Reid Sullivan

THEA 3050

11/26/2018

Next To Normal

Casa Mañ ana’s exceptional performance of Next to Normal portrays a modern

suburban family battling the painful, life-altering effects of mental illness and grief.

Next to Normal dives deep to unmask the face of those struggling with depression,

isolation, anxiety, loneliness and more.

Christine Sherrill in her starring role as “Diana,” accompanied by her

husband “Dan,” played by Charlie Pollock, unleashed captivating and gripping

performances. Sherrill’s portrayal of “Diana”, a mother struggling with a multitude

of mental illnesses stemming from the loss of her infant son 18 years previously,

absolutely entranced audience members with her depth of character and subtle

nuianced performance. The powerful vocals and full-spectrum characterization of

Luke Steinhauer as their son, “Gabe”, English Bernhardt as daughter, “Natalie”, and

Jakeim Hart as her friend and love interest, “Henry”, rounded out this production

and allowed it to soar. Together, this cast took the audience on an emotionally-

intensive journey transporting them to the heart of deep-seated pain associated

with suppressing debilitating inner struggles.

Despite the somber and serious subject matter in Next to Normal, the heavy

nature did subside on several occasions to make way for some dark humor-infused

pop and rock-styled musical numbers. Though witty humor, many of the songs
rightfully poke an accusatory finger at an enfeebled American mental health care

system more heavily aligned with drug manufacturers than the welfare of patients.