The award-winning rock musical, Next to Normal, returns to the Philippines, telling the powerful story of a mother battling bipolar disorder and depression. The production features a stellar cast including Shiela Valderrama and Nikki Valdez as Diana Goodman, and OJ Mariano and Floyd Tena as Dan Goodman. The show's music anchors its emotional core, creating seamless transitions between intense and softer moments. Next to Normal delves into grief in all its forms, exploring the impact of mental health on individuals and families.
CAN a woman’s tumultuous journey with herself and her family be expressed through song?flips the script. This award-winning rock musical, written by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey , tells the powerful story of a mother battling bipolar disorder and depression—struggles that ripple through her entire family.is back for its third run in the Philippines, thanks to The Sandbox Collective. It first graced local stages in 2011 with Atlantis Productions and again in 2020 with Ateneo Blue Repertory).
“In the score, it indicates when it should be loud; when it should be soft; when it should be staccato; when it should be legato—that’s all dictated by the score,” Director Toff de Venecia shared with Toff also highlighted how a musical can amplify emotion. “Sometimes, they accept the emotion in the music that’s playing. That’s why musical theater is such a beautiful art form because it’s like emotions magnified.
When asked about adding a Filipino twist to the arrangements, Toff said they stuck with the original version. “That would be because of the dramaturgy and then also permission from the estate. EJ is sticking to the score that was provided by the licensor,” he said.“But you can still see EJ’s artistry .”THOUGH the show’s themes are undeniably heavy, Toff said the cast didn’t face much difficulty.
Benedix, as Gabe, believes personal grief shouldn’t be brought onto the stage, especially in a production as emotionally charged as Next to Normal. “I feel like our own grief is very personal and it shouldn’t be used all the time. It’s just a reference of what you’re doing but it’s dangerous to bring it to the stage.”
NEXT TO NORMAL MUSICAL MENTAL HEALTH BIPOLAR DISORDER DEPRESSION FAMILY
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