Reviews

Next to Normal by Tom Kitt, Brian Yorkey

henren's review

emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

rubyloo___'s review against another edition

5.0

bootleg (illegally recorders videos of the show) links on youtube:

https://youtu.be/QD1LV7uunkE

https://youtu.be/oMuK9FDnLaE

https://youtu.be/UkJxw1qiZ-c

https://youtu.be/l25BQ8jftJc

https://youtu.be/rb_bUCjTzN0

coraraym's review against another edition

dark

3.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicide attempt

jennifer369's review against another edition

emotional sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

helenajcassels's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

girlpowermch's review against another edition

dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

novel_ideas's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

bythecover's review against another edition

4.0

It’s definitely good, I think maybe I was overhyped?

courtofsmutandstuff's review against another edition

4.0

I absolutely LOVE this as a musical, and there is not much more in the book that isn't present in the songs. The only reason this isn't a 5 is because so much of what makes the musical work is the music itself, so unless you are singing along in your head while reading, it misses a certain something.
I definitely recommend listening to the whole soundtrack (and definitely watch the Tony performance) if you haven't heard of this show before.

eortiz1296's review against another edition

5.0

The book of Next to Normal is the script and lyrics to a very honest, accurate, and occasionally harsh show- but harshness is unavoidable if one wants to remain truthful, and is found in the very basis of the subject matter. Anyone that is, is related to, or knows of someone dealing with mental illness can find solace in this play. While the only cheer (other than the last two or three pages) is a stretch of sardonic and often pessimistic wit, readers will achieve more cathartic feelings in the play's lack of true resolution than if a fairy tale ending had occurred, for the reason that to those that experience the events, diseases, symptoms, and emotions expressed, happily ever after is not a realistic conclusion. Sometimes coping, or changing, or praying for any sliver of normality is the best one can do, and the fact that Next to Normal displays this so well is an incredible and moving accomplishment.