen this play many times in many places. The Drury Theater performance was very good, the singers were excellent and there were added details that I found to be clever and entertaining. However, I think that the Diana character changed the impact of the play. Instead of being confused/torn/depressed, etc., this Diana appeared cheerful as she continued her manic energy throughout the play. This took away from very powerful moments: when she was being pulled by both Dan and Gabriel, when she finally remembers the baby, and even at the end, when it should have been extremely sad, she sang about leaving Dan with a smile on her face. I never felt any sadness that the character was experiencing. She displayed more of a childlike confusion. Anyone who saw the play for the first time probably did not have the same disappointment that I had, but, then again, they probably missed out on the real impact of the play.

Saw this on 8.24.13 at Drury Lane. I didn't enjoy the content, but beyond that it was poorly executed. Several of the performers seemed to think that if they couldn't sing well, they should sing louder. I must be in the minority, since there was a standing ovation at the end. I stood so I could leave sooner...