Next to Normal Soars at the Ahmanson!

The national tour of the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey, Next to Normal, begins in Los Angeles at the Ahmanson Theatre. Next to Normal won three 2009 Tony Awards, including best score, best orchestrations and best actress in a musical for Alice Ripley as the mother. It received 11 nominations overall.

This self proclaimed rock musical breaks the boundaries of conventional musical theatre by diving in to heavy subject matters typically reserved for drama. In the wake of similar modern musicals like Spring Awakening and American Idiot, Next to Normal soars above its contemporaries with inspiring insight into the effects of mental illness.

The music is splendidly original with its story telling quality, even though it is not as catchy as typical show tines. The story-line is emotionally terrifying with just enough humor to defuse the overall tragic tone and inspire hope.

It is a given that actress Alice Ripley as Diana is spellbinding. Her vocal talent and emotional availability is truly touching. She has had ample time to profect her role, and relives her award winning performance every time she steps on the stage.

Curt Hansen, protraying Diana's son, is equally memorizing. He commands attention as he negotiates his way around the complexly leveled set, holds his ground and belts his heart out.

Asa Somers plays the father, desperate to hold on to his family. His portrayal of the head of the household is level-headed, yet aids in the dysfunction that surrounds him.

Tickets are on the expensive side, but this show really is a must see for theatre lovers.

Next to Normal, Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles Music Center. 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays (call for exceptions). Ends Jan. 2. $20 to $95.