A Light in the Dark

Next to Normal

Paramount Theatre continues to light up Chicagoland as the company best known for its spectacular Broadway style musical productions. The shows usually feature large casts of extraordinarily talented triple threats, all acting, singing and dancing their hearts out on artistically designed stage settings. But Paramount’s Bold Series of plays and musicals, performed at the Copley Theatre, located directly across the street from the gorgeous Paramount venue, are just as emotionally impressive but on an abbreviated scale. The shows generally have a smaller cast, often feature a more modest scenic design but, because of the theatre’s intimate seating, can still deliver a punch straight to the heart.

This is precisely what Artistic Director Jim Corti has achieved with his glorious, intimate and loving production of 2010’s Pulitzer Prize winner for Drama. The emotional power of this musical play, with a book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and a Tony Award-winning rock score by Tom Kitt, is undeniable. Mr. Corti’s production is beautifully nuanced and simply extraordinary. Summer is generally the season when the entertainment produced tends toward the lighthearted and frivolous. But make no mistake: the empathetic connection and poignant message about love and forgiveness found in this exceptional musical will reward every theatergoer.

This profoundly moving story focuses on a family trying desperately to overcome personal tragedy and reconnect with one another. Diana Goodman is a suburban housewife. Her overachieving teenage daughter, Natalie, simply wants her mother to notice and love her. But Dan, Diana’s adoring and devoted husband, is tired and frustrated because he’s at a loss. His wife is suffering from a biopolar disorder that only seems to be getting worse with every newly prescribed medication. Finally Diana chooses to change doctors and dispose of her large cache of drugs, all in the hopes of returning to a place that’s somewhere “Next to Normal.” The suggested alternative to using pharmaceuticals, however, is electro convulsive therapy. This method of treatment is even more frightening to Diana. While the shock therapy may better control her symptoms it won’t actually cure the disorder. And the downside of receiving it is that it may erase some or all of her memories.

This six-member cast telling this story is fantastic. The beauty and power of the individual and collective vocal talent will make theatergoers weep. It’s certain that Jim Cori, with his own notable Broadway experience, expects nothing less than perfection from any cast with whom he works. Sporting a smile that can melt even most hardened audience member, lovely Donna Louden, known primarily for her performances in a number of National Tours and regional theatre work, is glorious as Diana. Although at first seeming a bit young for the role, the actress easily assumes the character’s weariness at trying to get better, manage a family and kee her marriage alive. Ms. Louden’s clinical sessions with her various physicians (“Doctor Rock”), all exceptionally portrayed by Chicago favorite Devin DeSantis, convey her frustration at achieving little-to-no improvement. But each of Diana’s songs conveys a mature power and vulnerability that belies the actress’ youthful looks. In fact, not to scare away lovers of musical theatre, the enjoyable score features so many songs it’s almost like a rock opera. Donna’s rendition of “I Miss the Mountains” is so simply perfect that it sums up everything that this tortured woman’s feeling. When Diana learns about the shock treatments her response is the cleverly-written, “Didn’t I See This Movie?” But when Diana shares “A Light in the Dark” with Dan at the end of Act I, she brings together the audience’s hopes for her happy ending. 

Aurora native, Jake Ziman, brings his youth, looks and phenomenal vocal and acting talents to the Paramount stage as teenage son, Gabe. The actor bursts onto the stage with his explosive, and ironic, “I’m Alive.” Later Mr. Ziman sings of someplace only he and his mother can see in “There’s a World.” Seen in Mercury Theater’s recent production of “Big River,” this astounding young actor absolutely dazzles in this pivotal role. Mr. Ziman has a great musical theatre career ahead of him, and we hope to see much more of him at Paramount Theatre in the near future.

Barry DeBois is wonderful as Dan Goodman, Diana’s caring and compassionate husband. Another excellent vocalist, Mr. DeBois excels in his effortless ability to subtly wear his emotions on his sleeve. Some of Barry’s finest moments are his plaintive, “He’s Not Here,” as well as his tender duets with Diana, including “How Could I Ever Forget,” and with Gabe, the heartbreaking “I Am the One.”

As sixteen-year-old musical prodigy, Natalie, Angel Alzeidan brings out their character’s vexation at never being the center of the Goodman household. While Diana reaps all the care and attention she barely seems to even notice Natalie. Thus, increasingly throughout the story, she feels insignificant and unloved. Natalie’s poignant Act I ballad about her brother and herself, “Superboy and the Invisible Girl,” captures all the sorrow and self-pity that Natalie continues to feel. She shares most of her scenes with her new love interest, Henry. He’s played with affection and empathy by Jake DiMaggio Lopez. Jake may be remembered fondly as Danny Zuko in Drury Lane’s recent revival of “Grease.” Seen in Paramount Theatre’s excellent “Sound of Music,” Mr. Lopez is a warm, winning and wonderfully truthful young actor. His duets with Natalie, “Perfect for You,” as well as “Hey #1,” show off his vocal strengths to the maximum.

This Tony Award-winning musical is a perfect choice for Paramount’s Copley Theatre because it’s such an emotional, intimate story about six very real people. Jim Corti’s production of “Next to Normal” is a captivating evening of drama that sensitively deals with grief, depression, suicide, drug abuse and psychiatry. Still, some theatergoers might considered this an unusual choice for a Summer theatre. But, under such wise, careful and sensitive direction, told by a remarkably talented cast and supported by Kory Danielson’s sumptuous Musical guidane, it’s a winner. Accompanied by Celia Villacres’ brilliant six-member backstage band, and played upon a simple, artistic Scenic Design by Michelle Lilly, this moving and magnificent production will impress, enlighten and entertain every adult audience, providing a stunning Light in the Dark.          

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented July 26-September 3 by Paramount Theatre at the Copley Theatre, 8 East Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 630-896-6666, or by going to www.paramountaurora.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.