Next To Normal

Before Next To Normal even made it to Broadway I had fallen in love with it, and I had to see it almost immediately when it came back to New York. After seeing it once I couldn't wait to get back and listened to the recording many times, and after not seeing it for months, I have revisited it twice. This musical means more to me now than it ever did.

When I first saw Next To Normal I was absolutely blown away. I got rush seats in the boxes, so they weren't that great, but no matter where I saw it from I knew I would love it. There were plenty of college kids there to rush, and some that I talked to after the show were floored by it. When I went back recently I met a few girls around my age that had been dying to see it, and I couldn't have been happier they chose Next To Normal over the other show they were thinking about. I didn't know then, but they weren't the only ones about to fall in love with Next To Normal; I did again.

After obsessing over Next To Normal for months, I moved on to listening to other things, mostly rock music. Still, I don't listen to the recording much; it's not exactly a happy soundtrack. After not listening to it for long, I had just kinda felt disconnected from Next To Normal. When I saw it again in August all of my love for the show came back and more. It opened my eyes to issues going on in my life and feelings I hadn't given myself time to deal with, and I connected extremely deeply with many characters, and at times it felt like the words they were speaking were just what I needed to hear. Before that day, I always told people Next To Normal is great, go see it... blah blah blah. Now I tell people, even if they don't mention it, that they have to see it.

Even though I tell almost everyone I encounter in the city to see Next To Normal, I don't think everyone will enjoy it. The soundtrack is awesome, and if you've heard it and want to see the show, go for it. I can't say who would or wouldn't appreciate the show, because even the people who look the happiest and most perfect have problems. I relate to the show because of the characters dealing with a family member with a mental illness, and I also relate to other parts. I always hear many people crying in the theater, so many people either relate or are just that touched by the story. If you're looking for a happy musical, don't go. If you're looking for a musical with an outstanding book that may make you think, feel, and bring your emotions on a roller coaster ride, Next To Normal is where you should go. Many teenagers can easily relate to Natalie; almost every teenager has anger toward their parents and situation. Quite a few of my friends and classmates have seen the show and they have all gone back to see it again or want to. Not everyone gets so emotional in the show; some people just really love it. Girls seem to like it more than guys, but none of my guy friends that are into theatre dislike Next To Normal.

In my opinion, Next To Normal has one of the best books currently on Broadway. Many people in their teenage years and beyond can relate to the story, and it's also very touching. Even though I've stressed how it's not a happy story, it does have a happy, optimistic ending, which is one of my favorite things about it. I suggest you go if you even think you might want to before it's too late. If you want more information about the show or have questions or comments, comment below or e-mail me!

Billy Elliot

When I was watching the 2008 Tony Awards I saw an ad for an awesome looking new musical, Billy Elliot. For months before it came to Broadway I tried to find a way to see it, and I got to see it a little before the Tony Awards in 2009.

I went into Billy Elliot really excited since I had been waiting almost a year to see it. I was not nearly as in love with it as I thought I would be, but I don't think it's really a bad musical. I was confused during the first 10 minutes, but I don't think I would have been if I read the playbill before the show. Everything cleared up and turned into the show I was expecting to see, the one about a young boy who wants to be a dancer, and I got my hopes up again. The musical never met my expectations, which may have been a little high, but I can't say I was ever bored or dreaded being there.

My biggest problem with the show, other than my confusion with the beginning and some of the English terms, was that I couldn't empathize at all with the musical, which is what I look for when I go see a Broadway show. I danced when I was younger, but I couldn't wait to quit, so there was nothing in the dancing area for me to relate to. I am also just not impressed by sticking kids on stage to make a cutesy musical that probably wouldn't be cared about if it was all done by adults. Many people sympathize for Billy because of his mom and because of his situation, and many people are impressed and fall in love with the little kids on stage. It's not a bad thing, just a different taste.

All of my dancer friends who have seen Billy Elliot love it and have seen it multiple times. I also know people who aren't dancers who love it for the score, story, acting, dancing, or anything else. Whenever I'm asked if someone should bring their family members to Billy Elliot I ask if they're dancers and what types of musicals they like. I usually say that dancers, people who like larger scale musicals, and people that go occasionally or because it's nice, but not because it's a hobby, will like it. People who go to Broadway every week also love it, so it really just depends on the person. If a teenager wants to see a show like American Idiot or Next To Normal, I wouldn't say pick Billy Elliot as an alternative. If the choice is between Billy Elliot or something like Wicked, I'd say it's a tougher choice, and it comes down to personal choice.

If you can't decide whether or not to go, it will be around for a long time, so it's also a show that can wait for a trip in a few months or longer. If you have any questions or comments just comment or e-mail me!