I. Introduction: A Bold and Moving Performance
The Lynn University Department of Theatre Arts presented a compelling production of “Next to Normal,” the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical exploring mental health, family dynamics, and the pursuit of normalcy. Directed by senior theatre major Jennifer Adams, the student-led production demonstrated exceptional artistic vision and technical skill, bringing this challenging work to life with sensitivity and power.
“Next to Normal” tells the story of Diana Goodman, a woman struggling with bipolar disorder, and its impact on her family. The production tackled difficult themes of mental illness, grief, and recovery with both emotional honesty and theatrical creativity. The student cast and crew handled the complex subject matter with maturity and nuance.
This production represents the highest level of student achievement in theatre arts at Lynn University, showcasing not only performing talent but also the technical and creative skills necessary for successful theatrical production. The student-led approach allowed for unique artistic interpretations while maintaining the integrity of the original work.
II. The Plot: A Compelling Narrative
Without revealing major spoilers, the production followed the Goodman family as they navigate the challenges of living with mental illness. Diana Goodman’s struggle with bipolar disorder and her treatment with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) forms the central conflict of the story, while her husband Dan and daughter Natalie each respond to the situation in their own ways.
The narrative explores themes of grief, loss, and the definition of normalcy while incorporating elements of magical realism. Diana’s deceased son Gabe appears as a hallucination throughout the story, representing her unresolved grief and denial. The production handled these complex psychological elements with sensitivity and theatrical creativity.
The story progresses through Diana’s treatment journey, including her ECT sessions, and the impact this has on her family dynamics. The production explores the question of what is truly “normal” and whether the pursuit of normalcy is always healthy or realistic.
III. Standout Performances: Stars of the Show
The cast delivered uniformly excellent performances, with several standout portrayals that elevated the entire production. Senior Emma Rodriguez gave a powerful and nuanced performance as Diana Goodman, capturing both the manic energy and the depressive lows of bipolar disorder with remarkable depth and authenticity. Her vocal performance on “I Miss the Mountains” was particularly moving, showcasing both technical skill and emotional range.
Senior Michael Thompson portrayed Dan Goodman with genuine warmth and growing desperation as he struggles to support his family while dealing with his own grief and loss. His performance on “You and I” was a highlight of the evening, demonstrating both vocal ability and dramatic depth.
Among the supporting cast, sophomore Lisa Chen delivered a mature and nuanced performance as Natalie, Diana’s daughter. Chen expertly portrayed the teenager’s anger, embarrassment, and ultimate understanding as she deals with her mother’s illness. Her duet with boyfriend Henry on “Afterschool” was performed with both humor and pathos.
IV. Behind the Scenes: Praising Production and Design
The production team, led by student designers, created an effective and evocative visual environment for the challenging material. The set design by junior Alex Rivera featured a versatile two-level construction that could shift between the domestic space of the Goodman home and more abstract representations of Diana’s mental state.
The lighting design, managed by senior Sarah Williams, played a crucial role in the production, helping to distinguish between reality and Diana’s hallucinations. Subtle shifts in color and intensity guided the audience’s perception of what was real within the story, particularly during scenes involving the character of Gabe.
The costume design by sophomore Maria Lopez successfully differentiated between characters while reflecting the family’s middle-class status and the time period of the story. The choices also subtly reflected the characters’ emotional states, with Diana’s costumes becoming more vibrant as her medication was adjusted.
V. Conclusion: A Must-See Production
This student-led production of “Next to Normal” was a remarkable achievement that demonstrated the exceptional talent and dedication of Lynn University’s theatre students. The combination of challenging subject matter, complex musical numbers, and sophisticated staging made this a production worthy of professional standards.
The production deserves recognition not only for its entertainment value but also for its sensitive handling of mental health issues. This is important work that opens dialogue about mental health within the university community and beyond.
The Department of Theatre Arts at Lynn University continues to provide a platform for students to develop their craft while producing work that resonates with audiences. The success of this production bodes well for the future of theatre at the university and for the careers of these talented students.
