But then I saw Next To Normal at Arena Stage and I thought it was one of the best shows I’d ever seen. I think that Tom Kitt is a musical King, and I was blown away by Brian Yorkey’s writing. I can’t wait to go see the Broadway production in New York, at 45th St and 8th Avenue (Q.uite worth the trip, I’m sure). And it’s not like I live on 42nd Street, or anything. I’m going to go all the way up there from DC. In fact, I’d go see a production of this show anywhere, in Chicago, or even Oklahoma. I’m not going to let those Damn Yankees have all the fun. I’ll Rent a car, if I have to.

And why did I love it? It’s really because of The Music: Man, it was good! And the Company was great, even though there wasn’t a traditional Chorus Line. And when I saw the cast, I said to myself, “Jesus Christ, Superstars everywhere!” They were Wicked good. I know all of us felt a little Les Miserable when we left that show. The Producers did a really nice job of putting together a fantastic show.

I would love to own the N2N soundtrack. I’ll add it to the musical collection on my ipod. When I feel lost, or confused, I can always count on a recording of a musical to Grease the wheels of my creativity. I hope you will choose me to be one of your soundtrack giveaway winners.

It was hard for us because her condition had really just started to manifest itself, even though her family had a history of depression. At first it was ok and I told myself that I would stick it through, but the unpredictability of her mood from day to day just wore me down after a while. There would be days when we would hold hands and talk and everything was wonderful; there were the days when she wouldn’t even look at me; then there were the days when she would yell at me. Even on the good days it was hard to tell what might flip the switch: a misunderstood comment, a reminder of something that was stressing her out, or even just asking her how she was feeling.

Like Dan, the father, I wanted to make things better; I wanted to do the right thing; I wanted to help her fight. But it doesn’t work that way. I got mad at her because I thought that she didn’t want to change, that she was just denying her problem. After seeing Next to Normal, it made me realize that perhaps I had become part of the problem and that is why we couldn’t work.

Depression isn’t something that can be “fixed”. Almost like addiction, it comes and goes but never disappears. Even at the best of times the fear of relapse lingers. Trying to “fix” it only makes it worse because it makes the suffering person feel like they are inadequate. I think that’s why Diana had to leave.

For the afflicted and their loved ones it is important to come to terms with the fact that life is changed forever. Even though there are treatments and medications, still the only way to deal with depression is day by day – taking joy in the good times and accepting the bad times. I’m very glad that I saw Next to Normal and hope that I will be able to see it again.

Music to my ears was score that caused auditory hallucinations
which felt like I was “Listening to Prozac.” Before seeing the
show, I had a splitting headache; after seeing the show, I had
splitting personality. The score was almost as elecrifying as
my “shock” therapy treatments. Given aUtistic talents of the
castE, I became very silent when the actors outburst into song.

Notwithstanding my fears of premature onset Alzheimer’s, don’t
think that I will ever forget the postive trauma of this drama.
I am so glad about having an opportunity to see this production
after it nearly self-destructed the first time it played in New
York. Must thank my psycho companion for forcing me into this
revolutionary treatment that cured me of any “no show” phobia.

Perhaps in future, non-judge mental theatre crtic can arrange
it so I can play role of a mood swing man in Next to Normal.