Next To Normal 4/23/10 Review

I saw the show (again) on Friday, April 23rd for my birthday so here's my little review. I saw 2 understudies - Brian Crum as Henry and Michael Berry as Dr. Fine/Dr. Madden. Overall it was a good night, I've had better nights at the show, and this night's performance was alot better than others in someways, but also a lot worse in other ways. Let's start out with J. Robert Spencer and Alice Ripley. Both are the only two people in the show who I have not seen an understudy or replacement for. Alice, seemed a bit sick as her voice was a little rasper and quiter than usual ,but she sure made up for it in her acting. Everytime I see her her line delivery is new and each performance feels like my first. Her "I Miss The Mountains" wasn't the best I've seen it, but "Didn't I See This Movie" rocked the entire theatre. She definately got alot more laughs from the audience than in past performances, and even I found certain things she did, or ways she said things were a lot funnier.
Bobby was 100% on top of his game, and better than ever. Maybe since he's leaving soon, he's been really motivated to put on an even better show tha n he usually is. After 6 times "I've Been" still makes me cry. His voice, obviously is absolutely incredible, and like Alice he was alot funnier with his lines this time.
Next let's talk about the Goodman children, Natalie and Gabe A.K.A. Jennifer Damiano and Kyle Dean Massey. I saw him back in March, and this time his energy was so much higher. I honestly couldn't believe it was the same actor. His voice was so much more powerful, and loud. Definately is getting close to being as good as Aaron (in my opinion). Kyle Dean's acting has also improved; at the appropriate times his lines were extremely creepy, and like everyone else so far he was 10x funnier than usual. He was absolutely incredible, and even kept me excited during my two least favorite songs, "I Dreamed A Dance" and "There's A World". I can't wait to see him again.
Jennifer's voice was nice as usual, but they really need to turn up her mic. We all know she can belt like crazy and everything, but her mic always seems to be lower than everyone else's on stage. Does anyone else notice that? Her acting was good, but unlike everyone else, her performance hasn't seemed to have changed or grown since I last saw her in January. I think she's incredible and all, but she really seems to be getting bored with her role. And although it's a great character, can you blame her? 3 months at 2nd stage, 2 months at Arena Stage, and now a year on Broadway. I love the song, but how many times can you sing "Superboy and The Invisible Girl" without throwing up? I don't blame her for getting bored with the role, but if she is then I think she should leave. Maybe she had an off night, but at curtain call she was twirling her hair around her finger, glaring at the audience, and pouting - not a smile in sight. I've met her at the stage door and she's polite- but she really came across as a diva, and all my friends immediately dubbed her as obnoxious.
Now for my 2 understudies. Michael Berry as the doctors - very different from Louis. Like, VERY different, good, but again VERY different. They're vocal styles really contrast. I've heard a lot of people say that he's much better as Dan, and after hearing him sing I definately see that. A few minor lines were flubbed but nobody who's never seen the show would have noticed. He was funny, but again in a very different way from Louis. It was like seeing Dr.Fine and Madden as two completely new characters. I enjoyed it, it was just....different.
Now, for Brian Crum as Henry. Holy crap. This guy is incredible. I almost like him better than Adam Chanler-Berat, but I can't see him as Gabe. At all. His Henry was absolutely amazing. Like Louis and Michael his and Adam's voices are very different. Brian's seems a lot more traditional musical theatre. He had a stronger "Perfect For You" than Adam, and his chemistry with Jenn was 7/10. Not as bad as I expected. Brian's line delivery was absoluely hysterical, after 6 times you'd expect Henry's jokes to get old, but I still cracked up. The next time Adam has a planned absence I think I'll be there, although it felt strange seeing Henry's costumes on someone else, if that makes sense.
At the stage door Alice as always was very gracious. She might just be putting her incredible acting skills to good use, but she really does seem to enjoy meeting (the respectful) fans after the show. Bobby as always was very sweet, and talked to my friends and I for a good minute or so after taking a picture. He actually reconized me - maybe from the stage door, but I'm guessing more so from a picture of a friend and I with him that I sent through fan mail asking him to sign just a few days prior. He greeted me with "Hey sweetie, welcome back." My friends got a kick out of it.
Michael and Kyle Dean were very nice to everyone at the door, and like Alice really seemed to enjoy it. Kyle Dean wished me a happy birthday and gave me a hug, but the best part was when he greeted us with "Hey y'all." I loved his video blogs. Brian was really engaging at the stage door, asking everyone how they liked the show and if they've seen it before and if he did Henry justice - which everyone assured him he did.
After waiting until around 11:10 Jenn still hadn't come out the stage door so we left. I was a little dissapointed, but I understand not wanting to do that every night. A couple of people around us however were making sarcastic comments like "Oh she never comes out, she's too good for this." and "She needs to drop the attitude." I very politely told them that out of the 3 times prior to that night I'd seen Jenn she always came out the door and signed, took pictures, and was sweet. They rolled their eyes as if they didn't believe me. I hope Jenn was just having a bad night.
Also at the stage door I waved down Ariana Grande and Graham Phillips who were there with Frankie Grande, waiting for Adam Kantor (temporary u/s for the week). They were really sweet and posed for a picture and chatted with us for a moment. Since I love RENT I basically jumped on Adam Kantor, I hope he doesn't think I'm a freak. He was really nice, and talked to me for a few seconds about my RENT obsession and took a picture. Those 3 made up for Jenn's lack of an appearance. Overall, an enjoyable night. Go see this show if you haven't!