Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...This a towering, gutsy, must-see performance — of the kind that a theater city like Chicago should support and that is rarely found in a modern touring show. But then this is the kind of rare tour that delivers the entire original experience — on balance, even a superior experience to the one on Broadway."
Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended
"...True, there are some intriguing elements in this 2009 Pulitzer Prize-winning musical. Brian Yorkey’s mostly sung-through score is unquestionably a sophisticated, complexly layered mix of classical and jazz riffs, neo-Expressionist rock opera and a couple of clever bits of Broadway sampling, with lyrics to match. Mark Wendland’s set, artfully lit by Kevin Adams, gives us a modernist Portland, Oregon, home that, in an apt metaphor, sits within a Plexiglass box. And the exemplary band of seven musicians are deftly placed in its upper rooms."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...Unlike most touring productions, this one is led by actors who performed the material on Broadway. That's mostly a good thing, but Alice Ripley's eccentric approach to Diane can be as distracting as the guy who sat next to me. Her odd singing style and pronunciations made me wonder if she wasn't trying to play the long-term effect of all those meds."
Centerstage - Recommended
"...No question the material “Next to Normal” explores teems with dramatic potential, and overall, the writers’ execution is solid, specifically, the book’s dark wit. While the contemporary rock score seems overstuffed, and certain lyrics fall flat (“Living on a latté and a prayer”), most songs are solid if sometimes uninspired. Particularly potent, Natalie’s song “Super Boy and the Invisible Girl” is smoothly drawn, an explosive vehicle for Natalie’s pent up frustration."
Chicago Stage Review - Somewhat Recommended
"...None of the issues raised in Next To Normal are groundbreaking. None of the ways that the issues are handled are innovative and none of the resolution to the conflicts is remotely satisfactory or profound. In the end “you find out you don’t have to be happy at all.” It seems like that line not only lets the show’s lack of entertainment value or emotional connection off the hook but also creates a self-proclamation of success for its mediocrity."
Time Out Chicago - Recommended
"...Last year’s surprise Pulitzer winner, Kitt and Yorkey’s Broadway rock-musical portrait of mental illness and its effects on a suburban family remains powerful in this touring production, which notably brings Tony-winning original star Ripley with it. Ripley’s raw, lived-in depiction of a housewife suffering from an extreme case of bipolar disorder has only deepened since I saw her in the role in New York; her Diana is haunted, frustrated, confused, oblivious, funny and wholly empathetic as she goes through a succession of therapists, drug regimens and electroconvulsive therapy."
ChicagoCritic - Somewhat Recommended
"...The story has nothing profound or insightful to offer concerning mental illness and the score was tepid and forgettable. I guess I’m just too old fashion to appreciate a pop operetta? I just can’t see the merit and enjoyment factor in a “downer” musical like Next To Normal? Fans of rock musicals will enjoy this show more that I did."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended
"...You might not walk out of theatre thinking that “Next to Normal” is now your new favorite musical but it’s definitely worth seeing. I found the musical score to be quite appealing as it went along with the plot of a struggling mother. It’s a different story, and I believe audience members will enjoy it due to its honesty. The mental health of those you love can be considered to be a very tender topic, but thankfully “Next to Normal” doesn’t try to force your mind upon the idea of being unstable. It focuses more on the daily struggle of a family, the struggles that people face when trying to help those they love."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...The original direction by Michael Greif and the musical staging by Sergio Trujillo has been kept intact and joining Ms Ripley in his cast are Asa Sommers as her husband Dan ( also a veteran of this show on Broadway), Emma Hunton as their daughter Natalie ( who was a swing in New York playing this role), Jeremy Kushner in the roles of the doctors, Preston Sadler as Henry, Natalie’s boyfriend and the amazing and powerful Curt Hansen as Gabe. The first song, opening this two and a half hour work of art is entitled “Just Another Day” and it certainly sets the tone for what is an amazing theatrical experience- one that you will talk about and remember for a long time."
Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended
"...Next to Normal remains a magnificent musical. But with Ripley no longer in prime voice, it isn’t as magnificent as it might be. "
